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✨ Transform a Simple Tray into a Charming Holiday Centerpiece 🎁

✨ Transform a Simple Tray into a Charming Holiday Centerpiece 🎁

DIY Wood Foil Pan Carrier Centerpiece with Melissa Miller

Hello friends! It’s Melissa Miller of Miller’s Rustic Sawmill, back with another creative holiday DIY. This week, I’m showing you how to transform a simple wood tray into a beautiful foil pan carrier and festive centerpiece using a few of my favorite Essential Stencil products!


Table of Contents


Materials You’ll Need


Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare your wood crate

Make sure your tray or carrier is clean, dry, and smooth to ensure your stencil and transfer adhere perfectly.

Prepare your wood crate

2. Stencil the word β€œHome”

Center the Home Sweet Home stencil on one long side of the crate and tape it down securely. Using your Essential Stencil brush and a small amount of white acrylic paint, lightly stencil the word β€œHome.”

Taping and stenciling Home

Apply a second coat if needed for opacity, then carefully remove the stencil and allow it to dry completely.

3. Repeat on the other side

Once the first side is dry, flip your tray and repeat the same process on the opposite long side.

Repeat stenciling on other side

4. Add decorative transfers

Cut out your favorite winter designs (like the deer and house) from the Scandinavian Christmas Rub-on Transfer Set. Position them in the center of the crate’s base, then use the Essential Rub-On Transfer Tool to burnish and transfer the design smoothly.

Applying Scandinavian rub-on transfers

5. Seal your project (optional)

If you plan to use this carrier for hot dishes, protect your artwork with a light coat of clear acrylic spray sealer. You can also place a towel or pot holder inside as a buffer for warm pans.


Helpful Tips

  • Offload your brush! Dab off most of the paint before stenciling to avoid bleed-through.
  • Dry between coats β€” otherwise, you’ll lift the paint right back off the wood.
  • Try using other seasonal stencils or monogram letters to personalize for weddings, holidays, or gifts.
  • Transfers adhere best to smooth, sealed surfaces, so prep your wood accordingly.

Final Look & Inspiration

Here’s how Melissa’s finished tray turned out β€” a perfect holiday hostess gift, wedding present, or keepsake for your kitchen decor. It’s both functional and beautiful!

Finished wood foil pan carrier centerpiece

Melissa suggests keeping a few of these trays on hand during the holidays. You can carry your 9x13 pan to gatherings and leave the tray as a thoughtful, handmade gift!


Thank you for crafting along with Melissa Miller of Miller’s Rustic Sawmill! Stay tuned for more Tuesday night projects and holiday gift-making ideas featuring Essential Stencil products.

Shop Melissa’s favorite tools:
Home Sweet Home Stencil β€’ Scandinavian Transfer Set β€’ Stencil Brush Set β€’ Rub-On Transfer Tool


Ready to create your own?

Shop the full Essential Stencil collection and start crafting your holiday gifts today!


Watch the Full Tutorial

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