A Houndstooth Vinyl Tray

I love entertaining during the summer months and this houndstooth vinyl tray is perfect for the 4th of July but versatile enough for any summer parties.  And, if you have a cutting machine, it’s really simple to make.

To begin, you’ll need a white wooden tray {I found mine in the clearance aisle at Hobby Lobby}.  If you can’t find a white tray, you can always add in an extra step and paint a plain wooden tray.

Tape off around the bottom of the tray and then cover the rest of the tray with a plastic bag, leaving only the bottom showing {tape tightly to avoid any red mist getting on the handles of the tray}.

Spray the bottom of the tray with a few coats of Rustoleum Regal Red.  {It took me three coats to cover up the emblem on my tray.  I would have added a coat of primer if there had been more than four drops left in the can.}

Using a Silhouette or other type of cutting machine, cut a houndstooth pattern from white vinyl …

… and apply it over the red surface.  Don’t you love how crisp the white looks against the red?  And who doesn’t love houndstooth?

Just one more simple step: using a Silhouette, cut the word “cheers” from blue vinyl {I used the cursive standard font and welded it before cutting so it would cut as one piece}.

Apply it to the edge of your tray …

… and you’re ready for summer entertaining!  Cheers!

For more entertaining ideas for the fourth of July, be sure to check out this beverage bar with easy DIY beverage tags …

… a red, white, and blue s’mores bar …

… and glittery ideas for a last minute 4th of July tablescape!