Are you looking for a great centerpiece for your kitchen table? Look no further, because today I’m going to show you how to make a large footed tray.
My kitchen table is a big farm table. Handmade by a friend, it is one of my most favorite pieces in my home. Since the table is so big, the table’s centerpiece needs to be big. A statement piece for sure!
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The Footed Tray – Supply List
Looking back, so many amazing memories happen around the kitchen table. Sharing meals with family and friends, conversations, game nights, prayer time and more. I wanted something special for the center of my big farm table and thought how awesome it would be to make a custom tray to fit the area just right.
If you know me, you know I love to craft but I’m not a big tool kind of girl. Nonetheless, I decided to try it on my own…with a little help from Big Al.
Below is a list of materials you will need:
- Brush/primer/paint/
- Saw
- Nail gun or wood glue
Step 1
I measured my table and decided the size of the tray. You want the tray to be proportionate to where you will be using it. If it helps you visualize, take some newspaper and cut it to the size you think will work, and then put it on the table.
Trust me! If you are unsure of the size, the newspaper trick will help.
Once the size was determined, I then took the small piece of plywood and cut it, creating the base of the tray to be 15 x 21.
Step 2
I decided that I didn’t want the side rails of my tray to be plain. Buying some detailed trim gave me the look I had imagined.
If you aren’t interested in the detail you can use a plain piece of molding or 1 x 2 wood.
Since I am no pro at the miter saw, I had Big Al help me cut the corners. Once the corners were cut, I used the nail gun to secure to the bottom of the tray. If you don’t have a nail gun, wood glue would also work.
Step 3
The edges of the plywood were unfinished so I bought a super inexpensive piece of molding to cover them.
Once they were cut, I nailed the molding to the side of the tray.
“Crafts make us feel rooted, give us a sense of belonging and connect us with our history. Our ancestors used to create these crafts out of necessity, and now we do them for fun, to make money and to express ourselves. – ”Phyllis George
Step 4
The next step is to add the feet. The decorative feet I bought for my tray had long screws in the bottom. However, I removed the screws and used wood glue to adhere to the tray.
Easy peasy!
The construction process took less than an hour.
Just to be clear, once I put the feet on, I let the tray completely dry overnight before I started painting.
“When a guest sits down there should be something beautiful and inspiring to look at.” ― Annie Falk
Step 5
I primed with white, painted with red, and sanded it to get the look I was going for.
I used red because it is one of the primary colors I use for Christmas every year. Using a more neutral color allows you to use the tray year round.
Step 6
Now comes the fun part! Stage your tray. You can see how I used my tray in my post Ideas for Creating A Simple Christmas Table.
The most time consuming part of this project was priming and painting.
Lastly, if you are intimidated by wood working, I am here to tell you if I can do it, YOU can do it!
If you like this project, please check out My Christmas Table.
I hope you have enjoyed my DIY footed tray. I hope it encourages you to create your own!
Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram and Pinterest!
I love this tray idea. You make it look so easy. It is so festive and classy.
It was an easy project! If I can handle the power tools, so can you! Thanks for stopping!
What a beautiful centerpiece. Simple and such a statement. Saw the original post, it’s July will definitely get it done this year. Part of my vision board; make time to finish projects.
Thanks for the inspiration to both the tray and vision board! Keep the posts coming!💕
Awe, thank you, Tina! Having a vision board helps me stay accountable. Get those projects checked off! Thanks for the love!
Kim this is darling! I am so impressed by your power tool skills. I love Christmas in July so this made me smile. Pinning!
Thank you, Kelly! I am definitely learning and getting better. So glad this put a smile on your face, friend. Appreciate the pin, too!
Huge fan of footed trays over here in Delaware! I love your design Kim! Pinning!
Thanks, friend! You would love to make this project! All your work is so good, too!
What a lovely idea for Christmas! Pinning this for later – thanks!
Thanks, Jayne! It was a fun project. Thanks for pinning and stopping by!
Seriously love this idea! I cannot wait for the Christmas season to arrive and you’re making it ever harder to wait!
Stacey, you’re the sweetest! I am loving the warm weather but looking forward to all the wonderful things Christmas brings!
You make it look so easy! I love the tray that you made! Thanks for sharing the process! I am going to have to try using real tools some time!
Thanks, Kimberly! You should try using the power tools sometime. It’s not as scary as you think! Thanks for stopping by!
I love the tray and how it came together! I may need to try my hand at making one too! Thanks for sharing…
You’re welcome! I hope you do try it. It was fun and easy. I am thinking about making another one in a neutral color. Thanks for stopping by!
The feet you chose for your tray are awesome! I’m going to need fo re-create this tray!!!!
There are so many options for the feet to choose from. It’s such an easy project! Thanks for stopping by!
You did a great job! I love it. I’m in Michigan too. I’ll start following your blog.
Corine
Thank you! I always love meeting a fellow Mitten blogger! I will definitely log on to your blog, too!
I love this tray and how it is custom for your table! It turned out so good. Great job!
Thank you, Linda! It is definitely the perfect size.
It turned out so good! Love the red!
Thanks, Kim! I love using red at Christmas.
Love the design of your tray. It won’t be long before you’ll be decorating it for Christmas.
You are so right, Paula! Christmas will be here before we know it!
That was such a fun challenge! Yours turned out beautifully!
It was!! I appreciate your kind words!
Look at you with the power tools!! Way to go! The tray turned out so pretty.
Haha! Thanks Marie! I’m no expert but did have fun using them!
Love the style of this tray. You have it styled pretty too.
This girl doesn’t like power tools.
Pinned!
You are so kind! Definitely give the power tools a try. This was my first project using them and I loved it!
Such a great tray – and to customize to fit your space. I have an old picture frame I may have to dig out and make into a tray.
That’s a great idea, Rosemary! You should definitely try it. Thanks for stopping!
Kim … I love love love your tray! It’s 90 degrees outside but you’ve put me in the mood for Christmas! xo
Thank you, Juliet! I’m so glad I have inspired you! 💛🎅
How can I join your blog?
There should be a pop-up when you go to my blog. You can sign up there. 🙂
These footed trays are so versatile!!
Thanks so much for the tutorial because I’m sure I need another one;)
You’re welcome! Hope you get the chance to make one.
Thanks for sharing this. I love how your tray turned out.
Thanks so much, Linda!
I love this tray! I might have to make one myself this year!
Yes! You should definitely try one! It was a fun project.
Kim what a beautiful idea for your table! I would love to make this one!
Thank you, Stacy! I hope you get the chance to try it!
I love this, Kim and plan to give it a go!
Thank you so much for sharing, pinned.
xoxo,
Brendt
Oh, I’m so glad! Thanks Brendt! 💛
Just scrolled past sweet Paula’s comment and thinking about her now. Miss you Paula!
She is greatly missed!!