How to Make Flat Snack Trays From Plastic Bottles That Look Like the Slumped Glass Ones

If you love the look of flattened wine bottle trays but aren't much of a wine drinker, don't worry. You can create similar trays from your favorite soda bottle. Not only does this give you a trendy spoon rest or cheese tray, it reduces the waste coming out of your home. Plus, you can spruce up these plastic trays and give them as gifts.

Things You'll Need

• 2-liter soda bottle
• Aluminum foil
• Spatula

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to about 200 degrees F. The temperature must be relatively low because you're working with plastic instead of glass. If the bottle melts too quickly, you'll get a plastic lump instead of a tray.

2. Rinse and clean out your soda bottle. Remove the label and adhesive, carefully scrubbing away any adhesive residue. The bottle must be as clean as possible so your tray is sleek and trendy. Discard the bottle cap.

3. Lay the bottle on its side and press down on the bottle's center. Gently flatten the bottle with your palms, bending the bottom of the bottle in toward the center. Let go of the bottle; it should fluff up a little. This pre-flattening will help shape the bottle as it melts.

4. Place a flat piece of aluminum foil on the center rack of your oven. Set the bottle on top of the foil. Let the bottle heat for about 5 minutes.

5. Check on your bottle every few minutes. When it reaches the desired shape, gently pull it out of the oven. If it starts to puff up or has unsightly ripples, gently flatten it with the back of a spatula. Let the bottle cool overnight.

References

• Eco Steps Project: Flatten the Plastic Bottle
• Meta Café: Flatten a Bottle in Your Oven
• Denver Recycles: Recycle All Your Plastic Bottles