How to Make a Serving Tray for the Big Game with an Old Frame

Football season is coming to a close, but the best is yet to come in the next few months. Football parties are a long-standing tradition for a lot of families, and if you are planning on throwing an epic one this year, you’ll want to pull out all of the stops to impress your guests.

Other than providing signature drinks and delicious game snacks, the presentation can be the difference between a get-together and party they’ll be talking about long after. If you are looking for a simple way to serve your food that adds some big personality, see below for a how-to on making your own unique serving tray out of an old oval picture frame.

1.Measure your frame for backing. Get a precise measurement of the backing of your picture frame, so you’ll know how much plywood needs to be cut for a sturdy board. Add an inch or so for screw placement, as you’ll want to make the backing secure and add handles later in the process.

2.Cut your plywood to size, and mark the areas you’ll need to add the screws to for securing it into place and attaching handles. 

3.Add your plywood backing to your frame using glue and wait for it to dry.

4.After drying, add two longer screws on either side with the ends up so you can attach the handles. Handles can be made or bought at any hardware store. Use something easy to grip and choose a color that will go with your tray decor such as silver for a black and white tray or gold for warmer tones.

5.Add your handles, either made from nickel or wood to your frame on either side for easy carrying by securing them with the two marked holes on either side of your frame with screws.

6.Once your serving tray is made, it’s time to customize! One of the simplest ways to do this is to paint the back with chalkboard paint. You can write anything on it after it dries like scores, drink menus or cheers for your favorite team.

If you are looking for something easier than chalkboard paint, you can choose to cover your serving tray plywood in fabric or spray paint it with a gold or silver to make it have a touch of elegance. Just allow a few days for everything to dry beforehand so your tray will be ready to serve the day of the party.

This serving tray is an easy project that can be used for any occasion or brought out each year for the big game as part of your seasonal decor.