Heirloom server

Make a decorative tray to show off family heirlooms

Hallmark staff
How to make a decorative tray to show off family heirlooms @hallmarkstores @hallmarkstoresIdeas

Precious linens can be as hard to incorporate into your home’s style as they are to give up to a consignment store. You want to find a place for them in your life, but somehow these family heirlooms always end up gathering dust in your bureau drawers and attics.

So what do you do with all those crocheted doilies and fancy monogrammed handkerchiefs that have been passed down from generation to generation? Here’s a pretty, practical solution that makes a great conversation piece: an heirloom serving tray. Not only does it make something useful for you, you can make several and give them as gifts to other family members to share the memories.

What you’ll need for 1 tray

  • Spray paint
  • 2 door or cabinet handles
  • Frame, (we used 11 in. x 14 in.)
  • 4 screws (to fit your handles)
  • Drill
  • Drill bit (that corresponds to the screw size)
  • Fabric for back panel
  • Doily, handkerchief or lace remnant
  • Pen or pencil
  • Scissors

How to make it

  1. Remove the cardboard backing from your frame, and turn the frame facedown (with the glass intact) on a clean work surface.
  2. Place the back of the frame onto your back-panel fabric, trace it with a pen or pencil, and cut it out.
  3. Place the handkerchief, doily or lace remnant onto the center of the glass, right side facing down. Lay the cut piece of back-panel fabric on top. Set aside.
  4. Spray-paint the handles to match your frame and allow them to dry completely.
  5. Position a handle on one side of the frame. Mark the screw holes with a pencil. Repeat on the opposite side.
  6. Pre-drill shallow holes where you made your pencil marks. Screw each handle in place.