Easy Chicken Feeder Centerpiece

Few things in home decorating are better than the fast and easy ideas that reuse old, classic items in a new way. My heart holds a special place for decorating like that. Ideas that bring a new use and meaning to forgotten or dated items can bring such a jolt of creative originality to your home. They bring in personality.

Today, for $30 Thursday, I’m sharing my easy chicken feeder centerpiece. It’s a blast from the past in so many ways, and I love that I’m able to give it a new use, rather than tossing it in the trash bin.

In case you’re new here, $30 Thursday is where April from House by Hoff, Jen from Migonis Home and myself bring you ideas or projects that you can recreate in your home for $30 or less. And this centerpiece definitely fits that bill…

Remember when I told you our garage is full of items I was given from my great grandparents? Well, this little chicken feeder came from their farm. I was giddy when I saw it. Even though a few of the nails are popping out, and the wood has separated in a few areas, I couldn’t help but love it.

First though, as I’m sure you’re probably wondering, I scrubbed and scrubbed and scrubbed some more to get it clean enough to sit on our table… Yes, it was filthy, dirty, gross, but after using about a gallon of Clorox with a stiff bristle brush, then using a disinfectant and another seriously powerful cleaner, I used it all again once more. Just to be extra sure. I can assure you, it’s clean, or there’s no way it’d be sitting on my table. 😀

And isn’t it pretty with candles?

I grabbed as many candles as I could find and filled it up…

And I left the old, rusty nails for extra character…

But my favorite thing? Well, I love the simplicity of it with the candles…

It’s warm and cozy and comforting… and did I mention, that it has plenty of character? Plus, it looks pretty darn amazing with the table runner…

And… I’m now ready for fall. I know, I know… We just started August, but man am I ready for the warmth, the colors, the food, and the feeling of fall…

In fact, I was missing fall so much when I was taking pictures, that I grabbed up our bowl of apples and canister of oatmeal… who’s ready for some homemade apple crisp?

Me, that’s who! 😀

So, let’s not be surprised if you see fall make an appearance a bit earlier than normal, okay? I’ve got the bug…

Now, here’s a sneak peek at what April and Jen created for under $30…

April created this lovely two toned turquoise table. Isn’t that wood top beautiful?!

And Jen is sharing her great Ballard Design’s pom pom pillow knock off…

If you’re not already, be sure to follow our $30 Thursday Pinterest board… it’s full of ideas you can make, or recreate, for $30 or less!

See you again tomorrow… I’ll be sharing a new dining room project… and it’s a great one! 😀