Impress Holiday Guests By Building This Custom Christmas Tray

Cut the components

• Using the table saw and miter saw, cut the slats (A), the center slat (B), and the long ends of the tray (C) to size. Set the long ends (C) of the tray aside for now.
• Sand everything down to 220-grit on the cut pieces to eliminate any rough spots and blade marks.

Glue up the base of the tray

• Glue together your five pieces for the base, with two wider slats (A) sandwiching the center slat (B) on each side. Use plastic sheeting under the pieces to prevent the base of the tray from being glued to the workbench. Place across the corner of the workbench for clamping.
• At the corner of the workbench, clamp the pieces across their width to prevent warping. Then, clamp them across the top with off-cuts on each side to the workbench itself to ensure the base of the tray stays flat.
• Wipe off any excess wood glue that is oozing out with a damp shop rag.

Clean up glue and sand

• Use a putty knife or paint scraper to scrape any dried glue squeeze-out.
• Flatten any high points using a palm sander with 120-grit sandpaper. This also helps with cleaning up dried glue.
• Fill any cracks or imperfections that you notice after sanding with wood filler.
• Proceed to sand everything down to 220-grit to smooth the surface.
• Wipe the panel clean with a cloth to remove any dust that may be adhering to it.

Cut to final dimensions

• On the table saw, crosscut the base panel into three pieces: one 14-1/2-in. wide and the other two 1-1/2-in. wide. The 14-1/2-in.-wide piece will be the finished bottom of the Christmas serving tray. The 1-1/2-in.-wide pieces will become the short ends of the serving tray.
• Use 220-grit sandpaper to sand the top and bottom edges, and break the sharp corners of the long (C) and short ends of the tray.

Paint the serving tray

• Prep for painting the base of the tray by masking off the outside and center slats on the bottom and short ends of the serving tray with painter’s tape.
• Apply two coats of red paint to the middle slats on the bottom and short and long ends of the serving tray. Let the paint dry between each coat.
• Apply a coat of decorative glaze (Java Brown) on top of the painted slats, lightly wiping it away after applying. This will darken the color, as well as add an antique finish to the paint. Let the glaze completely dry.
• Remove the painter’s tape on the bottom and short ends of the serving tray. Lightly sand away any paint that may have bled under the tape with 220-grit sandpaper.

Assemble the serving tray

• Use wood glue and 1-1/4-in. brad nails to attach the short and long ends of the tray to the bottom. Make sure the bottom edges of the ends are secured flush to the bottom face of the tray bottom.
• Wipe away any glue squeeze-out with a damp shop rag.
• Fill all nail holes with wood filler and lightly sand away any excess with 220-grit sandpaper.
• Wipe the surfaces clean of dust and debris.

Finish the assembled tray

• Touch up any paint and let it dry.
• Apply two or three light coats of polyurethane, sanding between each coat with 400-grit sandpaper to smooth out any wood fibers and achieve a smooth finish. Allow each coat to dry before proceeding to the next.
• When dry, flip the tray over and stick on four bumper pads, one in each corner.

Install the handles

• Lay out the location of the fasteners for your handles so they are centered on the top of the short ends of the tray.
• Tighten the screws into the handle. With screw heads exposed, use diagonal cutting pliers to cut the heads off.
• Pre-drill holes at the laid out fastener locations, the exact same diameter as the screw shanks
• Apply CA glue to the predrilled holes. Insert the handle using the cut ends.
• Wipe the board clean and you’re finished!

FAQ

What is the best material for serving trays?

Wood is an ideal material for creating your own DIY serving tray. Any type of wood can work. If you want to go the more budget-friendly route, use select pine or maple. If you prefer a more luxurious piece with higher-quality wood, consider walnut or mahogany.

How to clean this serving tray?

Like other wood serving trays or cutting boards, remove all food from the tray and gently wash it with mild soap and water. Do not soak or submerge this serving tray or use any harsh chemicals, as this will hurt the wood and sealant. Afterward, wipe dry and let it fully dry before using or storing it.

Tray vs. Platter?

The obvious difference is the design. Serving trays have raised sides and handles. As for platters, they have just a little lip around the edges. Platters are mainly used for decorative food presentations.