Are you looking to add a touch of elegance to your Thanksgiving table? DIY charger plates are a simple yet stunning way to add seasonal flair to your table settings.
I’m excited to show you how to create custom charger plates featuring charming details like leaves and acorns, bringing the beauty of fall to your table.
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Whether you prefer rustic charm, metallic glam, or seasonal colors, this project is easily customizable, fun, and sure to make your Thanksgiving feast feel even more special.
However, these charger plates are time-consuming to make for just one dinner.
So, before investing my time, I brainstormed other ways to use them.
Guess what I discovered…
Not only are they a functional base for your dinnerware, but they also offer a creative way to enhance your decor.
Ways to use charger plates
Here are fun ways charger plates can be used creatively beyond formal dining:
- Centerpiece Base: Place candles, flowers, or seasonal decor on a charger to create a stylish centerpiece for any table.
- Vanity Organizer: Use them on your vanity or dresser to hold perfumes, makeup, or jewelry, adding a decorative touch to your space.
- Wall Decor: Hang them on the wall to create a gallery or a decorative focal point in a dining or living area.
- Plant Stand: Chargers can be used as bases for small potted plants to protect surfaces and add style to your indoor garden.
- Photo Display: Place framed photos or small art pieces on a charger plate for a unique display.
- Holiday Decor Base: Place decorations on charger plates around the house for holidays.
The next two ideas involve food, since we painted the chargers they are not food-safe. So you need to put a barrier between the food and the charger!
- Serving Trays: Use them to present appetizers, desserts, or hors d’oeuvres at parties or gatherings.
- Cake or Dessert Stand: Use a charger plate as a DIY cake stand by placing it on a sturdy pedestal or even an overturned bowl.
Steps to make Charger Plates
I would love to take credit for this DIY, but I got the idea from my fellow blogger, Leslie at My 100 Year Old Home, who made similar chargers several years ago.
Are you ready to create beautiful, DIY charger plates to set the tone for a memorable holiday gathering?
Let’s get started!
Gather Materials
Gather the following materials to complete this project:
- Charger plate(s)- I have had these for years but you can purchase them from Dollar Tree or order from Amazon
- IOD mold- Iron Orchid Designs Fleur-dis-lis decor mould OR another mold (Amazon)
- Air dry clay- Iron Orchid, Sculpey (Hobby Lobby), Sculpey (Amazon)
- Corn starch
- Popsicle stick- large
- Wood glue- Gorilla
- Chalk paint- Annie Sloan Old White
- Clear wax- Annie Sloan Clear
- Antiquing wax- Valspar
- Wax Brushes
- Paintbrushes
- Lint-free paper towels
Create leaves and acorns
Prep the mold by dusting it with a thin layer of cornstarch to prevent sticking.
Break off a piece of clay about the size of the mold and rub it between your hands to soften and smooth it.
Push the clay into the mold.
Scrape across the mold with a popsicle stick to remove the excess clay.
Turn the mold upside down on your table and peel up the edges carefully to pop out each casting.
Continue these steps until you have the castings needed for one plate charger.
These are the castings I used on just one charger plate.
A note about air dry clay- I ran out of the IOD clay halfway through the project and the store was out of it, so I decided to look for an alternative. It’s a quality product but it’s a bit pricey. I found a brand called Sculpey at Hobby Lobby and was very pleased. Buy it when it’s 40% off for a great deal.
Adhere castings
Arrange leaves and acorns on the charger plate in a design you like.
This is the design I came up with.
While the molds are still wet, use wood glue to adhere them to chargers.
Add a line of glue down the center and use your finger to spread it over the entire back side of the casting.
Gently press it onto the charger.
Let them dry overnight to ensure strong adhesion.
Paint the chargers
Paint the chargers with white chalk paint.
The first coat always looks terrible, so don’t worry that you don’t have full coverage.
This is what the charger looks like after three coats of paint.
Wax the chargers
To seal the chargers and give them an antique look we will wax them.
Apply clear wax to the entire charger.
Working in sections, apply dark wax and wipe away the excess.
Do not rub too hard because you can remove the paint.
This happened to me in a couple of places.
If I ever do this again, I will prime the chargers before painting.
The chargers look very pretty painted white but I adore how the antique wax shows off all the details of the leaves and acorns and gives a vintage feel!
Enjoy Your Plate Chargers
Let’s see how lovey these DIY plate chargers look on a table!
They make such a pretty base for a Thanksgiving table setting!
Combining handmade details,
seasonal accents,
and a beautiful antiqued finish will make your table feel inviting…
and thoughtfully decorated.
Conclusion
These turned out so pretty and were definitely worth the time it took to make them!
With these DIY charger plates, your Thanksgiving table will have that extra warmth and style that your family and guests will surely notice and appreciate.
Plus, these chargers can be customized to suit any theme or color scheme, making them a versatile addition to your holiday decor.
Here’s to a memorable Thanksgiving filled with beauty, warmth, and gratitude!
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Blessings, Donna and Rich
More DIY Inspiration
If you enjoyed this DIY, check out the following posts to see another air dry clay project and two other DIY charger plates:
- How to Dress up Flower Pots with Air Dry Clay Molds
- Super Easy DIY Plate Chargers for Autumn
- Nature-Inspired Twig and Moss Charger Plates
Pin It For Later
Pin this to Pinterest so you know where to find it when you can make these lovely charger plates!
**Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, we will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. We appreciate your support. (disclosure policy)
Love how these came out Donna! Using air clay to accent chargers is on my long list of DiY projects and yours came out fabulous. The design is perfect for fall and you table looks absolutely stunning. Thanks for the inspo friend. Pinning. XO- MaryJo
Thank you! They were so fun to make! I hope you’ll try it sometime, I think you’ll love them!
Losing it in the best possible way over these, Donna, they are so gorgeous. Leslie’s chargers are super creative too! I love that these are not only a unique way to celebrate a special occasion like Thanksgiving but they can also be given as gifts too. My Mom would adore a set of these and I’m excited to make a set as well. They’re beautiful! Will share on an upcoming From the Front Porch so we can all try them together! Hugs, CoCo
Aren’t they so pretty! I adore them and you’re right CoCo, I bet your Mom would love them too! You are so kind to share them with your readers! I appreciate it so much! Thank you!!