When I was picking up wood for another project at Lowe's, I saw this precut unfinished wood plaque and thought it would make an interesting top for my tray. It's sturdy and a perfect size.

I found a unfinished wood pedestal base at Michael's craft store to use as the foot for my tray.

I measured the center point of the tray. To find the center point first measure across the top and mark the center, then do the same for the width and mark that point; this will be the true center of the tray where you want to attach the pedestal base. It's important to measure correctly because you don't want a wobbly tray!!

I applied a generous amount of wood glue to the bottom of the pedestal, placed it on the backside of the top with a little pressure and let it dry overnight.

The next day it was time to get painting! I went with a traditional Christmas green.

The tray took two coats of the green paint to get a nice even finish.

Don't worry...it's not going to stay that bright!

Have you ever tried using a colored paint glaze on a project? It's a cool technique that can totally transform the look of your piece...and it's so simple to do!

I mixed clear mixing glaze with a small amount of black acrylic paint and stirred it well to combine the two together.

You can see how I used this same glaze on a bigger piece here when I refinished my husband's dresser.

Then I took a small paint brush and painted the glaze over the entire tray just like you would with paint.

The glaze dries darker and matte. Now for my favorite part...decorating my tray!!

The tray would make the sweetest little hot cocoa station!

Add a few jars of crushed peppermints or small candy canes, mini marshmallows, and whatever other yummy things you can imagine!

Put out a few festive mugs and a plate of cookies and you have yourself a perfect place spot to warm up after you come in from the cold!

If you liked this project, I would love for you to come check out some of my other Christmas decorating ideas over on Cottage On Bunker Hill.