![Black and white serving tray reading "Cheers" in tile, topped with two glasses of lemon water and a pitcher of lemon water](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/media-storage/contentlab-data/6/21/45edcee0cc4040438992dbce38b7294d.jpg)
Ready to raise the bar on your hosting game and add a touch of chic to your next gathering? Get ready to say "cheers!" in the trendiest way possible with a black and white tile tray project. This clever and versatile creation will serve as show-stopping home decor and help keep drinks, snacks and conversation flowing with flair. So, gather your tools and follow our step-by-step DIY tile tutorial.
With a bit of elbow grease, we'll transform a plain ol' tray into a dazzling display of creativity and functionality. So, let's get tiling!
Video of the Day
Video: Say "Cheers!" With a Trendy Black & White Tile Tray
Things You'll Need
24-in. x 15-in. wooden serving tray (thrifted or new)
Paint
Coarse-grit sandpaper or orbital sander
Hexagon tiles
Hot glue
Downloadable template
Tile saw
Large piece of cardboard
Tile mortar
Bucket
Notched trowel
Sponge
Painter’s tape
Ready-to-use tile grout
Grout float
Scraper tool
Sharp blade
![Black and white tiles set next to a sponge, spray bottle, white bowl and grout in a tub](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/media-storage/contentlab-data/6/21/dae8d5f71f2d48d2bfea4f343180dbe3.jpg)
Part 1: Prepare Wood Serving Tray
1. Paint tray
![Spray paint can set atop a wood tray](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/media-storage/contentlab-data/6/21/665e2acef4d948c882b63e8fd4b0c05e.jpg)
First, give serving tray base a makeover using spray or regular paint. If you're feeling inspired by a classic monochromatic palette like us, black is the way to go, perfectly complementing the black and white tiles that will grace your tray.
2. Sand bottom
![Square section of light brown sandpaper set atop wood tray](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/media-storage/contentlab-data/6/21/dff87c1bfe9042b7adeb22a7e7682ce9.jpg)
To ensure a rock-solid bond between tiles and bottom of tray, use coarse-grit sandpaper or an orbital sander to rough it up and pave the way for a tiled project that will stand the test of time.
Part 2: Plan Tile Design
![White tiles arranged in a strip next to black tray and more tiles](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/media-storage/contentlab-data/6/21/78d732e7988c401c889cc67181a02f72.jpg)
1. Place tiles
![White tiles topped with small "x" marks in pencil](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/media-storage/contentlab-data/6/21/3e0cbea993d44cae8e2f18d829bc43ff.jpg)
Place tiles snugly into tray, cutting mesh if needed.
2. Mark word onto tiles
![Template with white tiles and the word "cheers" in green tile form](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/media-storage/contentlab-data/6/21/349f3c3bd9d446e8b730263385a30fb2.jpg)
Download our convenient stencil template to ensure accurate placement and carefully mark the word "Cheers" directly onto tile surface.
3. Remove and replace marked tiles
![Letters "CH" removed from white tile tray](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/media-storage/contentlab-data/6/21/5283a4ff9ff94a27967f4bf01c5cb888.jpg)
Carefully peel off each marked white tile from mesh.
![White tiles on tray with black tiles placed into empty holes](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/media-storage/contentlab-data/6/21/bd5bcd694d6e470bb77e029642e7dde3.jpg)
Replace white tiles with sleek black ones and secure them using hot glue.
4. Cut edge tiles
![Tile saw cutting white hexagonal tile in half](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/media-storage/contentlab-data/6/21/7aafb181dcff4665bcdc77aa2be9c005.jpg)
With a steady hand and a touch of precision, carefully cut each tile in half with a tile saw to ensure a perfect fit within tile tray.
Tip
Don't worry if you don't have a tile saw on hand! We've got a friendly solution for you: Simply skip the tile-cutting step and leave those pieces out. Fill the space with grout instead.
5. Remove tiles from tray
![Section of white hexagonal tiles](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/media-storage/contentlab-data/6/21/1c6fea19ffeb41e189b9bb2e73ba6733.jpg)
Grab a large piece of cardboard and gently position it atop tray. Carefully turn over tray while keeping tiles in place. You can remove tray without disturbing arranged tiles.
Part 3: Adhere Tile
1. Mix tile mortar
![Hand and metal tool mixing brown tile grout in a white bucket](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/media-storage/contentlab-data/6/21/ea339644781c4e8ea253274396344898.jpg)
Mix mortar according to package directions.
2. Spread and trowel mortar
![Hand using metal tool to spread green mortar](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/media-storage/contentlab-data/6/21/31ec6a4657ba4561b2fd20bbddd51076.jpg)
Start by evenly spreading mortar on bottom of tray, creating a smooth foundation for tiles.
![Hand using metal tool to spread green mortar](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/media-storage/contentlab-data/6/21/7e74f68f22714f1fb7e5e1fbc4818d38.jpg)
Run a notched trowel through mortar, creating neat grooves to ensure a secure bond with tiles.
3. Set tiles
![Black and white tiles reading "Cheers" set atop green spread mortar on board](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/media-storage/contentlab-data/6/21/2f6c222820814fe4a87fef7a819cedbf.jpg)
Gently place tiles into mortar and use a damp sponge to wipe off excess. Let tiles dry 24 hours before moving on to next step.
Part 4: Grout Tiles
1. Adhere painter’s tape
![Blue painter's tape attached to side of black and white tile tray](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/media-storage/contentlab-data/6/21/6ad2ba1ff2b74bb9bd6d7049bf568257.jpg)
To protect sides of tray from grout, adhere painter's tape around inside edges.
2. Apply grout
![Tile grout spread into cracks between black and white tiles reading "Cheers"](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/media-storage/contentlab-data/6/21/11b9a6bd5a69476b82f25899b1c5de98.jpg)
Using a grout float, push grout into spaces between tiles.
![Tile grout pushed into cracks between black and white tiles reading "Cheers"](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/media-storage/contentlab-data/6/21/c298bf7b468642cf8490c9da01de0af7.jpg)
3. Remove excess grout
![Metal scraper removing black grout from black and white tiles](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/media-storage/contentlab-data/6/21/b2910a0a45124a2ab29e848970e8ae04.jpg)
Use a scraper tool to remove excess grout.
4. Clean tiles
![Yellow sponge being used to clean black grout off black and white tiles](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/media-storage/contentlab-data/6/21/43786aa601dc4500b5e2b74f1fa85021.jpg)
Grab a damp sponge to give those tiles a good cleaning. It's essential to take your time and exercise patience during this step. As you go along, rinse sponge regularly to keep it fresh and effective.
5. Remove tape
![Blue painter's tape being pulled off side of black and white tile tray](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/media-storage/contentlab-data/6/21/47cfae82c8754737834e2cd966ebbe9d.jpg)
Run a sharp blade around bottom of tape to ensure tape doesn't pull any grout loose before removing.
Congratulations, handmade home decor enthusiasts! You've successfully transformed a plain tray into a tile masterpiece. This easy DIY serving tray will elevate your living room, coffee table or outdoor space, adding a touch of style that's simultaneously on-trend and vintage-inspired.
Whether you're hosting a casual get-together or a formal dinner or you're dreaming up gift ideas for loved ones, this piece is tough to beat. So, raise a glass and toast to your DIY prowess. Cheers to you, and may your tiles always be perfectly set!