Thrifted Holiday Centerpieces: How to Turn Goodwill Finds Into Festive Décor

You see thrifted items — Jen sees a centerpiece.

This project proves just how much creativity (and a Goodwill trip) can do.

With a tin, a picture frame, some greenery, floral foam or packing paper, and a few sparkly accents, you can create a stunning holiday centerpiece — plus bonus décor ideas — for a fraction of big-box store prices.

Whether you’re decorating your home or gifting something handmade this season, this project is fun, customizable, and budget-friendly.

Why This DIY is Perfect for the Holidays

• Affordable, high-impact décor using thrift store finds
• Easy to customize to your style or color palette
• Makes a beautiful handmade gift (add a greeting card or gift card!)
• Uses materials you may already have from previous Goodwill hauls
• Beginner-friendly AND endlessly creative

This project comes straight from Rustic Rehabs creator + Goodwill partner, Jen Dunne, who builds centerpiece magic using secondhand treasures.

What You’ll Need

You can recreate this look with almost any thrifted pieces — but here’s what Jen used:

Thrifted Finds from Goodwill

✔ A metal tin or shallow container

✔ Decorative figurines (birds, deer, mini trees, etc.)

✔ A picture frame — small or ornate

✔ Bonus option: wood box or planter

Craft Materials

✔ Floral foam or packing paper (to fill space)

✔ Faux greenery or garland clips

✔ Hot glue + wood glue (Titebond)

✔ Optional: glitter, rice paper / decoupage sheets

✔ Optional: photo clip to hold a card or gift tag

💡 Pro Tip from Jen: Instead of buying small picks one at a time, thrift a full garland and cut it apart — more volume, less cost.

How to Make a Thrifted Holiday Centerpiece

(A step-by-step tutorial — simple, flexible, repeatable!)

1. Build Your Base

Fill your tin or box with floral foam or packing material to support the décor. Do a “dry run” before gluing — play with placement until it feels right.

2. Anchor Your Decor Pieces

Use hot glue + quick-setting craft adhesive to secure your figurines and trees. Make sure they sit firmly so nothing shifts later.

3. Add Greenery (Layering = the secret sauce)

Cut apart garlands or stems and tuck greenery into the base.

Alternate textures — pine, cedar, eucalyptus — for fullness and depth.

4. Create a Giftable Moment

Jen added a photo or gift card holder for a charming finishing touch.

Perfect for:

🎁 A holiday gift card

🎁 A photo of you + a friend

🎁 A handwritten holiday message

5. Bonus Project: Upcycled Wood Box Centerpiece

If you have extra greenery + ornaments, repeat the same process using a thrifted planter or decorative box.

Jen used Spanish moss, red picks, thrifted ornaments + glitter for a second stunning focal piece.

6. Mini Project: Festive Picture Frame

Trace decoupage paper, tuck inside the frame, and you’ve got instant vintage charm. Easy. Cute. Giftable.

Final Look

You now have not one — but up to three amazing holiday DIYs from a single Goodwill haul:

“The whole store is a craft room — you just have to look.” — Jen

Keep Creating With Us

📍 Find your nearest Goodwill

Watch the full video tutorial

And remember — thrifting = sustainability, creativity, and joy.

You’re saving materials, reducing waste, and building something beautiful.