Today is MY day! I am incredibly excited to reveal these Christmas Tray plans for Day 5 of the 13 days of a Woodworker Christmas!
See this 13 Days of a Woodworker Christmas post for all the details and list of plans as they are being revealed!
This Christmas Tree Serving Tray was such a fun build for me, and one of the first projects that I created from start to finish; I envisioned what I wanted to make, drew up the plans, and built it! I’m so excited to share the plans and the process with you as well. If you build one, I’d love to see it! Remember also to subscribe to my email list (bottom of screen) because I have some really cool things in the works to share with you!
I wanted to make something that was decorative and functional. When I came up with the idea of a serving tray, I was excited about it, but knew that I would want it to be lightweight, which is sometimes difficult to do with wood projects, especially with what I wanted to do as the main design. I opted for some very thin wood materials (just my preference, so please adjust as you prefer or according to your supply of materials.)
Here are the plans for my Christmas Tree Serving Tray:
Supplies:
- 8- .25″ x 1.5″ x 36″ Poplar boards, these are very thin. I found them on a shelf below the typical sized poplar boards. You may not need eight, but it’s enough that if mistakes are made with miters, you’ll have plenty.
- Sheet of plywood or underlayment, as thick as you prefer. This factors into the weight of the overall project, but it is just personal preference really. You will only need a small piece (about 22×15) so if you have scrap that works too!
- 1- 2x2x8 white pine board for frame.
- 2 drawer handles or pulls (I like these: (affiliate link)Liberty 3″ Drawer Handle Pull, Bronze with Copper Highlights
- wood glue (My fave (affiliate link)Titebond-3 Ultimate Wood Glue
)
- brad nail gun (I have this one: (affiliate link) PORTER CABLE PCFP72671 Finish Nailer/Compressor Combo Kit
- brad nails 1″
- miter saw
- sander or sandpaper
- clamps (including corner clamps if you have them!)
- drill and drill bit
- paint (I just used acrylic dark green paint with some silver added in for sheen.)
- wood stain (I used (affiliate Link) Minwax Wood Stain, Dark Walnut
)
- polyacrylic satin finish, if preferred. I love this (affiliate link) Minwax Satin Polycrylic Protective Finish
Step 1: Cutting
Cut all of the small poplar boards according to the measurements below. All miters are cut at 45° angles.
Step 2: The Design
Layout all of the pieces where they will go when put together. Measure the height and width of your completed “puzzle” so that you can customize the frame to your specific project. If you followed the plan exactly so far, it should measure to be 20″ wide and 13.5″ tall.
Step 3: The Frame
Cut the 1×2 to make the frame. Remember when you cut the miters for the corners you will be cutting it with the 1″ side facing up, not the 2″ side. 45° angle cuts.
Layout all of the pieces again to be sure that your frame will fit perfectly around the design. You want it to fit snugly. Sometimes you may have to adjust a piece or two with the sander to even things out, just be careful not to sand too much!
Stain the frame and once it dries, glue at the corners and use clamps to hold it tightly while it dries. I used a adjustable belt clamp of sorts to hold mine. Corner clamps would be ideal. The most important part here is the always check for 90° at each corner, clamp, then check for 90° again. You definitely need this to be completely square.
Step 4: Backing
Once the frame glue is completely dried, take your backing material (plywood, underlayment, boards, or whatever you’re using) and cut it the size of the outer edge of the frame. For this plan, the measurements were 21 1/2″x 15″. Cut the piece, then be sure to sand the edges completely smooth. Place it under the frame to ensure they will have the same measurement.
Step 5: Staining
Stain each individual pieces of the design, except the tree, paint those pieces! I prefer not to stain the bottom of each piece, as it might interfere
with the adhesion of the glue, but definitely stain the sides so there isn’t any light wood showing.
When the stain and paint dry completely do a dry fit of the design; place all of the piecies as they’ll go to be sure the pieces will fit into the frame. You want it to be snug, but you shouldn’t have to force the pieces in. Lightly sand if you need it to be just slightly smaller.
Step 6: Gluing
Glue the frame to the backing. Be sure all the edges match up flush. Use clamps to hold it tightly, then use a brad nailer to nail from the bottom of the backing into the frame. Be sure that the nails don’t portrude from the backing because this will be the bottom of the tray and would scratch any surface if there are nails sticking out. Let dry.
Since you’ve already done a dry fit for the pieces, just apply an even, yet somewhat light amount of glue to the backing, use a glue spreader or plastic scraper of some sort (or even scrap wood) to spread the glue out evenly. You don’t want the glue to ooze up between the pieces, so too much glue will be a bad thing here. Start setting the pieces into the inside of the frame. I found it best to go from top to bottom. Once all the pieces are placed, make sure they all lay evenly, then carefully put something heavy on top to give it enough pressure that the pieces won’t move. I used a few stacks of heavy books.
Step 7: Handles
To drill the holes for the handles,
measure the length of their holes, where you want them to go on the sides, and make sure it is even on both sides. I marked these spots about 1/2″ from the top and centered in the middle of the side, with a pencil. Before drilling, place a piece of painters tape on the side where your drill will emerge. This will prevent the wood from splitting on the back side of the hole when the drill breaks through. (I didn’t do this on the first hole and regretted it completely!) Once you have your holes drilled, go ahead and install the handles. This will make it much easier to stain the bottom.
