8 Easy Ways to Update Basic White Plates

From confetti to gilding, dress up everyday plates with creative updates you can do in no time.

By: Brian Patrick Flynn

Related To:

One Plate Gets Eight New Looks

Tired of the same white dinner plates? We've got eight easy projects that will jazz up your table without breaking the bank.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Try This: Modern Triangles

To create a custom modern triangle border on a plate, cut out mismatched triangles from gold tape, then place them around the rim of the plate. Tip: It's best to hand-wash this plate or strictly use it as a charger.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Try This: Scalloped Edges

Add a graphic, scalloped look along the edges of your plate with food-safe ceramic paint and a detail brush. First, start at one end of the plate, then work your way around. Next, create second or third layers by slightly changing the center point of each scallop until you've reached the perfect balance.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Try This: Loose Confetti

Bring a festive vibe to your next soiree by adding vibrant confetti to guests' dinner plates, then placing a clear glass plate on top. The confetti will add a metallic sheen, bold color and graphic shape to the table.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Try This: Gilded Edge

Create the look of a timeless glided edge by using a food-safe metallic paint pen. Place the tip of the marker just inside the edge of the plate, then steadily make your way around the perimeter.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Try This: Marbled Effect

Combine the dipped look with the marbled effect for this sophisticated plate update. To do this, you'll need acrylic airbrush paint, a foam paintbrush and transparent acrylic extender. (Keep in mind that it's best to use this plate as a charger.) First, apply the transparent acrylic extender to the center of the plate, stopping where you want the line of the dipped look to begin. While it's still wet, apply the colored acrylic paint at the edge of the plate, then work your way to dipped line. Use the foam paintbrush to mix the acrylic paint with the extender, then tip the plate in different directions until the paints start to create a swirled look. Once the marbled effect has been achieved, allow the plate to dry for 24 hours before placing a clear glass plate on top.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Try This: Washi Tape Stripes

Create custom chargers by cutting your desired washi tape into a linear pattern, then applying it along the edges of the plate.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Try This: Decorative Paper

For a no-commitment approach to spicing up white plates, first cut a patterned piece of craft paper to size. Lay the paper on top of the white plate for use as a charger, then add a clear glass plate on top. This will allow the pattern to peek through the clear plate for a modern look.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Try This: Foil Leaf Dots

Here's an excellent idea for turning plates into wall art or tabletop vessels. Cut sheets of foil leaf into small circles using craft scissors. Next, randomly apply them to the white plate until the desired look is achieved. For a layered effect, use a food-safe metallic paint pen along the edges for a gilded touch that will coordinate with the foil leaf dots.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn