DIY Snowy Galvanized Christmas Decorations: Achieve a Farmhouse Winter Wonderland on a Budget

Transform your home into a festive farmhouse retreat this holiday season! Discover how to create captivating vignettes, charming centerpieces, or an inviting mantel adorned with snowy galvanized Christmas decorations. With a sprinkle of “snow” and the twinkle of lights, you can easily craft a magical winter wonderland that exudes rustic charm and warmth.

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Hello, festive friends! How are your holiday preparations coming along? The season of joy and beautiful decorations is upon us, and I’m absolutely thrilled to share this year’s mini-decorations with you. These charming displays were lovingly inspired by the elegant and cozy aesthetics found in a holiday Pottery Barn Catalog, bringing a touch of high-end design into our home without the hefty price tag. After previously showcasing our cottage Christmas decorations from years past, I was particularly drawn to a specific snowy galvanized theme that resonated deeply with my desire for simple, yet impactful, holiday cheer.

Update: While the original Pottery Barn image featuring green faux trees, a classic cloche, and elegant candles is no longer available on their website, the essence and overall feel of the inspiration remain timeless. The spirit of snowy galvanized Christmas decor continues to capture the hearts of many, and I’ve found a similar aesthetic that captures the magic.

You might be wondering, “Why ‘mini’ decorations this year?” Well, for those who have followed along, you know that the past year has been a period of transition for us. We’ve been renting from family while diligently searching for our new forever home. This temporary living situation explains the absence of elaborate decorations in 2016 – moving took precedence, and decorating simply wasn’t at the top of my priority list. However, this year, despite still being in a rented space, I felt a strong pull to infuse some holiday magic. The gorgeous snowy galvanized Christmas decorations I saw in the Pottery Barn catalog were simply too inspiring to pass up. I knew I had to bring a smaller, more manageable version of that festive vision to life in our current abode.

Having recently enjoyed decorating the piano top for fall, I realized the space offered a perfect canvas for a holiday scene, much like a traditional mantel. With this in mind, I decided to recreate the snowy, charming display right there. Of course, the beauty of a vignette like this is its versatility – it truly works wonders on any tabletop, console, or mantelpiece. The key is to utilize what you already possess and adapt it to your space, fostering a sense of creativity and resourcefulness.

Extending this philosophy, I also crafted the simplest of centerpieces for our dining table, ensuring it beautifully coordinated with the main display. This year’s approach has led me to a new decorating mantra for future Christmases: “keep it small and simple.” As we anticipate moving into our new house (hopefully very soon – Update: exciting news, we found a farmhouse that we’re currently remodeling!), I plan to embrace this strategy even more. I’ll select just a couple of key areas to adorn with fresh greenery and a few themed items, creating enough festive spirit to feel celebratory without overwhelming me or the entire house. It’s about intentional decorating that brings joy, not stress.

Creating Enchanting Snowy Galvanized Christmas Decorations

Unlocking the secrets to interpreting high-end inspiration photos and bringing them to life without breaking the bank!

As you likely gathered after glimpsing the initial inspiration photo, my approach was far from simply purchasing all the items directly from Pottery Barn. (Ahem – the price tags can be quite steep – ahem!) In fact, I made a conscious decision not to buy anything from their collection this time around. This challenge became an exciting opportunity to flex my creative muscles and demonstrate that a luxurious, designer-inspired look is entirely achievable on a budget. The essence of DIY lies in transforming ordinary items into extraordinary pieces, allowing for personalization and significant savings.

Here’s Your Go-To Guide for Translating Catalog Inspiration into Budget-Friendly Decor:

