Updated Cornucopia and other Thrifty Ideas

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

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.

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. 
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.T
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. 
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. 

Ta-da! Much better, don’t you think? 

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

And if you’re looking for more thrifty projects you can use for the upcoming holidays, you’re in luck because I’m joining up with the Thrifty Style Team today. Let’s see what ideas they have today.