Easy Christmas Decor Using Spray Paint

Christmas decor does not have to come straight from the store. A can of spray paint and a simple thrift store find can give you a fresh look in an afternoon. This small pedestal platter started as a two-dollar red bargain and became a clean white base that works for Christmas and beyond. If you have a tray, cake stand, or even an old cutting board hiding in a cabinet, this easy makeover will help you see it in a new way and turn it into simple Christmas decor you can actually use.

This easy Christmas Decor project may be just what you’re looking for! What’s the best thing about spray paint? It makes changing thrift-store items a breeze! You may not have this exact platter, but what’s important is that you understand how spray paint can help you update something old into a new Christmas decoration!

Thrift Store Platter

Wow! It’s almost December!! I’m sure many of you already have your Christmas decorations well on their way. I don’t do much decorating around here, and this is early for me. I’m a fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants gal and usually don’t put the tree up until necessary.

I’ve been saving this great thrift-store pedestal platter for just the right project, and it’s finally time for its makeover.

What a deal I got on this $2 red platter! Bargains are harder to find at second-hand stores these days. I would buy all of these all day long at this great price.

TIP: Before spraying paint, remove any stickers and dirt from your project. If there are rough places, sand and wipe away dust and dirt. Dust is the number one enemy during your spray paint project.

Easy Spray Paint Christmas Decor Project

The image above shows the inlay pattern on the red thrift-store platter that will become Christmas decor.

I used Krylon Modern White Super Maxx on this platter. It’s the perfect Christmas white. I sprayed several light coats with the platter upside down. After allowing it to dry, I turned it upright and sprayed several more light coats to achieve uniform coverage with no drips.

Be sure to read the directions on your spray paint can. Yes, there are specific drying times and recoating schedules for your Christmas decor project.

TIP: Raising your project on sawhorses makes spray painting much easier. Cover a work table or use a box if you don’t have sawhorses. Having a good view while you’re spray painting will ensure good coverage.

White Christmas Platter

See? The color is perfect! I love the new look of my $2 thrift store platter. Can you believe how much better it looks now that it’s gotten a nice coat of spray paint?

Ten Ways to Use a Pedestal Christmas Platter

• Candle centerpiece
  Group three pillar candles in the center and tuck in faux greenery, pinecones, and a few shiny ornaments around the base.
• Hot cocoa station riser
  Use it as a riser on your drink station. Stack mugs on top and tuck cocoa packets, candy canes, and spoons around it.
• Nativity or a Christmas Village Display
  Set a small nativity scene or miniature village pieces on the platter to create a sense of containment and specialness. Add “snow” with batting or faux snow.
• Ornament display
  Heap assorted ornaments on the platter. Mix shiny, matte, and textured pieces for interest. Perfect for a sofa table or entry.
• Holiday snack tray
  If the paint is not food-safe, place a plain white plate or paper doily on top, then add cookies or wrapped treats for guests.
• Kitchen vignette
  Use it in the kitchen to corral a small lamp, a Christmas mug with utensils, and a little tree or Santa figurine.
• Advent candle tray
  Arrange four candles in a circle and add numbers, tags, or ribbon for a simple Advent display.
• Centerpiece for ornaments and fairy lights
  Fill the platter with a mix of ornaments and battery-operated fairy lights for a sparkly coffee table.
• Bathroom or guest room tray
  Style it with Christmas hand towels, a tiny bottlebrush tree, and a pretty soap for guests.
• Entry catchall with holiday touch
  Place it by the front door for keys and mail, then soften it with greenery, a few jingle bells, and a small candle.

Add Holiday Decor

Christmas decor doesn’t have to be expensive. Spray paint can easily transform your current pieces into something perfect for the holidays! Use any Christmas items you have to decorate your new project. Candles and glass cups from the dollar store make this a very inexpensive upcycle.

That is all it takes to turn a thrifted platter into easy Christmas decor. A little prep, a few light coats of white spray paint, and some budget-friendly accessories from your stash. Look around your home and see what could use the same treatment for the holidays. Old trays, cake stands, and platters are perfect candidates. If you try this project, I would love to hear what you started with and how you styled it for Christmas.

Remember, it’s only paint, and can easily be changed up for any other holiday or special occasion.

gail

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