Summer has finally arrived, and with the warm weather comes the perfect opportunity to entertain friends and family! I’m totally pumped to take advantage of our new patio this summer, so I’m getting all of my entertaining supplies out and perfecting my cocktail recipes (mocktails for me). Today I’m sharing a super easy tutorial for a DIY serving tray that basically involves gluing paper to an existing tray. So let’s get started!
This technique is similar to decoupage, but I’ve simplified it by simply using glue and one type of paper. One thing to note: decoupage will get gooey when wet, so don’t be tempted to do it on the inside of your tray.
Here’s what you’ll need for your DIY serving tray:
- A pre-made wooden tray
- Decorative paper
- Elmer’s Glue
- Foam brush
- Water
- Ruler
- Pencil
- Screwdriver
- Scissors
Begin by removing the handles from your tray with a screwdriver. This tray from Wayfair worked perfectly for this project, but they have lots of other options if you want a different style. Take note of where the handles are placed by writing down the measurements of the holes.
Begin by taping your pieces of paper together on the back side, making sure to line up the pattern on the reverse side. Trace the sides of the tray on the back of the paper.
Cut out the rectangles just inside the pencil lines.
Mix three parts Elmer’s Glue with one part water, stirring with a foam brush.
Apply the glue mixture on one side of the tray, making sure to go right to the edge of the tray. Attach the corresponding piece of paper and then apply another layer of the mixture to the front surface of the paper. Wipe any excess from the edges with a paper towel. Put a bit of glue in between the two pieces of paper where they overlap. Repeat this process for the remaining three sides of the tray.
Let it dry thoroughly, and then re-attach the handles to your tray using a screwdriver. And your DIY serving tray is finished!
It’s the perfect size for transporting four or five cocktails to your patio or back porch, and your friends will ooh and ahh over the fun pattern you chose to attach to your tray.
I lined the bottom of the tray with a cloth napkin to prevent the drinks from sliding around.
And now, for the mocktail recipe! This thing is delicious, you guys… it’s refreshing and just a tiny bit tart. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 ounces of ginger beer
- 1 ounce of pureed fresh strawberries
- 1/2 ounce of fresh lemon juice
Stir all ingredients gently and pour over ice. Garnish with a lemon slice and a sprig of mint. You can definitely make this mocktail boozy… just add an ounce of vodka, gin or rum.
Cheers to summer friends!
This article was sponsored by Wayfair. All opinions are my own.
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