Tray Chic

Whether you're organizing a bar, a desk, or even the bathroom vanity, few things are as versatile and stylish as a simple tray. They're perfect for gathering lots of smaller items into a cohesive grouping; not only do they make things easier to find, they're beautiful too! I especially love the vintage tole, silver and wood ones I find at the flea market. There is a new one, though, I'm loving over at Wandrlust. It's embossed with crocodile in a sumptuous black that would be perfect in our little apartment.   

Now I don't know about you, but the price tag's a bit out of my range, especially these days. So I decided to do a little DIY and create a version of my own for a fraction of the cost. To start, I bought this simple lacquer tray from CB2 for $14.99. (If you live near an IKEA, you can find even less expensive ones in their kitchen section.) Then I bought a sheet of this crocodile decorative paper from Kate's Paperie. I went with black, but check out all the great colors!

Now that I had the tray and the paper, the only other things I needed were spray adhesive, an Exacto knife, and a sharp pair of scissors.  

Here's how it went:

• To begin, I cut my sheet of paper into two pieces. To measure for the first piece, I took the dimensions of my tray, then added several inches to each dimension to account for covering the sides of the tray. To measure for the second piece, I took the exact dimensions of the inside bottom of the tray.


• I laid the first (bigger) piece on a flat surface, with the textured side facing down. I then sprayed adhesive on the bottom of the tray and pressed it down directly into the center of the paper. After allowing that to dry, I covered each side of the tray by folding each remaining edge of paper up and around the lip of the tray. If you have excess paper at the corners, simply miter them by making a small, diagonal cut into the corner to allow the paper to fold more easily over and inside the tray. (Don't worry about the excess paper on the inside; that you'll cover with the second piece.)


• After the bottom and sides of the tray were covered and smoothed, I sprayed adhesive on the backside of the second piece of paper. To finish, I then pressed it firmly into the inside bottom of the tray, making sure it was even on all sides. To protect the finish, use a water-based sealer, but if you're working with a colored paper, be sure to test it first!

Now how chic is that? And for about 30 bucks, pass the good gin, honey.    

Comments

[Diva Style]

Okaaaay....I love a chic tray--I have them all over my house! This idea is so savvy!

[Michelle @Everyday Celebrating]

Loving that you've adorned it with Bombay! Love your blog!

[sandra/tx]

Eddie, I've left an award for you on my blog today. Also, I'll be profiling your blog as one of my favorite design blogs this week. Hope you don't mind.

[Linda K]

Eddie - I just love your blog, your style and your sweet personality. I adore your taste in gin! Bombay Blue Sapphire is the best.

[Kindle aka Redesign Diva]

Kindred spirits are we! My last project was Croc too! YEAH! Keep em coming babe!

Hope you guys are having a blast in ATL! I can't wait to see more pics!

[Anne S]

Hi Eddie, The tray is so beautiful. I love the yellow pop of color too. Thank you for sharing another great idea.

[mslewis]

I can't believe they want $400 for a tray!!! I think I'll give your idea a try, perhaps in a blue color and then I'll go to Bed, Bath and Beyond and buy an inexpensive tray table, paint it and add the tray on top. I've been looking for a cute little table for a corner in my small apartment and could never find one that didn't cost a bundle. Thanks, Eddie.

[Amphritrite]

Lol - anytime you want to come and virtually decorate my apartment, you are more than welcome, Eddie. 375 square feet -- half of that is actual living space -- an ugly kitchen and teeny, tiny bathroom with no tub!

Craig is my friend. I found a pair of AWESOME chairs on them and stretched my budget to the max to pick them up. I'm thinking a chair reupholster is in order ;)

[Hell's Kitchen Flea Market]

Good Lord, now I'm seriously thirsty! I've never seen a bottle of Bombay so attractively presented.

On a personal style note: *Every serving tray is a potential table if you have to things to set its edges on.*

I set a serving tray (one w/o tall sides) atop the top opened drawers of 2 matching knee-high footstools/organizers that I keep in front of my sofa (in front of the television. I turn the organizers so they're facing each other, open the top drawers, and rest the tray there on the drawers. The tray then is a bit like a bridge between the organizers; it becomes a low table. I have used this small living-space trick 100s of times when guests are over, informally of course, as a great place to serve appetizers from, spread out the various containers when take-out is delivered, etc.

-FleaSpeech (of Hell's Kitchen Flea Market)

[patricia]

after while "crocodile"- a perfectly preppy tray for holding and serving. love IT.

[Rebecca]

Wow! I have been looking at a china hutch on craigslist like the one you purchased and thought about painting it black to go with my oriental dining table. You have just convinced me to go with my original idea. Love the mirror on the server. I learned of your "blog" a few weeks ago when you were on Martha Stewart's show and have totally enjoyed yours along with the other blogs that are listed. Love your ideas!

Thanks

[Silja]

Thanks! This is a really nice idea. And the end result looks very professional.

[cheryl]

Love your tips,pics and instructions! I love you and your blog, what else is there?

[ralphie]

Hi Eddie,

This tray is totally cool - slick and sophisticated, and I just love trays! I am going to give this project my best shot.

I've been needing a reason to shop at Kate's Paperie, and now I have one. Bravo to Eddie Ross!

[decorpad]

Simply amazing!

[Anne @ The City Sage]

Are we in agreement that aerosol cans are the decorator's best friend? between spray paint and spray adhesive, i feel like ugliness has had its last gasp!

an inspired project as usual, eddie. and my favourite part? the fact that in your display vignette, you're using your crocodile tray to offset yet another tray! talk about the layered look ;)

[carlene]

I recently found your blog and have been having so much fun seeing all your stylish & fun projects...thanx for the inspiration & happytrails!

