Hey all,  Corey back from Sawdust 2 Stitches! Do you struggle with tablescapes ? This is my new go-to!  It is a cheap and easy way to create some character and bulk without spending a fortune! It serves as a great foundation to any table decor,  fill it with whatever tickles your fancy!  For spring I loaded mine up with copious amounts of terra cotta pots and tulips and I LOVE it!  Bonus:  This table runner can be painted and/or stain  to fit any style. Promise it will be the hit of your next social function!

How to Build a Long Table Runner Tray Centerpiece

This post contains affiliate links. Read our full disclosure here.

SUPPLY LIST:

• 1″x 4″ Standard Board
• 1″x 3″  Standard Board
• 1″x 2″ Standard Board
•  5/8″ Dowel Rod
• Sand Paper
• Stain and/or Paint
• Wood glue

TOOLS RECOMMENDED:

• Miter Saw
• Finish Nailer &   1 1/2″  nails
• 5/8″ Forstner Bit

CUT LIST:

Cut from 1″x 3″  Board 

• (x2) @ 47 ″
• (x2) @ 11 “

Cut from 1″ x 4″ Board 

• (x3) @45 ″

Cut from 1″ x 2″ Board 

• (x2) @ 12″

Dowel Rod 5/8″ 

• (x1) @47″

STEP 1: FARMHOUSE TRAY FRAME

First construct the frame.  I add a small amount of  wood glue to the joints, and then reinforce with a 1 1/2″  18 gauge nails.

STEP 2: SLATS

Next add the center slats. Again, add a dab of glue  or hell if you are a risk taker  go ahead and skip this step…  (But seeing as  already divulged the gauntlet my kids put the last tray through  I would strongly suggest it.)   After  you have glued, or not glued, whatevs,  I would reinforce with nails.

STEP 3: HANDLE

Next up the handle.  On the side handles ( 1″x 2″ boards)  you will need to drill a hole to accommodate  your dowel rod handle.  I used a 5/8′ forstner bit to drill mine.   I place the hole  approximately 1-1/2″  down from the top of the handle and centered it.  Once the holes are drilled finesse the dowel rod into both of the side handles on each end. (Again I would suggest a dab of wood glue.)  Once the handle is assembled attached it centered on the previously assembled tray.

Then you know the drill,  glue, and reinforce.

STEP 4: FINISH

You can complete this try with any paint or stain you desire… I personally wanted BOTH!  If you want to achieve the same look I have a full Chippy Paint tutorial HERE. 
   

More centerpiece and tray DIYs:

wood and glass centerpiece planter

printable agate patterned breakfast trays

easy pallet wood tray

Published: July 29, 2017Filed Under: Build, Contributor, Decorate, DIY, Remodel Inspiration By Room Tagged: centerpieces, decorate with trays, Tablescapes

About Corey

Corey is the voice and grunt labor behind Sawdust 2 Stitches, she freely professes, that she has a problem... She CANNOT leave well enough alone.
She can typically be found hunched over a sewing machine and/or covered in sawdust. All in the effort to create a perfect balance of aesthetics and practicality in her home.