Forget the wreath. Use a silver tray to make memorable door decor

Hang up some seasonal decor on your front door for the autumn season. This serving tray decorated with lavender and sticks is a fresh alternative to a traditional wreath. The surface of the tray reflects light and catches the eye, while the earthy colors and textures of the sticks offer a pleasant balance. Whip this project together before Thanksgiving, and invite guests inside in style.

There are a couple of ways to customize this project. Any tray will work well, whether wooden, metal or otherwise, so long as it has handles or another way to hang it. Check out the floral section at the craft store for the sticks and sprigs of flowers of your choosing. Finally, consider gluing your initials or another charm between the bundles to add a personalized touch.

Materials
- Silver serving tray with handles
- Craft sticks, two bunches
- Lavender, two bunches
- Twine
- Scissors
- High-temperature glue gun
- Hot glue sticks

Instructions
1. Set the serving tray on the work surface.

2. Gather together a bundle of sticks. You may want about a dozen in the bunch.

3. Gather a bundle of lavender or about six sprigs. Lay the lavender on top of the sticks, then tie the two bundles together near the bottom with several loops of twine. Knot the twine and trim the ends as desired.

4. Lay the bundle diagonally across the tray. Position the bundle so that the twine rests along the bottom edge of the tray, slightly right of center. Glue the bundle down behind the twine.

5. Repeat steps 2 and 3 to create a second bundle of sticks and lavender. Position the second bundle on top of the first, but facing the opposite direction. The twine should rest along the bottom edge of the tray but left of center. Glue the bundle down behind the twine.

6. Cut a piece of twine that’s 2 or 3 feet long. Tie one end of the twine to the tray’s left handle and the other end to the right handle.

7. Hang your finished decor on your front door. Enjoy!