Goodwill Christmas Decor: 14 Thrift Store Flips That Look Like Designer Holiday Pieces
Goodwill Christmas decor is proof that the prettiest holiday pieces do not have to come from a fancy store. With a can of paint, some ribbon and a little patience, a dusty two dollar find can look like it came from a high end boutique. One creator turned a handful of dated thrift store angels into elegant decor, and the before and after video ended up on MSN because people loved the savings so much. Below are 14 thrift store flips, each with a typical price, so you can plan your next trip. Grab your tote bag and let us go shopping..
Goodwill Christmas Decor Angels Turned Elegant
Found for about $3. Those shiny 1990s angel tree toppers are everywhere at the thrift store, and they are perfect for a makeover. Mix a spoonful of baking soda into cream chalk paint and brush it on. The baking soda gives a soft, chalky plaster look, like an old statue from a European church. Let it dry, then lightly sand the high spots so a little of the base color peeks through. Tie a thin velvet ribbon around the waist like a sash. Set your angel on a glass cake stand with a sprig of greenery, and it suddenly looks like a pricey designer piece. Would anyone believe it started out as a bargain bin find?..
You will need: Thrifted angels, cream chalk paint, baking soda, velvet ribbon, cake stand.
How to make it: 1. Clean the angel and mix baking soda into the paint. 2. Brush on two coats and sand the edges lightly. 3. Tie on ribbon and set it on a cake stand.
Picture Frame Wreath Display
Found for about $5. Big ornate frames are easy to find at thrift stores, often with a dated print still inside. Pop out the glass and backing so only the frame is left. If the gold looks dull, rub on a little gold wax with your finger to bring it back to life. Then hang a small boxwood wreath right in the middle with a length of ribbon. You can hang the frame on a wall, lean it on a mantel or set it on an easel. It looks like gallery art and costs next to nothing. After Christmas, swap the wreath for a spring one. Framed wreaths are a favorite Goodwill Christmas decor trick because they look custom made. Which wall would you hang it on?
You will need: Ornate thrift frame, gold wax, small boxwood wreath, ribbon.
How to make it: 1. Remove the glass and backing. 2. Rub gold wax on dull spots. 3. Hang the wreath in the center with ribbon.
Glass Vases Into Frosted Mercury Jars
Found for about $1 each. Plain glass vases fill whole shelves at Goodwill, and you can make them look like expensive mercury glass. Spray the inside with mirror effect paint in light coats. Between coats, spritz a little water and vinegar mix and dab it with a paper towel. That creates the spotty, aged look of real antique mercury glass. Once dry, fill the vases with silver ornaments, fairy lights or sprigs of greenery. Group three different heights on a table for a rich look. This is one of the easiest Goodwill Christmas decor flips, and it fools almost everyone. How many vases do you have hiding in your cabinets right now?
You will need: Glass vases, mirror effect spray paint, vinegar and water spray, paper towels, ornaments.
How to make it: 1. Spray a light coat of mirror paint inside the vase. 2. Mist with vinegar water and dab. 3. Repeat, let dry and fill with ornaments.
Old Wooden Bowls as Holiday Centerpieces
Found for about $4. Old wooden salad bowls are a thrift store staple, and many look dry and dull. A little care brings them right back. Sand the inside and outside lightly with fine sandpaper, wipe away the dust, then rub in food safe oil and let it soak in overnight. The wood turns rich and glowing. Fill the bowl with pinecones, fresh oranges, cinnamon sticks and a few sprigs of greenery for a natural centerpiece. Set it in the middle of the dining table or on a kitchen island. It smells wonderful and looks like a pricey farmhouse piece. Wood bowls are some of the best Goodwill Christmas decor finds because they last for years. What would you put in yours?
You will need: Wooden bowl, fine sandpaper, food safe oil, pinecones, oranges, greenery.
How to make it: 1. Sand the bowl lightly and wipe clean. 2. Rub in oil and let it soak overnight. 3. Fill with pinecones, oranges and greenery.
