I’ve been planning my spring decor since I put the last of my Christmas decorations away. When I saw some twig placemat’s at Pier One Imports, I was like “Oh my Gosh!” “They are perfect!!“ “I’ve got to have them!” Then I saw the price! Yikes!!!
This DIY Twig Plate Chargers tutorial will show you step by step how to make them for so much cheaper than the inspiration.
Do you ever have sticker shock let down? Well, I certainly did! I couldn’t justify that expense to create my table setting for spring.
Then a light bulb went off!! Do you remember my Top 10 Thrift Store Shopping Tips? The one about “be willing to sit on something until inspiration hits”?? Well, I remembered that I had purchased a set of six tarnished silver plate charger’s for just $.99 a few months ago.
Find those Thrift Store Chargers
First, I had to find where I’d stored the chargers.

So then my idea began to form. Should I paint them?
I actually liked the vintage feel of the tarnish! I decided that might work for me.
Plus, one less step. Win Win!

Gather Supplies for DIY Twig Plate Chargers
Next, I went into the woods and gathered some grapevine for the twig plate chargers
We have an abundance growing wild around us. I just clipped some branches and pulled them from the trees.
After I got my supply home, I braided the branches until I had several good size pieces that were somewhat under control.

If you don’t have grapevine available, you can use other twigs from your yard. Just be sure they are not dead. You want them flexible enough to bend with the curve of the charger. You can also soak twigs and grapevine in water to make it more flexible.
Additional Supplies
- light weight flexible wire or floral wire
- preserved moss
- Hot Glue Gun
- Large Nail
- Hammer
- Wire Snips
Prepare Chargers
Begin by punching holes in the rim of the charger by using a heavy duty nail and hammer. You can see how the holes are spaced in the photo below. I punched 12 holes in each charger.

In addition, you will want to cut 6 pieces of wire approximately 10 inches long.
Then run the wire from the back side of the charger’s as shown here. You need the wire spaced evenly because your are going to secure the grapevine with the wire.

Add Moss to the Plate Chargers
Next, I began adding moss to the edges of charger’s by applying a bead of hot glue along the edge and gently pressing the moss into place.
Yikes!!! Watch out for those burnt fingers.
Also, don’t get ahead of yourself. Work in small sections at a time because the hot glue dries quickly.

I repeated this process to the inside rim as well.
Attach Grapevine
After the moss was applied, I began to wrap the grapevine around the top and secured it by twisting the wires around the grapevine.

Once the grapevine is attached, go back and add smaller pieces to fill in and make sure the grapevine appears balanced. Then cut off any extra wire and bend the exposed ends into the grapevine.
In addition, cut off any twigs, that are running to the center of the charger, because they will prevent the plate from sitting on the charger evenly
Finally, go back and cover any unsightly areas with moss, using hot glue to attach.
Continue to fill in with the moss until you are satisfied with the appearance.

Make sure to cover all the galvanized wire with moss.

Keep adding vine and moss until you get the desired thickness!
You will also love how to make Moss Shamrock Placemats for St. Paddy’s Day and these Easy Twig Napkin Rings as well.

Here are some other creative charge ideas that are inexpensive & free – DIY Packing Material Plate Chargers
I love how it looks with just a simple white ironstone plate!

The vine and moss adds so much texture and your table will look beautiful.

Here is the Pier One version that started this whole thing.

This one was $19.95 and I completed 4 of these for less than $11.00. I’m loving the hint of tarnished silver that you can see peeking through the grapevine. It really gives me that Trash to Treasure feel that I adore.
See how cute these look on my Spring Easter Tablescape & Bunny Blog Hop!
I recently used these DIY plate chargers on an Outdoor Dining Table. I love how perfectly they held up for another season.
See this outdoor dinner table setting here.
Please share your opinions with me. I love hearing from you. If you have questions, please ask me here.
Have the Best Day!
XOXO, Rachel
PIN IT

Chloe
Friday 12th of August 2022
Rachel, I bought six of those placemats on clearance at Pier One and so wished I a bought more of them! When styling a table with them on the blog, I often get asked where someone can get them. I am offering them a link to your page here so they can make them for themselves! Thanks for sharing!
Set a Fall Tablescape With a Still Life Inspired Centerpiece - Celebrate & Decorate
Friday 12th of August 2022
[…] I set my dining table for this dinner party for four. When there are only four of us gathering, the dining room is the perfect spot. I considered my fine china for this killer fall tablescape, but decided on a heavier dinner plate for the meal. I bought the woodland placemats on clearance sale at Pier One, but my friend, Rachel from The Pond’s Farmhouse has created her own and shows you how here. […]
Angie
Friday 5th of August 2022
These twig chargers you made look so nice.
Rachel
Monday 8th of August 2022
Angie, They have held up so well. Thanks so much.
Renae
Tuesday 8th of March 2022
I love this idea so much. Perfect for spring. I’m going to have to try this. Hugs to you.
Rachel
Tuesday 8th of March 2022
Renae, I made those a few years ago and still use them in the Spring.
Jenelle
Sunday 25th of July 2021
Do you sell these?
rahrags@gmail.com
Sunday 25th of July 2021
Jenelle, I do not. But thanks for asking.