Silver Christmas Decor: 15 Thrifted Tray and Silverware Ideas With Old Money Charm

Silver Christmas decor has a quiet magic that no plastic ornament can match. Think of your grandmother’s dining room, the way the silver tray caught the tree lights and the whole house felt special. The good news is that old silver is everywhere at thrift shops and yard sales, often for a few dollars, because people do not want to polish it. This season, a short video about hanging thrifted silver trays on doors and windows passed 350,000 views in three weeks, and people everywhere are hunting for tarnished trays, cups and spoons. A little tarnish is part of the charm. Below are 15 easy ideas to turn those forgotten pieces into decor that looks rich, warm and full of history..

Silver Christmas Decor: A Tray Wreath on the Front Door

Start at the front door, because this is the idea that made so many people run to the thrift shop. Hang a large round silver tray on the door like a mirror, then tie a fresh evergreen wreath or a big velvet bow over the top. The tray reflects the porch lights and makes the whole entry glow. Use a strong ribbon loop and an over the door hook so there are no holes. It looks like something from a fancy old home, but it costs less than a store wreath. Which tray in your cupboard could go on the door..

You will need: A large round silver or silverplate tray, a fresh or faux wreath, wide velvet ribbon and an over the door hook.

How to make it: 1. Wipe the tray clean with a soft cloth. 2. Thread a long velvet ribbon behind the tray and tie it to the hook. 3. Hang the wreath on the same hook so it sits over the tray.

Silver Christmas Decor Trays Hung in the Windows

Once you see silver trays hanging in windows, you will want them everywhere. Hang a few small trays on red or green ribbons in the center of each window and add a sprig of greenery on top. During the day they catch the sunlight, and at night they shine back the warm glow of the room. From the street, your house looks like a classic holiday card, and it is silver Christmas decor that neighbors notice right away. Mix round and oval shapes for an easy collected look. How many windows face your street?

You will need: Small silver trays, velvet ribbon, removable adhesive hooks and fresh or faux greenery sprigs.

How to make it: 1. Stick a removable hook at the top center of each window frame. 2. Tie a ribbon loop through the tray handles or around the rim. 3. Hang each tray and tuck a sprig of greenery at the knot.

A Decoupage Christmas Tray From a Tarnished Find

If a tray is too scratched to love, give it a new center. Paint the flat middle with a soft cream paint, then glue down a pretty Christmas paper napkin with decoupage glue. The silver rim stays shiny, and the middle becomes a little painting. Use it for cookies or as wall decor. It is a sweet project for a cozy afternoon with a friend, and a smart way to save a piece that would otherwise end up in the donation bin again. What pattern would you choose for your tray?

You will need: A thrifted silver tray, cream craft paint, a Christmas paper napkin, decoupage glue and a soft brush.

How to make it: 1. Paint the center of the tray cream and let it dry. 2. Separate the top layer of the napkin and smooth it on with decoupage glue. 3. Seal with two more thin coats of glue.

Silver Christmas Decor: Trophy Cups Filled With Greenery

Old silver trophy cups show up at thrift shops all the time, and they make perfect vases. Fill a few with pine, cedar, eucalyptus and red berries and group them on a sideboard or mantel. Different heights look best. Nobody needs to know whose old tennis prize it was. These little cups bring that old money feeling with almost no effort, and they are some of the cheapest silver Christmas decor finds out there. Where would your trophy cup display go?

You will need: Two or three silver trophy cups, small glass jars that fit inside, water and fresh greenery.

How to make it: 1. Set a small jar of water inside each cup to protect the silver. 2. Trim the greenery and arrange it loosely. 3. Group the cups at different heights.

Silverplate Goblets as Mini Tree Stands

Single goblets are easy to find because sets get split up over the years. Turn one upside down or use it as a little pedestal, and set a small bottle brush tree on top. A row of them down the dining table looks like a tiny silver forest. They are also cute on a bathroom shelf or nightstand. This is silver Christmas decor that even kids can help set up. How many goblets would make your forest?

You will need: Several silverplate goblets, small bottle brush trees and a little sticky tack.

How to make it: 1. Clean the goblets with a soft cloth. 2. Press a bit of sticky tack on the base of each tree. 3. Set the trees on the goblets and line them up.

Silver Christmas Decor: Vintage Spoon Ornaments

Mismatched spoons in a thrift bin are tiny treasures. Tie a red or green ribbon around the handle with a simple bow and hang them on the tree. The bowls of the spoons catch the lights like little mirrors. Fancy patterned handles look especially pretty. They also make thoughtful gift toppers, and they are the easiest silver Christmas decor to start with if you are new to thrifting. Which old spoon would be your favorite?

You will need: Old silver or silverplate spoons, thin velvet ribbon and a soft polishing cloth.

How to make it: 1. Wipe each spoon clean and dry. 2. Tie a ribbon loop tightly around the handle. 3. Hang the spoons near the lights so they sparkle.

Silver Candlesticks With LED Tapers

Silver candlesticks of all heights look elegant together on a mantel or table. Pop in battery LED taper candles so there is no flame near the greenery, and set them on a timer. The silver glows softly all evening. Mixing styles makes it feel collected over the years, which is the whole point of silver Christmas decor. A few sprigs of pine at the base finish the look. How many candlesticks do you already own?

You will need: Three to seven silver candlesticks, battery LED taper candles with timers and a little garland.

