How to Make a DIY Floral-Pressed Serving Tray

Creating a DIY floral-pressed serving tray is a simple and creative way to add a personal touch to your home décor. It combines the beauty of nature with functional design, making it both aesthetic and practical. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make your own floral-pressed serving tray.

Materials Needed:

• Wooden serving tray (available at craft stores)

• Fresh flowers (wildflowers, roses, lavender, daisies, etc.)

• Wax paper or parchment paper

• Heavy books or a flower press

• Mod Podge (or clear-drying glue)

• Paintbrush

• Scissors

• Clear acrylic spray (optional, for added protection)

• Paper towels

Step 1: Choose and Prepare Your Flowers

Select flowers that you love and that will press well. Thin, delicate flowers like daisies, lavender, and small roses tend to work best. Before you start pressing, trim the stems of the flowers to remove excess and lay them flat. You can also remove any leaves that may be unnecessary for the design.

Step 2: Press the Flowers

To press the flowers, place them between two sheets of wax paper or parchment paper. If you have a flower press, you can place the flowers in between the sheets provided in the press and tighten the screws. If you don’t have a flower press, you can use heavy books instead. Put the flowers between the sheets of wax paper and place the stack under several heavy books. Leave them for about a week to ensure the flowers dry completely and retain their shape.

Step 3: Prepare the Tray

While your flowers are pressing, prepare the wooden serving tray. You can either leave it natural, paint it, or stain it, depending on the look you want to achieve. If you choose to paint or stain the tray, make sure it is completely dry before moving on to the next step.

Step 4: Arrange the Flowers

Once the flowers are fully pressed and dry, carefully cut them out from the wax paper. Begin arranging them on the tray in a design that you find appealing. You can go for a simple pattern or create a more intricate floral layout. Make sure the flowers are spread out evenly and consider mixing different colors for a vibrant look.

Step 5: Apply the Flowers to the Tray

Using a paintbrush, apply a thin layer of Mod Podge or clear-drying glue to the back of each flower. Gently press the flowers onto the surface of the tray where you want them to be. If you’re going for a more organic look, don’t worry too much about perfect symmetry — let the flowers follow a natural flow.

Step 6: Seal the Design

After arranging the flowers, apply a light layer of Mod Podge over the top of them. This will not only secure the flowers in place but also provide a protective coat that will help them last longer. Be gentle when applying the Mod Podge to avoid shifting the flowers. Let the tray dry for at least 24 hours.

Step 7: Add Extra Protection (Optional)

For additional durability and a smooth finish, you can spray the tray with a clear acrylic spray. This step is especially important if you plan to use the tray regularly for serving or if you want to ensure the flowers remain intact over time. Be sure to spray evenly and allow the spray to dry completely before using the tray.

Step 8: Enjoy Your Floral-Pressed Serving Tray

Once the tray is fully dry, it’s ready to be used! You can now display your DIY floral-pressed tray on a coffee table, use it for serving drinks, or simply enjoy its beautiful design. It also makes for a lovely personalized gift.

By following these steps, you can easily create a unique and charming floral-pressed serving tray. This DIY project allows you to preserve the beauty of flowers while creating a functional piece of décor. With a little patience and creativity, you’ll have a beautiful, handmade tray to use in your home or give as a gift.