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    Home » Holidays » Thanksgiving

    Updated Cornucopia and other Thrifty Ideas

    By: Jane · Updated: 13 Nov, '18 · This post may contain affiliate links · 9 Comments

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    Cornucopia update

    In this post you'll find the directions for the cornucopia update that I did recently as well as 9 more thrifty diy projects for the holidays.

    I'm back as promised with the details on how I updated my old wicker cornucopia. If you missed seeing it on my Thanksgiving table, you can see it here: Thanksgiving Tablescape with a Cornucopia Centerpiece

    Brown wicker cornucopia

    A cornucopia is unique to the Thanksgiving holiday, and I've had this brown wicker one for 20 or more years. This symbol of nature's abundance has had a place on our Thanksgiving table for many years.

    Originally, it was filled with a beautiful sunflowers, gourds, and leaves in autumn colors, but a few years ago, I pulled all of that out because it looked "tired." 

    This year, though, I finally got around to a cornucopia update.

    Cornucopia update done in soft colors

    Yep. I brought this iconic symbol of the holiday back to the table, and I'm very possibly introducing it to a younger generation that doesn't even know what it is! 

    If you're inspired to do a cornucopia update, here are the steps and supplies that I used.

    Steps and Supplies Needed for a Cornucopia Update

    *Affiliate links have been provided for your convenience. 

    1. First, you will need a wicker cornucopia. You can usually find them at thrift or antique stores, but if you don't have time to search for one, you can order a cornucopia from Amazon.
    2. Next, spray paint the cornucopia. I used this flat white paint and spray painted the inside and outside of my cornucopia. Flat white spray paint used to update a cornucopia
    3. To add some dimension, dab some darker acrylic paint onto the white painter wicker. I used French Vanilla by Folk Art and a sponge brush. You do not want to cover all the white paint, just simply dab the darker color here and there.Acrylic craft paint used to update a cornucopiaCornucopia painted with white and french vanillaT
    4. You could stop at this point but I added some antique gold Rub 'n Buff around the opening of the cornucopia and here and there on the outside. I applied it with a cloth, and you only need a very small amount. Antique gold rob 'n buff
    5. To anchor your filler, place a floral styrofoam brick inside. I used small pumpkin picks from JoAnn's that I painted blue to match my color scheme, white faux hydrangeas, seed pods, cotton bolls, and faux lamb's ear to fill my cornucopia. 
    6. Tuck a set of battery operated fairy lights inside for additional interest. 
    Cornucopia update

    Ta-da! Much better, don't you think? 

    I hope I've given you an idea of how you can easily update a cornucopia.

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    1. Gina

      October 27, 2021 at 7:55 am

      That's really pretty and I think it would be perfect for my Thanksgiving table this year - hopefully I can find a cornucopia while out thrifting this weekend!

      Reply
    2. Michelle @ The Painted Hinge

      November 17, 2018 at 7:16 pm

      What a gorgeous makeover! I'm definitely doing this for Thanksgiving next year.

      Reply
    3. Paula

      November 16, 2018 at 6:40 am

      What a great update! You centerpiece is perfect for Thanksgiving. My grandmother always used a cornucopia filled with fruit, flowers, gourds and nuts for Thanksgiving.

      Reply
    4. Valerie

      November 15, 2018 at 8:53 am

      I’ve never even thought about painting mine! Love it.

      Reply
    5. Bliss

      November 14, 2018 at 9:42 pm

      My what a nice cornucopia you have. I’m obviously not the younger generation!

      Reply
    6. Stacey @ Poofing the Pillows

      November 14, 2018 at 5:25 pm

      Very pretty and so perfectly seasonal. 🙂

      Reply
    7. meegan

      November 14, 2018 at 3:37 pm

      Jane,
      It looks so fresh and new. Just in time for Thanksgiving!
      I love visiting your blog and seeing all of your amazing ideas and creativity.

      Reply
    8. Deborah

      November 14, 2018 at 12:10 pm

      What a beautiful update!!!!!

      Reply
    9. Cindy

      November 14, 2018 at 9:52 am

      Such a pretty update Jane! I love your blue pumpkins!!

      Reply

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