Decor

Styling a Tray

Does your coffee table need a little something extra?  Come see how styling a tray is easier than you may think! This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Hobby Lobby. The opinions and text are all mine. Styling a Tray with Hobby Lobby I love using trays in my decor. They add interest and texture while containing home decor pieces. Trays come in a variety of sizes and materials and can match any decor style. Once the perfect tray is found, the styling can begin. Here are a few helpful hints:

Use decor pieces with varying heights.

Add visual interest to the tray by finding items of different heights (and sizes).

Think in threes.

Three is the perfect number (which is probably why I have three kids). It works well for grouping while not appearing cluttered.

Add life.

Adding life (greenery or flowers) can include artificial plants. Whether using real or artificial plants, they will add warmth to the tray. For my tray, I created a DIY plant holder (and share that tutorial later in this post) and added a bowl and candle. Everything on my tray (including the tray) was found at Hobby Lobby. I fell in love with the unusual shape and pretty design of this bowl. It’s filled with beads for the photo, but in real life, we use it to hold our TV remote. I love the straight lines of the bowl against the round tray. I also used a candle to style my tray. I found a pretty navy candle that matched my decor (and smelled great). I put it in this modern glass and brass candle holder. My coffee table is so large, that I added another vignette with the tray. I began by stacking some books I already had. I found this metal and glass terrarium which worked nicely with the candle holder. I found the most realistic-looking artificial air plant for the terrarium for next to nothing. This fun and quirky white geometric pineapple and is the perfect piece to usher in warmer weather. It adds height to the other vignette which helped balance the two decor groupings. The centerpiece of the decor groupings is the DIY plant container. It is not only beautiful, but you can customize it to fit your decor (and it’s pretty inexpensive to make). Here are the supplies needed: To begin, lay the fabric inside the bowl to determine how much is needed. The fabric will be glued to the inside of the bowl. Keeping in mind that fabric can shrink when wet, allow extra fabric before cutting around the bowl. Once the fabric is cut, remove the fabric from the bowl. Pour Mod Podge into the bowl. Make sure you thickly cover the inside of the bowl. Once the bowl is covered in Mod Podge, add the fabric. Keep the fabric facing outward. I found that a rag worked best for attaching the fabric. Add more Mod Podge where needed and work out any bubbles. Once the fabric is glued, allow the Mod Podge to completely dry. It could take up to 24 hours depending on the thickness of the Mod Podge. Once it dried, cut off the extra fabric around the top. For my bowl, I stuffed the inside with newspaper and added my flake greenery (green boxwood). I glued moss around the plant to hide the newspaper. The result was the perfect greenery vase combination for my space! Go find a tray at Hobby Lobby and style it pretty.

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5 thoughts on “Styling a Tray

  1. Ahh I’ve spent a well deserved lazy Saturday doing no DIY not one trip to Target not one trip to our locally owned nursery. Not poring over websites for a patio lounger. Not doing anything.
    So I treated myself to browsing through all the details of this post. I loved all you chose and did!!! The fabric in the bubble bowl was a complete surprise!! Loved how it looked on the tray. I should go in and grab a different tray to restyle. And use your tips.
    I will. I will!!!
    Another thing I reread was the kitchen post. I don’t think I followed you or maybe forgot when you put in seeded glass. Yes!!! Someone else who does not like dust on their dishes!!! I live in our nation’s –wait for this #1 status–most polluted city in America. In fact my crystal goblets get a haze on them even with the cupboard doors shut. In our city’s defense, we are getting even CHINA’s pollution–they can check stuff like that. And so I can’t handle open shelves. I also have a tiny kitchen with such few cupboards I do have to stack dishes on dishes. But seeded glass is a great option. Hmmm did you cut the wood panel out yourself?? I loved the new look of the gold faucets but I can remember going into a model home when brushed nickel was so new they had to go to LA for it all!!! I did Rub n Buff my Mom’s big ’70’s drawer handles on her dresser when I redid her dresser not long ago. It does look striking to see that pop of gold on blue!! Your home is beautiful!! Hmmm may all you touch turn to (faux) gold?!!! We just want it to be durable on kitchen handles and faucets!!!

    1. Hi Gwen! It sounds like a fun and well deserved day off for you! Yes, I did put seeded glass on our cabinets a few years back. The dust was just TOO MUCH. I didn’t do any of it myself. I have a friend who owns a mirror/glass company, so he did it. It makes such a difference! I can’t believe you guys see China’s pollution. That is so crazy (and frustrating). Yes, I’m back on a gold kick. It all cycles, doesn’t it?!

  2. I always enjoy your posts!
    I used Mod Podge to affix a pretty paper napkin on Easter eggs this year and was so sorry to have to put them away. I’m going to try my paper napkins in a glass bowl like you did your fabric– it may be more fragile to work with but I bet I can master it! Thank you for a great idea to be able to keep displaying the pattern I love.

    Thanks again for such beautiful photos and pretty ideas.

    1. Hi Shelley! I bet those eggs are gorgeous! A paper napkin is a great idea for inside the vase. Honestly it’s probably easier to work with than fabric since it’s thinner. Thanks for sharing and have a great week!