1. Pinpoint Your Favorite Elements from the Inspiration Photo. Begin by carefully studying the image and identifying precisely which items or aesthetics captivate you most. For this particular snowy galvanized Christmas scene, my heart was set on the adorable galvanized houses, the warm glow of flickering flame candles, the elegant simplicity of a cloche, and the overall feel of miniature trees, soft snow, and delicate lights. These were the non-negotiables that defined the desired mood.
2. Start Your Shopping Spree Within Your Own Home. Before reaching for your wallet, embark on a treasure hunt through your existing decor stash. You’ll be surprised by what hidden gems you might uncover. In my case, I already possessed several mini trees, strands of twinkling lights, and a container of artificial snow. I also had the foresight to pick up a galvanized sphere from a thrift store a few months prior, knowing its rustic appeal would be perfect for future projects. This step not only saves money but also encourages creativity in repurposing.
3. Embrace the Power of DIY – What Can You Create? Once you’ve inventoried your existing items, consider what components of your dream decor you can craft yourself. This is where your unique touch truly shines. To emulate the sophisticated look of mercury glass trees from the inspiration, which I loved but had in storage, I decided to make my own simple yet elegant white glitter cone trees. Similarly, upon finding a set of plain metal houses that weren’t galvanized, I instantly knew a little paint could transform them into convincing replicas, aligning perfectly with the rustic farmhouse theme.
4. Thoughtfully Source Remaining Items Online and In-Store. With your “shopped from home” and “DIY” lists complete, it’s time to seek out the remaining elements. Search online retailers, local craft stores, and even discount stores for items that fit your aesthetic and, crucially, your budget. The goal is to find pieces that complement your DIY efforts and fill in any gaps without overspending. I’ll delve into my specific purchases and the reasoning behind them in the following sections, illustrating how careful selection can lead to stunning results.

Without a doubt, the sweet little houses were the undeniable highlight of the Pottery Barn vignette for me. They provided that quintessential cozy village feel that anchors any winter scene. However, the Pottery Barn versions came with two significant drawbacks: a hefty price tag (ranging from $30-40 per house) and their rather substantial size, which wouldn’t suit my “mini” decoration plan. Undeterred, I embarked on a search for a more budget-friendly and appropriately sized alternative. My persistent search led me to this delightful set of small metal houses at Factory Direct Craft. While they certainly weren’t galvanized, I immediately recognized their potential. A quick paint job could easily achieve that coveted rustic, weathered metal look. Although individual houses were available in a more suitable base color for a faux galvanized technique, the set of three offered a far better value. Paying just $16 for three houses is a stark contrast to the $90 to $120 I would have spent for a similar trio at Pottery Barn, proving that savvy shopping and a little DIY can yield impressive savings!

**Don’t miss the complete tutorial for effortlessly creating a faux galvanized finish with paint in mere minutes!**

To craft the charming glitter cone trees, I gathered a few simple supplies: three paper mache cones in varying sizes, a bottle of crisp white craft paint, and plenty of sparkling clear glitter. The process was incredibly quick and satisfying, taking roughly 10 minutes from start to finish. I simply brushed on an even coat of white paint and then generously sprinkled all surfaces with glitter, making sure to do so over a piece of paper to easily funnel any excess back into the jar – a small trick that prevents waste and mess. While these DIY trees might not possess the exact high-gloss elegance of the mercury glass trees from the inspiration photo, they beautifully serve their purpose. They introduce a lovely light contrast against the industrial look of the galvanized elements and truly sparkle, especially when illuminated by the surrounding lights, adding that essential touch of winter magic.

Given my desire for a compact and intimate scene, a collection of large, imposing cloches simply wouldn’t fit. I was delighted to discover this sweet little cloche, perfectly scaled for my vignette. Its galvanized base seamlessly tied into the overall theme, and its plastic lid, remarkably, gives the convincing appearance of glass without the fragility. It was precisely the right size to comfortably house three tiny bottle-brush trees, creating a charming, encapsulated miniature world. This delightful cloche, with its perfect blend of rustic and delicate, has quickly become my favorite component of the entire scene – it’s just irresistibly cute and adds such a captivating focal point!

Once these enjoyable DIY projects were completed, it was time for the exciting assembly phase. I carefully arranged all the elements onto the piano top, blending my handmade creations with existing pieces and a few new finds. Alongside the glitter cone trees, painted houses, and mini cloche, I incorporated other galvanized treasures that perfectly complemented the farmhouse aesthetic:

• A medium-sized barn star, adding a classic rustic touch.
• A set of delicate galvanized snowflakes, which I creatively strung onto jute twine to fashion a charming garland, draping them artfully across the display.
• An easel chalkboard (I absolutely adore this piece! I snagged it at 50% off during a Christmas decor sale at Michaels, and its versatility means I can use it all year long. Unfortunately, as it was a seasonal item, I can’t find it on their website to link directly, but it’s a wonderful addition for custom messages).

