DIY Framed Dessert Table Trays
This is a simple project but one that can pack a lot of punch and be used in many different ways. Lindy reused old frames to create kitschy dessert table trays… All you need is a spray can, wooden photo frames and a fresh paper liner to be used under the glass.
Instructions:
Step 1. head on out to your local thrift store and look for the ugliest frames you can find. The ones you’d never in a million years put in your house. Metal, wood it doesn’t matter just make sure they have a lot of detail.
Step 2. on the way home hit your local hardware store and purchase a can (or two or three depending on your needs) of spray paint in whatever colour you’d like. This is the fun part as there are so many fun colours to choose from now like watermelon or pistachio.
Step 3. once you’re home remove the backing and glass from your frames and set aside.
Step 4. using a very fine sandpaper give your wood frames a little sanding (you won’t need to do this to metal frames).
Step 5. in a well ventilated area spray your frames with the paint to your hearts content. Spray from a few inches away and use a sweeping motion. It’s better to have to go over the frames multiple times than to create drips from too much paint.
Step 6. When the frames are dry you’ve got a few options. You can either put just the clear glass back in or you can put coordinating fabric or scrapbook paper inside (under the glass) for an added touch of fun.
From Lindy: When I originally thought of this idea it was for a dessert table. I thought using different sized frames as stationery serving trays would create a fun punch of color and add texture to the table. I wasn’t able to make a full buffet table for my submission but I have including a couple of pictures with food as an example. You could use one big frame for the wedding cake and smaller frames around it with other treats.
Now with that said…these frames could also be used for seating charts (put main seating chart into frame or each table into a separate frame), or scattered around a buffet table to describe the dishes, or use them around the venue on a thank you table next to gifts or with a picture of the bride and groom next to the guest book…really the possibilities are endless.
I hope you like my idea! I had a great time putting it together for this contest!
Love this idea! You can even trade out the papers during different times of the year to make them seasonal. Thanks for sharing this!
these look delish!
Clever! Lots of people line trays with papers, but if you have even a bit of grease–in a butter cookie, some errant buttercream, etc.–it can make really ugly blotches behind on the paper. Putting it under glass is a perfect solution!
Love this idea! Mind if I repost for Monday?
LOVE this! What a great idea for serving trays, dessert or otherwise!
Wow so simple but they pack a punch. I would use this idea in my own home.
This is one of those “so simple…it’s a marvel I haven’t heard of it before” ideas…and that is sheer brilliance 90% of the time in my book!
lovely! i never would have thought of this! definitely an idea i’ll be putting to use 🙂
Great idea thats easy & fun to make. Perfect as is, and the only way I would glam it up is by using metallic spraypaint OR putting mirror glass into frames 🙂 Great Entry! Thanks
Great idea!!!!
These are too cute! These would make great gifts too. Great post!
What a fantastic idea! Love it!
Fabulous & creative! Looks awesome and I love that it’s so versatile !!
What a fantastic idea! I love the look of these, will be suggesting this idea to my engaged friends! I think I might make one of these for my own coffee table at home!!
How absolutely creative! What a neat and inexpensive way to serve any item and dress you table in an innovative style.
Fabulous idea…love that you repurposed something into an item that is totally new.
LOVE this idea! I am going to use it for my daughter’s birthday party!!!
So gorgeous!!
Great job Lindy 🙂 thanks for sharing!
such a smart idea!
wow–fun idea! I might just try it holiday-themed for our annual Christmas open house!
I love this idea! Will definitely be trying it this Christmas!
What a great idea! I never thought of that for trays!
LOVE this idea! So awesome. I’m a little afraid of spray paint but this project really makes me want to try it out!!
Wonderful idea and beautifully photographed.
LOVE! So clever! Way to go Lindy!
A beautiful idea! I love it! It’s going in my idea book!
These are super cute.
Very cool idea! I love it!
this is SOO cute and such a clever idea! I would have never thought to use picture frames for this purpose!! I am hoping to make one for my home!
Love it !!!!!
Cute idea! I was thinking to add a little fun, have a hidden message written on the paper underneath. The cupcakes each cover a letter. As the cupcakes or treats are taken the secret message will be revealed. Guests can try to guess what it says to win a prize (Kind of like Wheel of Fortune).
Thanks so much for sharing this idea! It’s really great!
Brilliant & easy…oh did I mention chic, too?
great idea 😀 love it
These are so cute and it’s an idea that I would never have thought of in a million years!
Love this idea!!!! Thanks for sharing!!!!!