We’re in the “ber” months officially and it means that seasons shift to “brrrr”, and holidays are fast approaching. I don’t know about you, but I have mixed emotions about the “holidays”. However, I will take any chance to spend time with my children. A time to gather is a blessing at any time of year. With that, I’m creating this DIY fall serving tray from a thrifted find to share how we can make our house even more a home.

While I’ve always been a sucker for baskets, little step stools, and creative storage, trays fit that bill too. Not only can you use them for serving family and guests, but also as a part of decor while they await their time to shine.

This particular tray caught my eye at the thrift store because of the gorgeous acacia wood grain.

However, I want to add a bit of contrast and whimsy to take it out of the box store category and cover the flaws from being previously owned.

By the way, you can see all my other tray makeovers in these past posts:

• Farmhouse Bowl and Tray
• Thrift Store Tray Makeover
• Reverse Painting on Glass Tray
• Round Glass Tray Makeover
• Vintage Wooden Tray with Monogram
• DIY Tiled Tray
• and many more HERE

So, you can see… I have fun with cast-off trays.

KEEPING IT SIMPLE

First, I want to make a simple change to this tray that highlights the woodgrain at the center of it and also gives it a new feel. In order to do that, I dig into my stash and pull out these old wooden knobs off a dresser I worked on previously.

I use my e6000 adhesive to add a knob to the tray bottom at each corner and let cure.

Once the adhesive cures, I paint the bottom and sides of my DIY fall serving tray fun.

By painting, it allows the tray to have a cohesive vibe and hide a few of the knicks and scuffs from the previous owner.

Then, once that paint cures, I want to add a favorite of mine… typography. Can you blame me? See all my past typography projects HERE. Additionally, see my tutorial how to create your own typography using my tutorial HERE.

Likewise, once that cures, I topcoat with a spray poly and we’re ready to go.

HELLO AUTUMN

Last, it’s time to gather all those special folk in your life and celebrate whatever catches your fancy with this DIY fall serving tray.

However, I say a fall serving tray, but this can be used for any type of gathering in any season.

I love the addition of the feet and also how the dark stain now pops with the typography to boot. Don’t you agree?

SHARE

Now, it’s your turn. I’d love to hear what you would have done with this tray should you happen upon it in a thrift store. Leave some comment love below as well as pin and share to inspire others.

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While you’re at it, check out these other tutorials like this DIY fall serving tray: