Decorate a Christmas Tray (Last Minute!)

This last minute DIY Christmas tray is the perfect budget craft! The trays are from the dollar store – just add paper and Mod Podge.

Hi, it’s David from Cheltenham Road here to seal my position as king of last minute Christmas crafting.

My creative mind only seems to really kick into gear under pressure and with my annual holiday party coming up last Saturday I was feeling the pressure.

I shared previously my cake pop stand, but what I needed now was a nice way to set out some of the other desserts and I was a bit bored with white plates and such.

A while ago I’d picked up some plastic trays from the dollar store thinking “these could be useful someday” and that “someday” was now! A bit of quick work with Mod Podge and holiday themed paper and I had a super-fast holiday tray.

Learn how to make this simple Christmas craft for adults below.

DIY Christmas Tray

Gather These Supplies

• Plastic trays
• Matte Mod Podge (not pictured)
• Hard Coat Mod Podge
• Patterned Paper
• Foam Brush
• Silicone Mat (not really necessary but quite helpful)
• Scissors

After cutting the paper down to fit the bottom of my Christmas tray, I used my foam brush to spread the Matte Mod Podge on the bottom of the tray and the top of the paper.

After applying the paper to the bottom of the tray I flipped it over and, with my fingers, carefully smoothed out any air bubbles or wrinkles (I was working with tissue paper so wrinkles were kinda par for the course – a heavier paper, maybe cool wrapping paper or something – would make it easier).

After letting it all dry thoroughly I gave the paper a good couple of coats of Hard Coat Mod Podge so it would stand up to cleaning.

You could also use Dishwasher Safe Mod Podge if you want to be able to wash your item! Of course you’ll have to make sure that the tray is washable too.

And I’m a bit embarrassed to say that, well, that’s all she wrote! Three last minute holiday trays, five minutes of work (and a couple hours of drying time) and I was good to go for the party!

I hope the holidays are treating everyone well. Thanks for all your comments over the past year. I’m truly looking forward to coming up with new stuff for the new year!

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Christmas Tray

Learn to make Christmas trays using dollar store supplies! Use them for Santa's cookies, hostess gifts, or holiday parties.

Prep Time20 minutes mins

Active Time2 hours hrs

Total Time2 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Yield: 3 trays

Cost: $3

Equipment

• Foam brush(es)
• Scissors
• Ruler
• Pencil

Materials

• 3 Plastic trays
• Mod Podge Matte
• Mod Podge Hard Coat
• Holiday paper
• Silicone craft mat

Instructions

• Measure the bottom of the tray using a ruler. Cut the same sized shape out of the holiday paper.
• Use a brush to spread the Matte Mod Podge on the bottom of the tray and the top of the paper.
• Apply the paper to the bottom of the tray, with the design facing down. Smooth out any air bubbles or wrinkles and let dry completely.
• Give the bottom of the paper a few coats of Hard Coat Mod Podge for added durability. Let dry completely before using.

Notes

• The thicker the paper, the less the wrinkles! If you use tissue paper or napkins, grab some plastic wrap and place over the wet Mod Podge. Then smooth. Remove and let dry.
• You could also use Dishwasher Safe Mod Podge if you want to be able to wash your item! Of course you’ll have to make sure that the tray is washable too.

Further Thoughts:

I realize many of you are smarter than me and aren’t trying to make trays ten minutes before your guests arrive. Perhaps this could be themed to New Years? Maybe some paper with the current year written on it or something.

The paper I’m using here is from Cavallini & Co – they have a terrific selection of papers and stuff – very vintage and very me!