[Evelyn]

Eddie, Eddie, Eddie,

Your ideas are superb!! It's time to start working on the Coffee Table Book. ...Dedicated to Jaithan, of course.

[Mariola Dudzicka]

Brilliant and delightful idea. I love your style Eddie. I am glad, I have found your blog!

[Susan]

Great idea... and I think I have a tray in the garage I can use!

[cj]

I'm loving this. While I'm in the mood, I'm going to make a few to give as xmas gifts next year with the above mentioned bottle of something wicked.

[Lindy]

Now this I can use...This doesn't look "crafty" either...very nice

[LayersofMeaning]

Amazing as usual!!!

[Cheryl]

This is the perfect kind of project for those of us who want big design on a small budget! Thanks so much for the tutorial, it's tre chic! :)

[Mrs. JP]

Eddie - I am so loving this idea. I'm totally going to do this.

[Kathysue]

Eddie,This is one of the things I love about you.You know good style and classic when you see it and then you make it doable for your budget and it is Oh So Tres Chic.I am off to read Seleta's post.She is on my favorites list and I visit her blog everyday also.She is such a talented well grounded young woman.Hugs Kathysue

[Amphritrite]

Gorgeous, dahlink!

[Paloma]

This is such a fabulous idea! I love it!

[Cathy]

Not only thanks for the idea, but thanks for showing the products you used. I hate when I get excited about a DIY and am only told "glue" but no advice as to what works best for that type project. You're the greatest.

[Karena]

Eddie you are the best once again. I love trays!! It is fun to switch them out for seasonal. That red paper would be great at Christmas etc.

[Jack Ferlise]

If you're worried about stains or rings, why not have a piece of glass cut to fit the base? With a small tray the price would be very reasonable or you could cut a laminate at the same time you cut your paper to fit your tray. Tray easy, with good careful measuring.

[hanako66]

That looks so great and so expensive....thanks for the amazing idea, as usual :)

[tardevil]

Another great post! IKEA opens in Charlotte on 2/18! WOO HOO! The count down is on! I don't know how you collect so many things and live in a small apartment b/c I know collectors find it hard resisting great finds! I guess living in NY makes it worth the sacrifice!

[Mona]

Love it!!!! So chic - noone would guess it was only $30!!

How great would that tray look in MY bathroom with vintage bottles and trays to hold cotton balls, soaps etc.

Thanks for the great ideas Eddie!

[Jan]

Wonderful project! And so handy -- I adore trays of all sorts and kinds! How about a posting about tray tables -- since those are making their way back into the pages and homes of the chic too! Or how about one on bar carts? LOL!

Jan at Rosemary Cottage

[Lee Spoon]

Eddie:

I adore this super affordable idea. I am going to make a tray to give as housewarming gift (probably paired with a nice bottle of Vodka.) Thank you so much for all of your inspirational ideas!

I also have a question for you: I live in Boston and frequently make trips to New York. Can you suggest some interesting craft supply stores (like Kate’s Paperie) to visit the next time I am in the city? I would love to peruse all of these little gems.

Thanks so Much,

Lee

[Mimilee]

Looks wonderful! Great idea, Eddie!

Have fun in Hotlanta!!! I am sick I can't be there! Maybe next time!

[pigtown-design]

Eddie... those papers from Kate's look like the ones I got a Paperchase in London last year!

[liz]

I think yours looks better than the one from Wanderlust! Seriously!

[dallas]

love this. I am looking for an old vintage mirrored one for my perfumes. Grannie style! and maybe my gin can go on there too!?

dallas
http://dillydallas.blogspot.com

[Leslie Rowlands]

Way cool!
I am in need of organizing the libation cabinet!!!
thanks Eddie!
lamaisonfoublogspot.com

[Joyce]

Now that my friend is so... cleaver and a great idea! Very nice-I love it! Enjoy...xoxo

[Content in a Cottage]

Eddie...you are too clever. Is it possible to put a sealer on the paper to prevent staining?

[Lauren Liess]

Love it!!!! You're too much!! :)
xoxo,
Lauren Liess

[Elizabeth]

I forgot to ask! May I post this on my blog with a link to your site? I have many friends who are avid do-it-yourselfer's on a budget. This would be right up their alley!

Thanks!

[Elizabeth]

I'm so glad that you're doing little projects this month, Eddie. This tray in particular looks like a fantastic idea! Since we're currently creating an office for my husband, what would be more chic than to have a mini-bar area with a custom made tray?

Brilliant as always. Hope you are enjoying the fruits of a new year!

[Teresa]

Another great idea, Eddie! I've been looking for a great tray that isn't uber expensive...save the moola for the good booze. lol.

[Columnist]

You make it look so easy, but I think I'd make a horlicks of it, and would be in need of the good gin to recover. Well, any excuse, I suppose!

[Lucien]

Gin? I'll bring the olives! Great idea! Chic on a budget! Love it.

[Angie]

Do you think a coat of clear spray would protect the paper from spills and scratches? Nice work by the way!!

[Tabitha (From Single to Married)]

Very cool indeed. And you're right - $399 is way too much for a tray, but maybe it's just me. :)

[Cheree Cleghorn]

Can you do this with a Parsons table which has, frankly, seen better days? Is there anything else you would do to make its top more durable?
C

[kay*]

that looks great. i am definitely attempting this!

[leigh of Tales from Bloggeritaville]

I love it, Eddie!

Sorry I missed the Sunday Scott's. I hate that I did. (I emailed Jaithan) I will catch you next time around. I am sure that y'all had a great time. I cannot wait to see what all you found.

[Kate@ Kids and Cocktails]

Looks great. Thanks for the great idea.