How to make it: 1. Group the candlesticks with the tallest in the middle. 2. Twist in the LED tapers firmly. 3. Lay a short garland around the bases and set the timer.

A Silver Punch Bowl Full of Ornaments

Big silver punch bowls are often the cheapest pieces at estate sales, because nobody throws punch parties anymore. Fill one with glass ornaments in red, gold and green, and it becomes a centerpiece that sparkles from every side. You can switch the colors for New Year with gold and white. It takes two minutes and looks amazing, and it shows how a single big piece of silver Christmas decor can carry a whole table. What color ornaments would you choose?

You will need: A silver punch bowl, two or three boxes of shatterproof ornaments and a few pine sprigs.

How to make it: 1. Set the bowl in the center of the table. 2. Fill it with the larger ornaments first, then the small ones. 3. Tuck pine sprigs around the rim.

Tiered Silver Stand With Bottle Brush Trees

A tiered silver cake stand gives you three little stages to fill. Set small bottle brush trees on each level with a few mini ornaments and a pinch of fake snow. It looks like a tiny winter forest on the kitchen counter. After Christmas, use the stand for cupcakes again. It is a clever way to use silver Christmas decor on a busy counter without taking up much space. Which room would get your little forest?

You will need: A tiered silver stand, small bottle brush trees, mini ornaments and a little fake snow.

How to make it: 1. Wipe the stand clean. 2. Place the tallest trees on the bottom tier and smaller ones up top. 3. Add ornaments and a light dusting of fake snow.

Mismatched Silver Trays Layered on the Mantel

Lean three or four silver trays of different sizes along the back of a mantel, then lay a full garland in front. The trays act like mirrors and bounce light around the room. It is one of the easiest ways to make a plain mantel feel rich and layered with silver Christmas decor. Round, oval and square shapes all work together. If you love warm metals too, our brass Christmas decor ideas pair beautifully with silver. Which shape tray would go in the middle?

You will need: Three or four silver trays, plate stands or putty, a full garland and battery LED fairy lights.

How to make it: 1. Lean the biggest tray in the center on a plate stand. 2. Add smaller trays on each side, overlapping a little. 3. Lay the garland in front and weave in the lights.

Silver Sugar Bowl With Paperwhite Bulbs

Paperwhite bulbs grow easily in just pebbles and water, and a silver sugar bowl makes the prettiest pot. Plant them in early December and they bloom in a few weeks with clusters of white flowers. Put a small glass dish inside to protect the silver. It is a living piece of decor that makes a lovely hostess gift too. Paperwhites are not safe for pets to nibble, so keep them up high. Who would you give one to?

You will need: A silver sugar bowl or creamer, a small glass dish, pebbles, water and three paperwhite bulbs.

How to make it: 1. Set the glass dish inside the bowl and fill it with pebbles. 2. Nestle the bulbs in pointy end up. 3. Add water just to the base of the bulbs and keep in bright light.

Silver Bread Basket as a Card Holder

Christmas cards pile up fast, and a silver bread basket is a lovely place to keep them. Set it on the entry table or coffee table so everyone can read them. It also works for gift cards and little envelopes on Christmas morning. Line it with a velvet ribbon for a pop of color. It is pretty and practical at the same time. How many cards does your family get each year?

You will need: A silver bread basket, a length of velvet ribbon and your holiday cards.

How to make it: 1. Polish the basket gently with a soft cloth. 2. Weave or tie a ribbon around the rim. 3. Stand the cards up inside, newest in front.

Silver Christmas Decor Coffee Station

A big silver tray turns a corner of the counter into a holiday coffee station. Add a silver coffee pot or creamer, cups, a sugar bowl and a little jar of candy canes for stirring. A sprig of greenery and a small bottle brush tree make it feel festive. Guests can help themselves while you finish cooking. This kind of silver Christmas decor is beautiful and useful every morning of the season. Coffee or cocoa in your house?

You will need: A large silver tray, a silver creamer and sugar bowl, cups, candy canes and a small greenery sprig.

How to make it: 1. Set the tray on a clear part of the counter. 2. Arrange the cups and creamer, tallest at the back. 3. Add candy canes and the greenery sprig.

Fork and Spoon Wall Wreath

A bag of mismatched silverware can become a show stopping wreath. Arrange forks and spoons in a circle on a sturdy round base, handles pointing in, and glue them down with strong craft glue. Add a velvet bow at the bottom. It sparkles on a kitchen wall and is a fun talking point at dinner parties. Ask an adult to help with strong glue. Would yours hang in the kitchen or the dining room?

You will need: About 30 old forks and spoons, a sturdy round wood or cardboard base, strong craft glue and a velvet bow.

How to make it: 1. Lay out the pieces in a circle before gluing. 2. With adult help, glue each piece to the base and let it set overnight. 3. Add the bow and a strong hanger.

Silver Frame Mirror With a Garland Swag

An old silver framed mirror is the perfect finishing touch. Drape a garland across the top in a soft swag and tie velvet bows at the corners. The mirror doubles the lights in the room and makes small spaces feel bigger. Hang it in the entry so guests see it first. Silver Christmas decor like this looks rich year after year and never goes out of style. Where would your mirror hang?

You will need: A silver framed mirror, a full garland, two velvet bows and removable hooks.

How to make it: 1. Stick two removable hooks behind the top corners of the mirror. 2. Drape the garland between them in a gentle curve. 3. Tie a bow at each corner.