Like most brides, I wanted to go the extra mile to set the scene at my wedding. As a kid, before my years as a florist and an interior decorator, I worked for a catering company. I suppose I was over-exposed to the standard catering set up, bar trays and piles of plates. I wanted my day to have a more authentic rustic vibe. One of the ways I achieved this was by eliminating the typical catering equipment. I didn’t have the budget to buy a dozen wood trays (averaging $30-$50 a piece), so I made them myself.

It was so cheep and easy!

I began with Top Choice 1 x 24 x 72 Kiln-Dried Whitewood Softwood Board from Lowes. It runs about $10 a board & will make 2-4 cutting boards. I also bought 1 x 12 x 48 boards to make smaller designs.

Cut the board to desired size. Our table saw was already being used at a renovation project, so I used a jig saw. The 1 inch wood is thin enough to make the cuts. I used a spare 2 x 4, clamped into place, as a guide for the cuts.

Make the octagon design. Set the chopsaw to 45 degrees, and slice. Repeat on all four corners.

Sand. 

Stain is a beautiful touch for decorative cutting boards only. I plan to use these boards as serving trays at our wedding, and then later as accent pieces in our kitchen. If you are planing to actually chop on these boards, I suggest skipping the stain.

Allow the boards to dry over night.

Clean the boards, and finish off with an organic oil. My favorite is an all natural butcher block conditioner that I found on Etsy. My tip for selecting wood conditioner is to read the ingredients (obviously), if the products are edible then you’re good to go.

Here’s a look at the finished product!

Check back soon for updates on where these boards are now.

XOXO,

Jill