Each element was strategically placed to contribute to the visual narrative, creating depth and interest in the winter wonderland scene.

Another crucial element I diligently searched for was a set of flickering flame candles, specifically with flat tops, just like those featured in the Pottery Barn inspiration photo. I firmly believe that flat-top candles offer a far more realistic appearance compared to the common “melted top” versions predominantly found on the market. However, a quick glance at the price of Pottery Barn’s candles revealed they start at $50per candle – a significant investment! While I knew these candles would be versatile enough for year-round use, making them a worthy small investment, $50 for a single small candle was simply beyond my budget. Imagine my utter excitement when, after extensive searching, I finally stumbled upon this fantastic set of three flickering candles for almost half the price of just one Pottery Barn candle! To make them even more appealing, the set includes a convenient remote control, allowing you to easily turn them on and off, and even set a timer – perfect for effortless ambiance. The excellent reviews gave me confidence, and upon receiving them, I wholeheartedly agreed: they are incredibly realistic and perfectly matched my vision. If you’re also on the hunt for a high-quality, budget-friendly set of flickering candles with flat tops, I’ve done the legwork for you! Click here to grab yours – I genuinely believe they would make wonderful gifts too, spreading warmth and light.

With all the individual elements meticulously placed and arranged on the piano top, the final, magical touch was adding a light dusting of artificial snow. I opted for a fine, delicate type of plastic snow, and it’s truly amazing how this simple addition instantly brought the entire scene together, transforming it into a cohesive and enchanting winter wonderland. I understand that artificial snow can sometimes create a bit of a mess, but from my experience, the easiest way to manage it at the end of the season is to carefully scoop up and save as much as you can, then simply vacuum up the remaining stray flakes. The effort is minimal for the stunning visual impact it creates. I am absolutely delighted with how these snowy galvanized Christmas decorations coalesce to form such a sweet, inviting farmhouse-style winter scene. It fills me with joy every time I see it, both in its natural state and especially when lit up, casting a warm and festive glow. Initially, I worried that because my version differed significantly from the original inspiration, it wouldn’t achieve the desired effect. However, I’ve found that I actually prefer the simpler, more understated feel of my budget-friendly interpretation, proving that sometimes, less is indeed more, and personal touches make all the difference.

Coordinating Dining Table Centerpiece

To ensure a cohesive festive theme throughout the space, I extended some of these charming elements to the dining table with an equally simple yet effective centerpiece. I started with a beautiful new galvanized tray from the Magnolia Home line at Target – its rustic appeal was the perfect foundation. Within the tray, I artfully arranged some fresh, vibrant greenery, providing a natural and organic base. To add warmth and ambiance, I incorporated a few of the old-style, battery-operated candles we already had on hand. These flameless candles offer the perfect glow without any fire hazard, making them ideal for a dining setting where movement is common.

Finally, to tie everything together and echo the main display, I scattered a few of the galvanized snowflakes left over from the garland, nestling them among the greens. A rustic wood “bright” ornament was also thoughtfully placed, adding another layer of texture and a cheerful message to the arrangement.

And just like that – done and done! The beauty of a tray-based centerpiece like this is its inherent flexibility. While I might choose to add a few small vintage ornaments later, or perhaps a different pop of color, it’s incredibly easy to update and refresh the display throughout the month as the mood strikes or as new ideas emerge. Furthermore, using trays for centerpieces is wonderfully practical. They are effortless to move when you need to clear the table for other activities, such as our bi-monthly game nights, ensuring that your beautiful decor never becomes an inconvenience.

I genuinely hope you’ve enjoyed this little ‘tour’ of my snowy galvanized Christmas decorations this year. It’s been a true pleasure to create and share this budget-friendly farmhouse winter wonderland. I would absolutely love to hear about your own holiday decorating endeavors! Do you draw inspiration from catalogs or magazines? Share your favorite tips and tricks in the comments below!

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