Here’s a super easy and very charming way to give a Goodwill-found silver serving tray a brand-new life and purpose. With just a few simple steps, you can take this shimmery piece from the back of a cabinet to the front of your space!
Repurposed. Reused. Rethought. This once-for-special-occasions tray now serves as a daily delight and a helpful function — in three easy steps. Let’s polish this idea up!
Here’s How:
1. Goodwill Serves Up Great Finds
Each time you walk through the doors of your favorite neighborhood Goodwill nonprofit retail store, you’re bound to discover something unique, one-of-a-kind, and wonderfully affordable. Even on a cold and snowy day, Goodwill warms the heart.
During a recent treasure hunt (where I was greeted by the friendliest, most helpful staff), I struck silver — literally. Nestled in the Home Goods section were two antique silver trays just waiting for their encore.
One was rectangular with flowing, floral details and sturdy little feet that raised it up with quiet confidence.
The other was round, blooming along the edges with two handsome handles that seemed to say, “Pick me up!”
Which did I purchase?
With prices that friendly, the answer was obvious: both, please. Into my cart the shiny pair went — proof that when you find your good, you don’t leave it behind.
2. Clean and Brighten
After years of faithful service holding gourmet meals and party treats, it was time to give these terrific twins a fresh purpose. Yes, there was tarnish — but the lovely kind. The kind that tells a story. If you follow my humble (yet strong!) recommendation, keep some of that aging. It adds character and charm.
Simply wipe your tray down with a damp cloth to remove dirt and fingerprints. If you’d like a bit more shimmer without sacrificing its story, lightly buff with fine steel wool. Then wipe again with a warm, damp cloth.
We’re not erasing history — we’re letting it shine.
3. Two Sparkling Options: Magnet Board or Chalk Board
Option A: Magnet / Message Board
a. Do magnets stick?
Most silver trays are silver-plated, not solid silver. Grab a magnet and test your tray.
- If magnets stick → it likely has steel underneath.
- If magnets don’t → it may be aluminum or copper.
- Stainless steel? It’s a bit of a silver mystery.
My rectangular tray welcomed magnets with open arms. Round one politely declined. Decision made!
b. Kick off its feet
If you want your tray to hang flat against the wall, remove any feet from the back. A hammer and a gentle tap (or two) should do the trick. Sand lightly, if needed, to smooth rough edges.
Now it’s ready to hold postcards, photos, reminders — little pieces of good gathered in one shining place.
Option B: Chalkboard
a. Protect what you want to preserve
Use painter’s tape to mask off the areas you’d like to keep paint-free. I taped around the flat serving surface and used scrap paper to protect the decorative edges before spray painting.
b. Apply chalkboard paint
Most hardware stores carry chalkboard spray paint that turns nearly any surface into a writable space.
Apply two light coats for best coverage, allowing plenty of drying time between coats.
Once dry, carefully remove the tape and paper. You now have a surface ready for messages, quotes, grocery lists, love notes — or a daily reminder to “Find Your Good.”
4. Command Strips to the Rescue
Command Strips make hanging these trays easy and damage-free. Simply click two strips together, peel and press one side to the tray, peel the second backing, position on the wall, and press firmly.
Ta-da! You now have a magnet/message board and/or chalkboard ready to serve again — just in a different way. At Goodwill, serving never really stops. It just changes form.
5. Decorate & Display with Delight
Magnet Board:
Choose fun magnets (also found at Goodwill!) to hold postcards, photos, recipes, ticket stubs, and small treasures.
Chalkboard:
Write a short phrase that makes you smile. Keep your chalk nearby and change the message often — because life changes, and so can your words.
Complete the vignette with a funky table, colorful chair, or interesting accessories — all found at Goodwill, perfect as they are or ready for their own transformation.
Silver trays were once reserved for special occasions — holidays, celebrations, moments deemed worthy. But what if every day is worthy? What if the tray that once carried fine china now carries encouragement? What if something slightly tarnished still shines beautifully?
What if the good was there all along… just waiting to be rediscovered?
At Goodwill, nothing is wasted. It’s simply waiting for its next course of action.
So go ahead — plate up some purpose. Serve up sparkle. And as always, look for and find your good!
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Tim Kime
Artist, Motivational Speaker, Life Coach
