Diy Styled Farmhouse Tray Decor for Spring

Protect your work surface.

Give the tray a slight sanding. Clean the tray well to remove any dust or residue.

Pour a small amount of stain into a plastic dish if the can opening is narrow.

The wooden tray on a protected surface ready for staining

Apply the stain in sections, starting with the outer sides, then the inside, and finally the bottom.

Wipe off any excess stain with a cloth and let the tray dry completely (about 2 hours, or according to the stain instructions).

Once the stain is dry, dip just the tip of your brush into the paint and remove most of it on a paper towel.

Using quick, light strokes, dry-brush the tray. You can paint only the outside or the entire tray. I painted the whole tray for a more cohesive look.

Let the paint dry for about one hour, then lightly sand using 150-grit sandpaper.

Clean off all sanding dust with a cloth.

Apply a second dry-brushed coat of paint.

Once dry, sand again. For a more aged look, focus on edges and corners and use a rougher grit if desired.

Apply a clear spray varnish or wax to seal the tray. I prefer spray varnish for this type of finish.

Apply 2 light coats, allowing at least 30 minutes of drying time between coats.

Once dry, the tray is ready to style.

There you go! You got yourself a pretty Farmhouse Tray.

Start with one main focal item, such as a candle holder.

Add greenery using faux plants or flowers if you prefer low maintenance. I used a metal pot and a simple vase with tulips.

Fill the tray with moss to soften the look and add texture. Tuck in a few small accents, like pinecones or decorative pieces you already own.

Finish with a small seasonal sign. Reversible Rustic Spring to Easter wood sign. It’s reversible, so I can easily switch it from spring to Easter.

Keep the styling loose and balanced. Leave a little empty space so the tray doesn’t feel crowded.