Goodwill Christmas Decor Lamps With Plaid or Pleated Shades
Found for about $6. Thrift stores always have lamps, and most just need a new look. A pleated or plaid shade turns a plain base into a cozy holiday accent. You can buy a new shade, or wrap an old one in plaid fabric with a little hot glue along the top and bottom edges. Use an LED bulb so the shade stays cool. Set the lamp on a side table, a bookshelf or even a kitchen counter for a warm glow on dark winter evenings. A pair of matching lamps looks especially high end. A lamp with a festive shade is quiet Goodwill Christmas decor that works every night. Isn’t it amazing how a lamp can change the whole mood of a room?
You will need: Thrift lamp, new shade or plaid fabric, glue gun, LED bulb.
How to make it: 1. Clean the base and check the cord. 2. Wrap the shade in fabric and glue the edges. 3. Add an LED bulb and set it in place.
Silver Trays Into Goodwill Christmas Decor Displays
Found for about $4. Tarnished silver plate trays are easy to spot at Goodwill, and people often skip them. Here is a simple way to clean them. Line a sink or tub with foil, add hot water and a few spoonfuls of baking soda, then lay the tray in it for a few minutes. The tarnish lifts away. Dry and buff it with a soft cloth. Then layer the tray with mini bottle brush trees, a few shiny ornaments and a sprig of greenery. It looks like a scene from a holiday catalog. One tray can work on a coffee table, a dresser or a bar cart. Where would you set yours?
You will need: Silver plate tray, foil, baking soda, hot water, mini bottle brush trees, ornaments.
How to make it: 1. Soak the tray in hot water with foil and baking soda. 2. Rinse, dry and buff. 3. Style with mini trees and ornaments.
Teacup and Mug Mini Planters for Goodwill Christmas Decor
Found for about 50 cents each. Goodwill has shelves full of mugs and teacups, and they make sweet little planters. Pot a small rosemary plant in each one. Rosemary is often trimmed into tiny tree shapes at the holidays and smells amazing. Tuck some moss around the base and tie a ribbon on the handle. Line a few on a kitchen windowsill, or give them as gifts to neighbors and coworkers. They are cheap, cheerful and useful, since the rosemary can go right into a holiday roast. It is such a simple idea with a big smile factor. Water them once a week and keep them in a sunny spot. Who on your list would love one of these?
You will need: Mismatched mugs or teacups, small rosemary plants, moss, ribbon.
How to make it: 1. Pot a rosemary plant in each mug. 2. Cover the soil with moss. 3. Tie a ribbon on the handle.
Old Sweaters Into Ornaments and Pillow Covers
Found for about $4 each. Thrifted wool sweaters are a goldmine for cozy holiday crafts. Cut the body of a cable knit sweater and wrap it around a pillow insert, then close the back with hot glue or a few stitches. The ribbing at the bottom makes a neat edge. Use the sleeves to cover foam balls for soft knit ornaments, gluing the ends at the top and adding a loop of twine. Cream, red and green sweaters look best together. Pile the pillows on a sofa and hang the knit balls on the tree for a warm, cabin look. Wash the sweaters on a gentle cycle before you start cutting. Do you have an old sweater in the closet you never wear?
You will need: Wool sweaters, pillow inserts, foam balls, hot glue, twine.
How to make it: 1. Cut the sweater body and wrap a pillow insert. 2. Glue or stitch the back closed. 3. Cover foam balls with sleeve pieces and add a loop.
Wooden Cutting Boards as Holiday Trays
Found for about $3. Old wooden cutting boards are perfect for a quick holiday makeover. Sand the surface lightly, then paint a simple design like a pine branch, a sprig of holly or a little wreath on one side. You do not need to be an artist, since simple shapes look best. Seal the painted side with a clear sealer. Lean it against the kitchen backsplash as decor, or flip it over and use the plain side for serving cheese and crackers. A group of boards in different shapes looks especially charming. This is Goodwill Christmas decor that is pretty and practical. Wipe the plain side clean with warm soapy water after each use. Which design would you paint first?
You will need: Thrift cutting boards, fine sandpaper, acrylic paint, small brush, clear sealer.
How to make it: 1. Sand the board and wipe clean. 2. Paint a simple greenery design on one side. 3. Seal the painted side and let dry.
