Hidden Treasures: 10 Creative Ways to Repurpose Goodwill Trays

Introduction:
Next time you stroll through your local Goodwill or thrift store, don’t pass by those outdated or dusty serving trays. While they might seem uninspiring at first glance, these humble items can be transformed into beautiful, practical pieces for your home. Whether they’re made of metal, wood, or plastic, thrifted trays offer endless potential for upcycling. With a little creativity and minimal materials, you can give these forgotten items a new lease on life. Below, we’ll explore 10 nifty and imaginative ways to reuse them.

Ingredients (aka Materials You'll Need):
Depending on the project you choose, you might need:

• Acrylic or chalk paint

• Mod Podge or sealant

• Wallpaper scraps or decorative paper

• Adhesive hooks or handles

• Hot glue gun

• Drill (for hanging or hardware)

• Felt pads or cork

• Stencils

• Resin (optional)

• Screws and wall anchors

Preparation (How to Clean and Prep Your Tray):

1. Clean the tray thoroughly with warm soapy water and dry completely.

2. If it has peeling paint or rust, sand it lightly to smooth the surface.

3. Apply a primer if you're planning to paint it—this helps the color stick and last longer.

4. Decide what function the tray will serve—this will guide your design approach.

10 Creative Repurposing Ideas:

1. Chalkboard Message Center
   Paint the inner surface with chalkboard paint and hang it in your kitchen or entryway for notes, reminders, or grocery lists.

2. Magnetic Organizer
   Use magnetic paint or a sheet of metal to turn a tray into a handy catch-all for office supplies, spices, or keys.

3. Boho Wall Art
   Apply wallpaper or decoupage floral napkins onto the surface, then hang it as a bold art piece.

4. Jewelry Display
   Add hooks or small knobs to the tray to organize necklaces and bracelets, and lean it against a vanity or hang it on a wall.

5. Herb Garden Drip Tray
   Use a tray to hold small pots of herbs on your windowsill—catching water and keeping surfaces clean.

6. Coffee Table Centerpiece
   Refinish the tray with a stylish coat of paint and use it to corral candles, remotes, or books on your coffee table.

7. Bedside Organizer
   Paint and line the bottom with felt or cork to create a non-slip surface for glasses, books, and a cup of tea.

8. Serving Tray Upgrade
   Add new handles and fresh paint for an elegant serving tray for entertaining guests.

9. Resin Art Tray
   Pour colored resin with inclusions like glitter, pressed flowers, or shells for a unique and functional piece of art.

10. Pet Feeding Station
    Use a tray under your pet’s food and water bowls to contain spills and crumbs—add vinyl decals for a custom touch.

Serving and Storage Tips:

• For functional trays (e.g., serving or display), apply a waterproof sealant to make them easy to clean and durable.

• Store seasonal or themed trays with decor bins, and protect delicate finishes with a cloth wrap.

• Hang multiple trays gallery-style for an artistic wall arrangement that doubles as storage.

Variations: