Today, I wanted to make something practical for my home, so I decided to craft a beverage tray. I figured it would be useful for serving drinks and snacks when guests come over.
First, I had to decide on the material. I had some options like wood, metal, and ceramic. Each had its own charm. Wood felt warm and rustic, metal seemed durable and modern, while ceramic looked elegant and classic.
- Wooden Tray: Warm, rustic feel. Good for a cozy home.
- Metal Tray: Durable, modern look. Suits a sleek, contemporary setting.
- Ceramic Tray: Elegant, classic touch. Perfect for a more formal decor.
I went with wood because I love that natural, homely vibe. Plus, I had some spare wooden planks in my garage.
Next up was the size. I read somewhere that platters around 16 inches long and at least 1.5 inches deep are great. But I also needed something smaller for appetizers. I decided to make a medium-sized tray, roughly 14 inches long and 10 inches wide, with a depth of about 1.5 inches.
So, I got to work. I measured and cut the wood, then sanded down the edges to make them smooth. I assembled the pieces, using wood glue and some small nails to secure everything together. It was a bit of a challenge to get the corners aligned perfectly, but I managed.
After assembling, I applied a nice stain to give it a rich, finished look. I let it dry overnight. The next day, I added a coat of varnish to protect the wood and give it a bit of a shine. It looked pretty good, if I do say so myself!
The Result
The tray turned out great! It’s sturdy enough to hold several glasses and snacks. And it looks really nice on my coffee table. It’s perfect for both indoor and outdoor use. I can already picture using it to serve tea, coffee, water, and all sorts of goodies to my friends and family.
This little project was fun and satisfying. It is always a great feeling when I can create something both practical and beautiful with my own hands. Now, who wants some tea?
