Christmas Craft: Gingerbread Plate Charger DIY {a la Pottery Barn}
Are you team gingerbread for Christmas decor? The gingerbread theme has been trending for a few years now, and it does not appear to be slowing down. There are some stunning pieces out there, but they can become quite spendy. I have an easy gingerbread hack to share today. An inexpensive charger plate is transformed into a trend forward decor accent inspired by Pottery Barn. Please join me was we get crafty with this high end gingerbread plate charger DIY dupe.
At the beginning of the month for Christmas in July, I shared a round up of Christmas crafts from the Masterpieces archives, and today I’m finishing the month off with a brand new DIY. A simple dollar store plastic charger gets a glow-up to get the Pottery Barn stoneware gingerbread charger plate look. It’s so easy and looks amazing!
Key Takeaways
Gingerbread Decor Plate DIY
> The Pottery Barn gingerbread Christmas collection is inspirational
> Learn how to create your own gingerbread platter with step-by-step instructions to imitate the Pottery Barn look
> Simple tips & recommendations provide a guide for stress free crafting
Inspiration for Gingerbread Charger Plate DIY
You can find beautiful gingerbread pieces everywhere you look from high end pieces at Pottery Barn to more reasonable pieces at HomeGoods or Amazon. All these pieces add up though, which is why creating you own seasonal decor is always a fantastic option. Not only is it economical, but you can adapt your creations perfectly to your signature style.
I spied the gingerbread plate chargers at Pottery Barn last season and instantly fell in love. The thing is, I probably wouldn’t use them much even though I absolutely love them. First of all it’s a seasonal piece and secondly they really don’t jive with my Christmas tabletop. And let’s not even mention the price tag and where to store them because I would want a set of 12- yada, yada, yada. So my wheels started turning and realized the charger plate would make a fabulous candle holder or background shelf sitter. And here we are.
MJ Insider Reader Tip
Unfortunately the PB iconic stoneware gingerbread charger plates are retired at the moment. They can be found on resale platforms like eBay, which are charging a pretty penny. The more reason to create your own!
How to Create a Gingerbread Charger Plate a la Pottery Barn
This project is fairly easy and super affordable. So…set your TV to the Hallmark channel- watch a Christmas in July movie and get crafting.
MJ Insider Craft Tip
Read all the instructions through once & then re-read everything again, familiarizing yourself with everything you need and know what to expect. Avoiding surprises during a project prevents unnecessary stress.
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
Prep Project
- Read instructions thoroughly
- Assemble all supplies & tools
- Remove any labels and tags from plastic charger plate
Apply Paint
- Shake your bottle of spray paint rigorously so it flows smoothly when you use it
- In a well ventilated area (outdoor is best) spray paint charger plate with warm caramel color
- Set aside and allow to dry fully
- Apply a second coat of paint
- Set aside and allow to dry fully
- If desired spray paint one coat one the back – this is totally optional I just find it gives it a more polished look
Add Icing Detail
- Using white Puffy paint apply dots around the entire outside edge evenly spaced
- Allow white puffy dots to dry and set
- Apply a scroll design between the dots and the inner edge of the plate at 12 – 3 – 6 – 9 of a clock face (basically dividing the space in quadrants)
- Add another scroll design centered in between the existing scrolls
- Add more designs in between again filling in all the gaps
- Set aside and allow to fully set and cure
MJ Insider Craft Tip
Keep a small bowl of water and a paper towel at hand in case you make a mistake applying the puffy paint. Immediately wipe away the unwanted puffy paint with the wet towel as quickly as possible so the paint doesn’t set. Once the spot is dry, reapply the puffy paint.
Seal & Protect
- Once completely dry and cured, apply a coat of clear acrylic spray (spray in a well ventilated space- outside is best)
- Another alternative is a coat of shimmer to give it a sweet, sugared look
Style – Decorate – Enjoy
- Voila!
