DIY {Monogram} Tray

I don't know about you but I {heart} monograms. Well, actually, I {heart} pretty much anything that is personalized. I {heart} getting personalized gift and, even more so, I {heart} GIVING monogrammed and personalized gifts. Unfortunately monogrammed and personalized gifts can get quite pricey.  But, fear not, with a steady hand, a craft cutter, or a purchased vinyl decal you can give beautiful, personalized gifts this holiday season.

It all started when I was doing my weekly rounds through Target  (you know, so that I can let you know what's new, I do it all for you....and maybe a little for me) and I found the most beautiful serving trays. For only $14.99!!! Score!!! For that price this makes a great gift for MANY people on your holiday lists and it would make a STUNNING hostess gift!

They came in 3 beautiful colors - a smokey silver, a royal blue, and this regal red. Usually I would have gone for the blue but we've been looking for a tray to use to bring things outside to our new patio which has a red color palette, so I went for RED! And they also have matching metal drink buckets that match these trays (which would also be perfect for a monogram), also for $14.99, so I will have to go back and get one of those for the patio, too.

I measured my tray and decided that a 9-10" monogram decal was going to look the best. Using Silhouette Studio I designed my monogram and cut it out on white glossy outdoor (permanent) vinyl. I transfered the decal with Transfer Tape to make sure it would be straight.

If you don't only a craft cutter you have 2 other options to personalized your tray.  Option 1) You can open up a software program like Word, Publisher, PowerPoint, or Paint and create your monogram with a fun font like Monogram KK that you can download for free. Once you've designed your monogram, print it out, cut it out, and then use it as a template to trace your monogram on your tray using a white paint pen/marker. Remove your template and fill in the letters you just traced with the paint pen using long strokes. Option 2) Open up your internet surfing software, go to Etsy.com and search for monogram decals. You'll find a TON of options and when I was looking last night most 10" decals are right around $10, STILL a cheaper option that ordering a monogrammed tray from anywhere I could find them.

Wrap your tray in a little ribbon or bow and you have a wonderful, personalized gift for $15-$25!! It can also act as the "basket" to a larget gift, too!

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