The Cheapest and Fastest Way to Create Your Own Gold Serving Trays for Party Food

Ever looked for the cheapest and fastest way to create your own gold serving trays for party food, but couldn't find anything fitting your budget?

Thank you, Holli, for asking this question! We're here to present a simple and cost-effective DIY guide for creating your very own gold serving trays with an emphasis on both speed and affordability. Let's dive into the process together.

Necessary Materials

To create your own custom gold serving trays, you will need the following materials:

Acrylic Gold Paint or Gold Spray Paint: Best for a long-lasting and vibrant finish. Wooden Box or Tray: You can find these in various sizes and designs at any local craft store. They come in handy for this project and are often reasonably priced. Paint Palette or Plates: Use this to mix your paint and serve as a working surface. Foam Brush: A soft foam brush is ideal for ensuring a smooth and even application of the paint. Hand Gloves: To protect your hands from paints and stains.

Alternative Option: If you have an old tray you'd like to repurpose, you can use it as a base. However, if the tray is multi-colored or has patterns, you may need to apply a base coat first to ensure even coverage of the gold paint.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Preparation

Start by preparing your workspace. Cover your table or work area with newspapers or a drop cloth to protect from spills and stains. Put on your hand gloves to prevent paint from staining your hands.

Step 2: Base Coat (Optional)

If you're using an old tray that has multiple colors or patterns, apply a base coat of color. This ensures that the gold paint adheres evenly and properly covers the entire surface. Allow the base coat to dry thoroughly before proceeding.

Step 3: Applying Acrylic Gold Paint

Using a foam brush, apply an even coat of acrylic gold paint to your wooden tray. Work in sections to ensure a smooth finish. You can add multiple layers for a more intense gold effect. Allow each layer to dry before applying the next.

Step 4: Finishing Touches

Once the paint is dry, you can use a fine-grit sandpaper to smooth out any rough spots or brushstrokes. If needed, you can apply a clear sealant to protect the gold paint and enhance its durability.

Additional Tips

- For a more luxurious look, experiment with different gold shades or metallic finishes.

- If you're catering for a large party, consider creating multiple trays for a cohesive and professional look.

- Clean your materials promptly after finishing to avoid paint sticking.

YouTube Tutorial Recommendation

If you find it difficult to follow the steps without visual guidance, I highly recommend watching this YouTube tutorial. It offers detailed, step-by-step guidance that can help you achieve your desired results. It's perfect for those who prefer learning through demonstration.

Alternative Option: Purchasing Gold Serving Trays

While creating your serving trays from scratch is cost-effective, you might also consider purchasing pre-made gold serving trays from party goods stores. These stores carry a variety of gold and silver trays, both strong plastic and more durable materials. Options are available at places like Costco and Walmart, among others. These trays are designed for direct food contact, making them safe and reusable.

By following these steps or choosing the purchase route, you can easily find a suitable gold serving tray for your party food. Whether you're doing it yourself or buying off the shelf, the purpose is to ensure that you can serve your delicious party food in style and sophistication.

Now that you have the knowledge, let's bring your party food serving game to the next level!