I found this turkey planter while thrifting the other day and paid $5 for it. It was a little kitschy, and some of the paint had worn off, but I liked its shape. The feathers had so much detail, and I thought they would look beautiful with a different finish.
I wanted something that would feel at home with dark wood, brass candlesticks, and a pretty Thanksgiving table. That traditional Ralph Lauren look was my inspiration—rich, warm, and a little aged.
What I used
Dawn dish soap and warm water
Waverly Chalk Paint in Moss
DIY clear wax
FolkArt 6445 Antique Wax
Rub ’n Buff in Antique Gold
Paintbrush, a brush for dry-brushing, and a cloth for removing excess wax
Waxing Brush
Here are some of the products I used:
https://amzn.to/4elUR1a FolkArt Home Decor Chalk Furniture & Craft Acrylic Paint in Assorted Colors, 8 ounce, Antique Wax
https://amzn.to/4iynsmp Rub ‘n Buff The Original Wax Metallic Finish antique gold [PACK OF 3 ]
https://amzn.to/4ixB8ht Paint Brushes Set of 24 Pieces with Canvas Brush Case
https://amzn.to/4dUsWW6 Chalk and Wax Paint Brushes for Furniture, 2 Pack Natural Bristles
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The makeover
First, I gave it a good washing with Dawn dish soap and warm water. Then I left it to dry thoroughly. Really dry—especially around all those little feather details.
Once it was dry, I painted the outside with two coats of Waverly Chalk Paint in Moss, leaving the inside as I found it.
Next came one coat of DIY clear wax, followed by one coat of FolkArt Antique Wax. I dabbed away the excess antique wax until I had the aged look I wanted, leaving some darker color in the recesses to bring out the feathers.
For the finishing touch, I dry-brushed Antique Gold Rub ’n Buff over the raised details. That little bit of gold catches the light beautifully against the Moss paint.
I’m really pleased with how it turned out. It certainly looks like more than the $5 I paid for it, and I’m glad I took a chance on it.
Four ways to use it
Once it was finished, I wanted to see how it might look styled for Thanksgiving.
The room scenes above are AI-generated styling ideas based on a photograph of my actual finished planter.
1. An autumn flower arrangement
Burgundy mums, cream flowers, and autumn leaves would look lovely against the soft green and gold. For fresh flowers, I’d tuck a separate waterproof container inside; faux stems would work beautifully, too.
2. A little evening glow
An ivory battery-operated pillar candle, with a few autumn leaves around it, would make a pretty sideboard accent. Use a flameless candle for this arrangement.
3. Napkins and silverware for the buffet
This might be the most useful option: rolled linen napkins and flatware tucked into the opening, with a clean removable liner. A turkey that helps set the table earns its place in the Thanksgiving decorations.
4. A harvest arrangement
Small pears, a pomegranate, and a miniature cream pumpkin would make a generous-looking display without needing flowers. Use faux fruit, or a separate food-safe insert for real fruit.
I gave the floral arrangement my first styling attempt. The flowers are lovely, but I do like the idea of putting this turkey to work holding the napkins.
Which would you choose?
And next time you see a slightly worn turkey planter at the thrift store, take a second look. There may be some beautiful feathers hiding under that old paint.