Having friends over is one of my favorite things to do. I really enjoy the process of preparing for company.
Sometimes, though, I find myself aggravated when I have tons of food, and not enough platters and trays to display everything nicely.
I detest plastic containers sitting on a table, thanks to my mom who wouldn't allow such things. Not because we were fancy per say, she just insisted that if we sit down for a nice dinner or gathering, it should be pretty. And truly, it should.
Pretty doesn't have to mean pricey. Seriously.
I have many platters...some silver, some from sets of china passed down through generations, and some from Homegoods. But, sometimes, they just don't serve the right purpose. Sometimes I just want simple.
I've seen a few of these chalkboard painted tiles turned serving platters or cheese boards around, so I wanted to see if I could make my own. I am so glad I did.
You already know I have an obsession with chalkboard paint, so I had that on hand...all I needed were some ceramic tiles and felt.
I made my own set of chalkboard cheese boards...let me show you!
I started with three 12 X 12 ceramic tiles from Lowe's. They were only 80 cents a piece!
I painted 4 coats of chalkboard paint on the tops and sides of each tile, making sure the paint dried between coats.
This literally took less than a minute per coat.
I let them dry overnight, then rubbed chalk all over them. I let it sit there for about 30 minutes, then wiped it off.
I then washed each tile with dish liquid, and dried with a soft cloth.
To make sure not to scratch any surface that I use my tile on, I hot glued felt to the back.
For extra safety, place parchment paper under food items. I myself have not, but you may want to.
This means no washing in the dishwasher...you must simply wash with dish liquid and a cloth.
Now for the fun. I started placing different items on my board and wrote Brie...now what is cuter than that.
Add whatever you like...cheeses, some veggies, fruits, or use for a dessert tray.
Can you imagine a cake sitting on one of these with a sweet message written below?
Mmmm...now I want cake!
These chalk painted cheese trays are too fun, and would make a perfect gift for a hostess...maybe wrapped with a cheese knife or some pretty cloth napkins.
For about $1.oo each, you just can't go wrong with these!
Wanna see more chalkboard creations? Just go to my Chalkboard Projects Page by clicking here!
So, what do you think...would you make your own?
Linking up at:
Sharing at Savvy Southern Style and Between Naps on the Porch.
Jacque says
What a cute idea! I am going to have to try this at our next get together!!!!
Rebecca says
Great idea! I have two sample tiles that are getting this treatment! I may even "break" them and give them the "slate" look. Hmmmm.......great inspiration! XOXO! Reb Getting ready to pin and share!
Angelina - JoJo and Eloise says
Very Cute, Jessica. I LOVE cheese boards and this is REALLY a cute and fun idea. So glad you shared it with us :)
xo
Angelina
Melissa says
Just curious--- are you sure this would be food safe?
I love the idea! Thanks for sharing!
Janel from NellieBellie says
You know what I got at the reuse store??? Giant tile. For no reason. Just because I thought they could be useful. Hello!!! I"m totally doing this to use for props. Awesome possum!
Chelsea @ Making Home Base says
Ummm... CUTE!!! I love this and so simple!
Kelly @ View Along the Way says
So cute! This would be fun to use for a fondue party. Yum!
Virginia says
Well that's just stinkin' cute!!! What a great idea! Pinning!
[email protected] The Better Half says
soo cute! I saw this on FB with the flowers and loved it!!
Laura @ Our Prairie Home says
Jessica! This is such a fantastic idea! I've got to do the decorating for my in-law's 50th Anniversary and I am TOTALLY doing this! WOW! It's the perfect idea!!
Kathleen says
Jessica, I love the Dog Rules sign. Fantastic giveaway.
Kathleen says
Whoops! I commented on the giveaway here by accident. Sorry about that. I love the use of chalkboard paint this way. I have still yet to use chalkboard paint.
Liz Fourez says
I LOVE this, Jessica!! What a fantastic, cheap, and easy idea! I'm definitely going to have to make one for myself : )
Thanks for sharing and Happy Valentine's Day : )
Liz
[email protected] says
This is a great idea! I have seen many trays for cheese, but never thought of using the floor tile.
Vicky @ Mess For Less says
This is such a sweet idea and I really can't believe how easy it was to make! Great for an assortment of cheeses.
Kathie says
This is great! I'd like to invite you to link up to Show and Tell Saturday at Sassy Little Lady!
http://www.sassylittlelady.com/blog/show-and-tell-saturday/show-and-tell-saturday-4-plus-a-giveaway
Kathie
Jenny @ DIY Newlyweds says
This is so smart! I never thought of using a tile, what a great idea!
Jenny @ DIY Newlyweds says
I gave a shout-out to this project over on my blog. Love the idea! http://www.diynewlyweds.com/2013/03/friday-faves.html
amy says
Oh my gosh, Jessica, what an adorable idea! I love it! And you can't beat that price...wow. I'm pinning this for later. I'd also be thrilled if you'd share this at my party, going on now! http://www.oneartsymama.com/2013/02/shine-on-fridays-67-and-giveaway.html
Ellora @ Creatively Southern says
What a great idea! I love how it turned out and it's perfect for hosting. I'm definitely going to make one of these!
Ana says
Great idea! I love anything chalkboard and this is a perfect way to use chalkboard paint!
Sam M. | Atkinson Drive says
What a great idea! I'd love for you to share it at the Pinworthy Projects party Friday! http://www.atkinsondrive.com/
Carmen says
I love this! But do you cut on the tile? what do you recommend?
Jessica says
I wouldn't cut on the tile...I use it more for display. I lay appetizers out on it and write exactly what they are.
Lindsay says
I did this for Christmas gifts, but the paint all peeled off in long strips. So I sanded all 8 tiles, applied primer and am going again. Any suggestions to avoid peeling and chipping? It seems they still chip.
Lindi says
I love this project! What a creative use of chalkboard paint! I'm asking bloggers to share their chalkboard projects this month at my monthly Create with Me link-up, I'd be thrilled if you stopped by!
Diane says
Hi Jessica! I would love to diy this but unfortunately, chalkboard paint is not easily available in my country.. any tips on how to make chalkboard paint? :)