Step 8: Final staining
Stain the backing piece of the tray. I didn’t do this before assembly because I didn’t want to worry about any stain interfering with the glue’s adhesion. Now that you have the handles on the sides, this will be much easier. Just even apply the stain and wipe away as you go. I find that the Dark Walnut stain does not need to sit on the wood for long before it is dark enough. Let dry.
If you decide to add polyacrylic to finish it, then go ahead and remove the hardware, coat it with polyacrylic, let dry as needed, and re-install the handles. I opted not to add poly to mine yet because I want it to get a little bit of natural wear.
You’re finished! Now just sit back and admire your beautiful serving tray. Put it up on the mantle or start serving drinks! Either way, it’s a fun, decorative, and functional addition to your holiday decor!
I hope you love this plan. I couldn’t believe how simply it came together, and I just love it and can’t wait to use it for a Christmas party and dinner.
Remember to enter our giveaway on Instagram! For the extra entry specific to my Day 5 project, use #christmastray
This is amazing! Such a great design! I’ve even featured it at this week’s link party. I hope you have a great week and that you’ll visit our party again.
Certainly will. Thanks so much for the feature!
I am in awe of this. The skill it takes, and the gorgeous result. Featuring when my party opens up tonight!
Thank you so much Carol! Hooray! So honored.
Hi Sheri, I wanted to feature you at SYC, but I’m not seeing a link back to the party. 🙂
hugs,
Jann
I understand Jann. I added your link to my favorite link parties post, but don’t add links to the individual post. Thanks for liking my project, regardless! Have a great day!
It’s beautiful! I don’t think I could make the tray, I’m not that experienced working with wood, but I like the idea of using it as a decor piece, so maybe I can buy a pre-made tray and just paint it. Thank you for sharing at The Really Crafty Link Party. Pinned!
True, great idea! If you have anyone around you to help you learn, it’s so much fun!
Hi. Two Chicks and a Mom featured your great tutorial at Party in Your PJs 185. Hope you can visit again!
https://twochicksandamom.blogspot.com/2017/11/party-in-your-pjs-185.html
Thank you SO much! I’m honored.
This is so great!!
I would love for you to share this with my Facebook Group for recipes, crafts, tips, and tricks: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pluckyrecipescraftstips/
Thanks for joining Cooking and Crafting with J & J!
Such a beautiful tray & DIY for the holidays, and beyond. Thanks for sharing at the Inspiration Spotlight party. Pinned & sharing.
Thank you Theresa!
This looks amazing and the step-by-step tutorial really makes this DIY approachable. Love it!
Thank you Jelica!
Your tray is very pretty. A beautiful addition to the holiday season! I’m impressed that you are so good with power tools. I have told my husband that I want him to teach me how to use his. I can use the band saw and drill now but hope to learn more. Thank you so much for sharing your lovely creation at Party in Your PJ’s! I’ve pinned and shared.
Thank you so much Teresa! I hope you learn more as well! It is a lot of fun!
This is a great item and I’m so impressed at your daily challenge to create something. Your project turned out beautifully and I’m sure will be functional addition to the upcoming Christmas festivities. Thanks for sharing at #BloggersPitStop and I’ve pinned it to the group board. Debbie from Deb’s World
Thanks Debbie! Appreciate it!
This looks fab great job Thank you for linking to #Thatfridaylinky please come back next week
Thank you Nige!
This is adorable! I can’t wait to see all of your other designs! #happynowlinkup
Thank you so much Jen!
Over from the linky, saw it on Elena’s and subscribed!
Awesome Carol! Thanks so much!
This is just beautiful, at first glance I thought the tree was just painted but this is SO much better.
I agree! Thanks so much!
Love how this turned out! The added tree was such a clever idea. Thanks for sharing with SYC.
hugs,
Jann
Thanks Jann!
Such a beautiful tray, you did an amazing job.
Thank you Kelly!
Wow! This is fabulous. What a beautiful tray. Pinned. 🙂 I co-host and arts and craft linky and we’d love to have you link up with us. http://www.ourunschoolingjourney.com/2017/11/virtual-refrigerator-rubber-stamp-and.html
Thanks! I’ll check it out!
What a fab idea – this is gorgeous! Thanks for linking up with #TwinklyTuesday
Thanks Lisa!
What a great idea, it looks fab! #TwinklyTuesday
Thank you!
I wish power tools weren’t so scary, lol! Great tray. Visiting from Happy Now party.
Just give one a try and get used to it, then try another. 😉 They are so fun!
How clever! It looks great! #TwinklyTuesday
Thanks Lydia!
This is really charming Sheri. Love the rustic look paired with that bright green.
Thank you so much Mary! It looks really great on my console table right now. 😉
I absolutely love this! Pinning for a new craft project!
Thanks Pamela! I’m so glad you like it!
What a great project Thanks for sharing
Thanks! Happy to share! I used mine this Christmas and am hesitant to pack it away till next year. I guess I need to make another for all seasons!
That looks store bought. Beautiful work, so festive and simple! Great for virtually any household!!!
Thank you! I still love it and used it for Christmas dinner. ❤️ Appreciate the comments, thanks!
Saw your link on Seredipity’s meet and greet. This is a fantastic post – glad I hopped over! Take care!
Thanks so much for checking in and commenting!
REally cute!! Love the xmas tree in the center.
Beautiful, and functional!