Easy DIY Christmas Plates
Darling DIY Polka Dot Christmas Plates…super easy and quick to make, plus they cost only a little over $1 each! Perfect for holiday table & entertaining.
DIY Polka Dot Christmas Plates
I have always wanted really cute Christmas plates, but whenever I saw any I liked, I couldn’t bring myself to pay for them. So…I decided to make my own, and get this…not only are the SO easy, they only cost $1 each!
I love love LOVE how they turned out. And it was so simple. It literally took me 20 minutes, plus the baking time. Can I just tell you how much I adore projects that are quick and simple and super cute?
I found the plates at Dollar Tree for $1 each, and they’re by Royal Norfolk. They seem to carry that brand quite often, and I’ve bought them there for years. They’re really nice, heavy duty plates that are perfect for entertaining and guests! You can make enough plates for 12 people, for only $12!
I didn’t paint in the center of the plates, because I didn’t want to worry about them being food-safe. I’m kind of obsessed with polka dots, and I thought they would not only be fun at Christmas, but all year long! You could also use a paintbrush to make stripes around the edges, or other stencils too–whatever you like!
SUPPLIES:
- -plain ceramic plates (dollar store)
- –multi-surface craft paint (I used Martha Stewart)
- -round sponge (to make polka dots)
DIRECTIONS:
1. Dip round sponge in paint, dab it a little on a piece of foil or paper towel to remove the excess, then stamp on the edge of the plate. Repeat the process, following your desired pattern. For the polka dots, I found it was easiest to follow this pattern:
2. Once they are all polka dotted, follow the paint directions for curing. I used Martha Stewart Multi-Surface Paint, and I had two options: curing for 21 days, or baking the oven. I’m super impatient, so I went with the oven method. I placed the plates in a cold oven, then turned the temperature to 350 degrees. I baked them for 30 minutes, then turned off the oven and let the plates cool inside. Once they cure for three days, you’re ready to go! They’re even dishwasher safe, which is awesome. But…make sure to read the directions on the paint you choose, because the curing process could differ.
That’s it! Seriously, SO simple and easy. I can’t wait to use them! Dinner parties, family parties and get togethers, Christmas Eve or Christmas dinner…they’ll be the perfect touch!
Very cute! Can you use these plates to eat off of?
Yep! I only put the design around the edges, so there wasn’t any paint in the middle of the plate where the food goes. As long as you don’t put food on the edges of the plate where the paint is, you’re good!
Ok I’m headed to Dollar Tree this afternoon for white plates – both for the polka dots and the “give thanks” plates. Sooooo cute! The red polka dot plates would be great for Valentine’s Day too. :-)
Yay!! You’re going to love them! And you’re so right—the polka dot plates would be perfect for Valentine’s Day too! xoxo
Getting ready to make these adorable plates but wondered what size foam round sponge did you use? I did a sample plate with 1/4″ round sponge but the polka dots look a little big.
Thanks for all your terrific ideas!
Actually, I think it probably was around 1/4″ sponge, but unfortunately, it was lost in our move. It could have been a little smaller than that, but my dots are pretty-good-sized. The rims on my plates are large, so the sizing might look a little different. I’m so sorry, I wish I could be more specific!! Good luck!
So, I’m wanting to make a plate for our friends with the their last name in the center of the plate as a serving tray, things like Thanksgiving Turkey, or cookies, or bbq’ed meat, etc. Is this paint not safe for food to touch? You did the painting on the edge, but what about where juicy food would be? Have you worked with sharpies or tried it?
Yes, that’s exactly why I stayed on the edge, because it wouldn’t be food safe. You can try looking for food safe markers or paints if you want to do it in the middle. I have used sharpies on instead of paint, and it still isn’t considered food safe. I’ve always remained along the edges, or on the outside of a mug, etc.
Here’s a paint that claims to dry in 14 hours and to be food safe and microwave safe. However, hand washing is recommended. https://www.amazon.com/Makers-Studio-Surfaces-Dishwasher-Microwave/dp/B0847T5H75/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=food+safe+paint&qid=1618376553&sr=8-4
Thank you so much, Donna!
Love the polka dot plates..what a fun,simple, and pretty craft to do…i love the dollar store too..my fave!!! Thank you for this idea…i’m new to your site..love it
Yay! So glad you found me, and that you love these plates. They’re one of my favorites!