Simple Centerpiece for Advent

Yes, I know it is still October. But, Christmas creating is in full swing at my house. I am creating it and storing it until the end of November. Do know that you, WE, can decorate whenever we want? Don't let anyone tell you anything differently--it is your home, your space, your decision.

I have always enjoyed the Advent tradition of having four candles to light during the season to prepare for Christmas. Each candle represents a different theme of the season--hope, peace, love-and joy. I wanted to create an Advent centerpiece using thrift store finds. 

A few simple items from the thrift store plus a few crafty additions and I had a simple, elegant, centerpiece perfect for Advent.

 Keep reading to see how I made this PLUS get tons of ideas on how YOU can personalize it and make a unique to you Advent centerpiece.

I started my thrift store hunting looking for  candle holder that would hold four candles. I found one on my first day of looking and at the first thrift store I looked at. I wasn't sure if I would find a linear candleholder or what. This one dictated making a round centerpiece. You could also use four candlesticks or candle cups, mugs, glass jars--use whatever fits your style and what you can find. 

I had picked up two, large, cake pans in a free box at a garage sale. You can use a pan, tray, cut log piece, glass platter, large round plate. After using a razor blade to remove any old candle wax, I hot glued the candleholder in the bottom of the cake pan. The hot glue will hold well, but won't be necessarily permanent. You can use a two part epoxy or super glue for a more permanent hold. I started with a thin, preliminary coat of Antique Gold Rub-n-Buff (affiliate link). Get it HERE. 

Paint the base any color you like--red spray paint, black chalkboard paint, dark green, bright white. I like layering the paint to add more depth so over the first layer of gold, I added black, burgundy, and orange paint.

I finished with one more layer of the antique gold Rub-n-Buff. I did paint the bottom of the pan too for a more finished, complete look.

Next I added faux greenery. I will replace or add fresh, pine boughs to this in December. Tis greenery is from the craft store. I like to buy the kind that feels rubbery as I think it is most authentic looking.

Next came candles. Always look at the thrift store for candles. I bought two boxes of 8 white candles and one box of 8 gold candles, all brand new, for $2/box. Advent candles are traditionally pink and purple, but I am using white. I added a little gold tissue paper to make sure the candles fit tightly into the holders. Yo can also use melted wax, hit glue, poster putty.

You will want four items to place near the candles that will have the four Advent themes written in them. This is where you can really change up the look of your centerpiece. I used four, gold bells. (BUY HERE) You can use glass or velvety ornament balls, candy canes, snowflake ornaments, pinecones, wood train cars, Santa ornaments, wood beads, tassels...whatever suits you! In addition to the bells, I also added three larger pinecones to the centerpiece.

I made tags for each of the bells by cutting out four small tag shapes from an old book cover. You could use cardstock, ribbon, wood tags. 

 I handpainted the four themes (peace, love, hope, joy) on each tag and hot glued it to some jute tied to the gold bells and placed each bell near one of the candles. Use ribbon that fits your theme--burlap, checkered ribbon, gold silky or velvet ribbon.

I love the simple, natural with a touch of elegance look to this Christmas centerpiece. It is beautiful when the candles are lit,

 and is just as pretty in the daylight.

It will be easy to disassemble after the holidays so that I won't have something big and challenging to store. I love that it uses items that might otherwise end up in a landfill and it is inexpensive to make too!