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Monday, March 2, 2015

UPCYCLED WOODEN SERVING TRAY




About a month ago we were guests at the sweetest, most beautiful wedding.  Such thoughtfulness and care were given to all of the details, and I noticed.  One of the things I paid attention to was the buffet line.  Not only was the food delicious, but the catering company used amazing, rustic serving pieces.  One of those was a huge, live edge wood slab with chunky iron handles on the sides.  It was being used to hold a delicious spiral sliced ham, and as I picked up my piece I thought what a great DIY that serving board would be!



Well, I didn't have anything quite as cool as the rustic piece, but a few weeks ago when I found this large cutting board that I shared with you from our weekend garage sale haul, I knew just what I had in mind for it.  (Stay tuned on the tiered piece, I have plans for it too!) 



The board was in fairly good shape, but had obviously been used.  I gave it a light sanding to smooth the top out and clean it up a bit.  Then, I rinsed it off, let it dry, and re-conditioned it by rubbing some olive oil on it.  That was just to use in a pinch, I'd like to make some spoon butter (like this one or this one) to use on my wood pieces, but I haven't picked up the ingredients yet (where do I buy beeswax???).

All I needed to add were some great handles.  This was a bit tricky, just because most cabinet hardware attaches from the back side of the wood.  I wanted to find some handles that would just screw in from the top.  There aren't very many that do that anymore!  The hardware store had a very basic option for a few dollars, but then I found these at Hobby Lobby (they had several options for handles that attach from the top) and knew I found a winner.  They were a little more expensive, $7.50 each during the 1/2 price sale, but they totally made the piece.  



I applied a little bit of Rub & Buff to the heads of some wood screws, made a mark on the center of each side, and screwed them in.  Such a quick and easy upgrade! 



The rustic finish on the turned wood handles complements the wood cutting board nicely, but an iron or metallic finish would look nice also.  



So, for $20 invested in this piece, I think it's a winner!  I floated through a fancy home decor store the other day, and they had similar things that were WAY more expensive than that.  You probably already have something that would work for this project in your kitchen!  If not, I saw these on clearance at TJ Maxx the other day for $8, I like the feet underneath and think it gives a nicer look when adding the serving handles.  Just keep your eyes open!


(Yes, I had my gloves on in the store.  It was a cold day and I was freezing!)

I think I know what our ham will be served on this Easter...  but it makes a really cute tray for the kitchen counter or table, too.



Do you have a favorite serving piece?





Would you like to comment?

  1. LOVE it, jennifer! love the handles you chose!

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  2. Anne @ DesignDreams by AnneMarch 2, 2015 at 7:36 AM

    what a cute idea!! I have an old cutting board in my workshop... hmmmmmmmm another thing added to that list!

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  3. Julia @cuckoo4designMarch 2, 2015 at 7:55 AM

    Love it and also how you styled the photos. So pretty!

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  4. What a great idea. I have one of those boards and I never use it. I think I need to look for handles. Yours looks amazing and I love the way you've styled it too.

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  5. Thank you Anne. I know, now I'm eyeing a few other pieces to see what kind of little makeover they can get! Enjoy your Monday!

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  6. Pam @ Simple DetailsMarch 2, 2015 at 9:28 AM

    So smart!! The rustic handles you chose give it such a high end look!

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  7. Very nice! Great way to upcycle a fun thrift piece.
    BTW, use mineral oil to condition your wood pieces. It's cheap, easy to find and works best. I have a butcher block island and was told not to use food oils because they can turn rancid. :)

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  8. Thanks for the tip! I plan to do that with a mix of beeswax, just need to get the ingredients. Glad to know it works well for you!

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  9. yours look store-bought Jennifer! Fabulous project!

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  10. This turned out great Jennifer! I really need to keep my eyes open for inspiration all the time! :)

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  11. You can find beeswax on Amazon, they have a few different selections. Your board is beautiful!

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  12. This is a great idea. FYI there is a product called Wood Moisturizing Creme that is for cutting boards, salad bowls, etc and lasts longer than olive oil made of beezwax and food grade mineral oil. I use on all my wooden food items. You can order from Bed Bath and Beyond website.

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  13. Lisa @ Shine Your LightMarch 2, 2015 at 5:27 PM

    Oh that is a fabulous idea Jennifer! I love how it came out!

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  14. LOVE IT Jennifer...those handles are so pretty!!

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  15. I'm still dying to see what you are going to do with the tiered tray. Please show us! Robin @ www.designbyrobinsnest.blogspot.com

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  16. Kris {Driven by Décor}March 2, 2015 at 9:53 PM

    Gorgeous! Love how it turned out (and your photos are stunning!)

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  17. My favorite serving piece required only a sharp eye on the last day of an estate sale. It is the heaviest Sterling silver platter I've ever seen, and it's really big! If we are doing something upscale, I polish it to a high shine and arrange the food on it. If something less formal, I skip the polishing and arrange several smaller items on it and cover the main surface with a casual print. This past Christmas, we even put our Advent wreath (family tradition) on it so clearing the table for a family meal would be easier! Best $60 I've spent in a long time.

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  18. Great idea...I have a huge cutting board with a crack in it which I can no longer use because the juice seeps through when we cut the meat, etc. This is a great idea on how to continue to use it!

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  19. This looks great, Jennifer! I love the vision you have for turning ordinary items into statement pieces.

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  20. What a great idea Jen. It looks awesome!

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  21. Love this! I am a sucker for serving pieces (although I never use them - they sure are pretty!)

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  22. debra @ 5th and stateMarch 27, 2015 at 8:10 AM

    hi jennifer
    i was told of you on a blogger round top texas tour by kris of driven by decor. you did not disappoint! loving your blog and serving tray project.
    your newest subscriber,
    debra

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  23. I just love this...creative and so many uses. Perfect for entertaining and I love that you can display it and not have to store it (we have so little storage here).

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  24. Awww, thanks Debra! It looks like Round Top was so much fun, I'm determined to get there some day!

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