Vintage Bell and Ornament Garland
Found for about $3 a bag. Goodwill often sells bags of mixed ornaments, and they are perfect for a vintage garland. Choose a color scheme, like red and gold or pastel and silver, and pick out the ornaments that fit. String them on a long piece of velvet ribbon, adding jingle bells in between. Use a bit of thin wire to keep each ornament in its spot. Drape the garland across a mantel, a doorway or a hutch. It jingles softly and looks like a family heirloom. Odd or chipped ornaments still look wonderful in a garland. Look for ornaments with old fashioned shapes, like teardrops and stars. Isn’t it fun to give old ornaments a second life?
You will need: Mixed thrift ornaments, jingle bells, velvet ribbon, thin wire.
How to make it: 1. Sort the ornaments by color. 2. Thread them and the bells onto the ribbon. 3. Wire each one in place and hang.
Thrift Store Plates as Goodwill Christmas Decor Wall Art
Found for about $1 each. Pretty plates are some of the cheapest treasures at Goodwill. Look for holiday patterns, blue and white china and anything with gold trim. Hang them in a cluster on a dining room or kitchen wall with adhesive plate hangers. Start with the biggest plate in the middle and build out, keeping the gaps even. Add a short piece of faux greenery tucked above the group for a festive touch. It looks like a collected display from an old English cottage. After the holidays, swap out the Christmas plates and keep the blue and white ones up. Which room in your home has a bare wall that needs this?
You will need: Thrift plates, adhesive plate hangers, faux greenery.
How to make it: 1. Lay the plates on the floor to plan the cluster. 2. Attach hangers and let them set. 3. Hang from the center out and add greenery.
Candlestick Trees With No Candles
Found for about $2 each. Mismatched candlesticks become a matching set once you paint them all one color. Spray them in white, cream or soft green, then glue a mini bottle brush tree on top of each one instead of a candle. Different heights give you a lovely little forest. Set them on a mantel, a dining table or a windowsill. Since there are no candles, they are safe anywhere and great for homes with kids or pets. Add a dusting of faux snow at the base for a winter feel. This idea costs very little and looks so polished. It is Goodwill Christmas decor that feels fresh and safe for any home. How many candlesticks would you need for your mantel?
You will need: Wood or glass candlesticks, spray paint, mini bottle brush trees, strong glue.
How to make it: 1. Spray the candlesticks one color and let dry. 2. Glue a mini tree on top of each. 3. Group them by height.
Old Picture Frames Into Christmas Card Holders
Found for about $4. Where do you put all those holiday cards? A thrifted frame makes a pretty display. Remove the glass and backing, then staple a piece of chicken wire or a few lines of twine across the back. Clip your cards on with mini clothespins. Paint the frame first if you like, in white, black or gold. Hang it in the entry or lean it on a shelf where everyone can see the photos from friends and family. It keeps cards neat and off the counters. Plus, it is a sweet way to enjoy every card all season. A painted frame card holder is Goodwill Christmas decor that brings your loved ones right into the room. How many cards do you usually get each year?
You will need: Thrift frame, chicken wire or twine, mini clothespins, staple gun.
How to make it: 1. Remove the glass and backing. 2. Staple chicken wire or twine across the back. 3. Clip on your cards.
The $20 Goodwill Christmas Corner
Here is how it all comes together. Pick five thrift finds and style one cozy corner for under $20. Try this tally: a lamp for $6, a wooden bowl for $4, a frame for $5, two mugs for $1, and a bag of ornaments for $3. That is $19 total. Set the lamp on a small side table, fill the bowl with ornaments, hang the framed wreath above, and put rosemary in the mugs. Drape a soft throw over a nearby chair to finish. The whole corner looks like it came from a home store catalog. Your friends will never guess the price. That is the magic of Goodwill Christmas decor done with a plan. Which five finds would you choose?
You will need: Five thrift finds, small side table, soft throw blanket.
How to make it: 1. Choose five finds that share a color. 2. Place the biggest piece first, then layer the rest. 3. Add a throw to finish the corner.