- Use as a candle dish display
- Create 4, 6, 8, 10, 12… or however many you need for a tablescape
- Place on a plate stand in the kitchen for seasonal decor
- Enjoy your new Pottery Barn knock-off gingerbread charger plate!
Warning
DIY chargers are for decorative use under your dinner plates only and are not food-safe.
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Tips & Recommendations to Keep In Mind
Not Food Safe
These plates are not meant to be used with food. The paint is not food safe and the gingerbread plate charger DIY is simply for decorative purposes. If you create several to use as they’re intended as plate chargers it’s ok since the dinner plate will sit on top and won’t come into contact with the food.
Gingerbread Color
I’ve created many projects with the faux gingerbread look and my favorite color is the warm caramel color by Rust-oleum in the satin finish. If you have varied chalk or acrylic paints on hand and don’t wish to purchase more paint, you could also mix cream and brown paint to achieve the perfect “gingerbread” tone.
Charger Plate Options
I picked up my plastic charger plate at a local Dollar Tree, but I also included other options in the shopping section below for your convenience. You can also use a large ceramic platter in need of a dress change. Thrifts and garage sales would be a great source for this. I recommend finding a charger plate which already has beading on the outside edge, making it really easy to apply the dots.
Practice Makes Perfect
The Tulip puffy paint is fairly easy to apply, and creates the perfect gingerbread icing look. I recommend practicing on a scrap piece of paper to determine the scroll designs you want to apply on your project. I like the scroll fleurette on the BP charger, but wanted to add other scroll designs for a different look. Adapt it to your preference and make it yours!
More Related Posts
Gingerbread Ideas
More High End dupes:
Fake it ~ ’til you make it!
Get the look…
ANTHROPOLOGIE ~ BALLARD DESIGNS ~ MACKENZIE CHILDS ~ POTTERY BARN ~ TERRAIN ~ WAKEFIELD POTTERY ~ WEDGWOOD
Side by Side Comparison of the PB Gingerbread Plate Charger Dupe
Closing Thoughts ~ Gingerbread Plate Charger DIY Conclusion
Gingerbread is having a big moment for holiday decor and this is a super easy Pottery Barn dupe. I hope you enjoyed the hack and run with it. If you are a gingerbread fan, but have a hard time finding pretty and affordable pieces, then I hope this helps you make your own accent decor. It’s an economical and environmentally sound alternative, which I am all about.
Follow along for more unique crafty inspiration. Thanks for being here friends. Let me know if you give this a go and please share. I would love to see. Either shoot me an e-mail or tag me on social media. Thanks for stopping by today and hope to see you again soon.
Au Revoir!
FAQs – Gingerbread Charger Plate DIY
Q1. How do I get the true gingerbread cookie color?
A1. Use a warm nutmeg or hazelnut brown chalk paint or acrylic paint. Rust-oleum Warm Caramel spray paint is recommended for this particular project for ease of application and appropriate color tone. Another alternative is to mix chocolate brown acrylic paint with cream chalk paint to get the perfect warm gingerbread cookie shade.
Q2. How do I make flat paint look textured like a real cookie?
A2. Mix a small amount of baking powder into your brown paint for a fluffy, matte cookie finish.
Q3. What is best for fake white icing?
A3. Use white dimensional craft puffy paint (like Tulip) or lightweight spackling to mimic piped royal icing.
Get the Look
- Rustoleum Warm Caramel Spray Paint
- Puffy White Paint
- Bead Dot Design Decorative Charger Plate, Gold, 14″
- Plastic Round Charger Plates, 13″ Dinner Chargers Decorative
- 13″ White Gold Beaded Rim Charger Plates
- Flickering Flameless Candles with Remote
- 6″x6″ Extra Large Flameless Candles with 3 Wicks
- Natural Farmhouse Jute Rope Acorn Ornaments 3.35 Inch Rustic
- 12 Pcs Pine Cone Glass Ornaments
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He who works with his hands is a laborer. He who works with his hands and his head is a craftsman. He who works with his hands and his head and his heart is an artist.
Francis of Assisi ~ John Paul Caponigro
