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Introduction
If you love thrifting, you’ve probably come across an assortment of trays at Goodwill — from vintage serving trays to colorful plastic ones. While they might seem outdated or oddly styled, these trays are treasure troves of potential! Instead of tossing or stashing them away, why not repurpose them into practical and stylish home solutions? Below, we share a creative “recipe” for turning those Goodwill trays into useful, beautiful items with 10 fun ideas you’ll want to try.
Ingredients
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1-3 Goodwill trays (any size or material)
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Basic crafting supplies (spray paint, decoupage glue, brushes)
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Adhesive felt pads or cork sheets
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Screws or strong adhesive (optional)
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Decorative paper or fabric (optional)
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Storage baskets or small containers (optional)
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Hardware for wall mounting (optional)
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Cleaning supplies (soap, water, cloth)
Preparation
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Clean your trays thoroughly with soap and water to remove any dirt or grime.
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If desired, spray paint or decorate your trays with your chosen colors, patterns, or decoupage. Allow to dry completely.
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Apply felt pads or cork lining to the tray bottom to protect surfaces and add grip.
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For wall use, attach mounting hardware or hooks securely.
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Assemble any additional accessories or compartments inside the trays as needed.
Serving and Storage Tips
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Use trays to serve snacks and drinks at parties for a retro or eclectic touch.
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Organize desk items like pens, paper clips, and notebooks by converting trays into stylish desktop organizers.
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Store jewelry, makeup, or toiletries neatly in trays on your dresser or bathroom counter.
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Create a plant tray centerpiece by arranging small potted plants inside a waterproof tray.
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Turn a sturdy tray into a bedside caddy for holding books, glasses, and remotes.
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Use a decorative tray as a coffee table catchall to keep remotes, coasters, and magazines in one place.
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For kitchen use, trays can act as spice racks or under-shelf storage when mounted on walls.
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In kids’ rooms, trays can hold craft supplies or toys for easy cleanup.
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For entryways, trays are perfect for holding keys, wallets, and mail.
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Outdoors, use trays as portable picnic trays or planters.
Store trays stacked in a dry place when not in use. Avoid excessive moisture on wooden trays to prevent warping.
Variations
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