Fourth of July Party Trays

2 min read September 13, 2026 Jennifer Tetreault
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Whether you're decorating for a Fourth of July cookout or want some patriotic decor for inside your home, these 4th of July Party Trays fit the bill perfectly! They are so simple to make and pack quite the patriotic punch! If you'd really like to make a statement at your celebration, alternate these trays with American flag-filled soda bottles down the center of your table to create a rustic table runner.

Project Time
30 to 40 min
Difficulty
Beginner
Step
1

Begin by painting a DIY Wood Tray with White Acrylic Paint using a Sponge Paint Brush. Let dry completely.

Fourth of July Party Trays step 1
Step
2

When the paint is completely dry, use sandpaper to distress the paint. Lightly sand all around the tray, focusing on the edges and handles where natural distressing would typically occur. Once you've sanded to your desired look, use a paper towel or cloth to dust off the tray.

Fourth of July Party Trays step 2
Step
3

Next, unfold a Red Gingham Luncheon Napkin and use scissors to cut along the folds. If necessary, trim along one of the gingham lines until a napkin square fits perfectly into the bottom of the tray.

Fourth of July Party Trays step 3
Step
4

We love personalized touches, so we chose to used Blue Personalized Ribbon to embellish our DIY Trays. We chose "Let Freedom Ring" text because the plates we used for our party had the Liberty Bell on them. To ensure that the text on your ribbon is centered on each side panel of the tray, cut the ribbon into four pieces long enough to cover each side, making sure the text is centered on each piece. Use double-sided tape to adhere the strips to the tray sides. Next, fill a mason jar with flowers and center in the middle of your tray.

See how we used these trays on our Rustic Fourth of July Party! Don't miss out on the tutorial for a Rustic Star Door Hanging and the recipe for Fourth of July Sliders.

Fourth of July Party Trays step 4 part 1
Fourth of July Party Trays step 4 part 2

Oriental Trading is your go-to source for party supplies, crafts, toys, and novelties. With over 85 years of experience, we offer a wide selection of products at unbeatable prices, making it easy to create memorable celebrations.

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