Thanksgiving-Ready Wood Projects: Cutting Boards, Trays, and Serving Pieces
- Lauren Twitchell
- Nov 11
- 4 min read
Thanksgiving isn’t just about the food—it’s about the way we serve it. The cutting board that becomes the carving station. The tray that carries drinks to the table. The serving board that doubles as a centerpiece. These small details don’t just hold food; they hold memory, care, and tradition.
And the best part? You don’t have to buy them. You can build them yourself.
Woodworking projects for Thanksgiving don’t have to be complicated. In fact, the simplest builds are often the most useful—and the most satisfying to make. With a few tools and a little creativity, you can create cutting boards, trays, and serving pieces that will not only shine this season but last for years to come.
Why Build Your Own Serving Pieces?
Function meets beauty: Handmade boards and trays are practical, but they also add warmth and story to your holiday table.
Beginner-friendly: These projects are approachable—even if you’ve never built anything before.
Reusable year after year: Unlike disposable or mass-produced servingware, wood pieces gain character with every season.
They make amazing gifts: If you’re headed to someone else’s Thanksgiving table, a handmade serving piece is the perfect host gift.
Project 1: The Classic Cutting Board
The cutting board might be the simplest woodworking project—but it’s also one of the most useful.
What you need:
Hardwood (maple, walnut, cherry, or a mix)
Sandpaper or sander
Mineral oil or food-safe finish
How to make it:
Choose your board: A single slab of hardwood works perfectly for beginners.
Cut to size: Aim for something around 12x18 inches for a versatile board.
Sand smooth: Start with 80 grit and work up to 220.
Round edges: A router makes this easy, but sandpaper will do just fine.
Finish: Apply mineral oil until the wood no longer absorbs it.
Why it works for Thanksgiving: From carving turkey to chopping herbs, a sturdy cutting board is essential. And when you make your own, you create something both functional and personal.
Project 2: Rustic Serving Tray
A tray is more than just a carrier—it’s a stage for your food.
What you need:
Pine or hardwood boards
Two handles (metal, leather, or wood)
Screws and drill
How to make it:
Build the base: Use a 1x12 or glue a few narrower boards together.
Add rails: Attach 1x2s around the edges for structure.
Attach handles: Secure on either side for carrying.
Sand and finish: Choose a stain or paint that fits your style.
Why it works for Thanksgiving: Use it to carry drinks, serve appetizers, or even as a base for a centerpiece. It’s functional, festive, and easy to customize.
Project 3: Charcuterie or Serving Board
Charcuterie boards are everywhere—and with good reason. They’re a fun, versatile way to serve food at gatherings.
What you need:
A single hardwood board
Sandpaper or sander
Mineral oil or beeswax finish
How to make it:
Pick a board with character—grain and knots make it interesting.
Cut to size: Anywhere from 8x24 inches works great.
Add a handle: Cut a simple curve on one end if you’d like, or leave it rectangular.
Sand, smooth, finish.
Why it works for Thanksgiving: A handmade charcuterie board sets the tone for appetizers or desserts—and it looks incredible on the table.
Project 4: Breadboard or Serving Paddle
This project is a step up but still accessible. A breadboard or paddle gives you something sturdy and beautiful for bread, rolls, or even carved meat.
What you need:
Hardwood plank
Jigsaw or bandsaw
Sandpaper and finish
How to make it:
Trace a paddle shape onto your board.
Cut it out with a jigsaw.
Sand smooth, round the edges, and finish.
Why it works for Thanksgiving: It’s functional, festive, and feels like something straight from an old farmhouse table.
Project 5: Wooden Utensils or Spreaders (Bonus)
If you’ve got scraps, you’ve got the makings of small utensils.
What you need:
Hardwood scraps
Coping saw, jigsaw, or carving knife
Sandpaper
How to make it:
Sketch simple spreader or spoon shapes.
Cut and shape.
Sand until smooth and finish with food-safe oil.
Why it works for Thanksgiving: Perfect for butter, jam, or dips—these little utensils make your spread extra thoughtful.
Tips for Success
Choose food-safe finishes. Mineral oil, beeswax, or dedicated cutting board oils are best. Avoid polyurethane or non-food-safe stains.
Work with scraps. Thanksgiving projects don’t need big lumber purchases—smaller boards work great.
Keep it simple. Focus on sanding and finishing—those two steps make even basic boards look polished.
Think long-term. These pieces aren’t just for one holiday; they’ll become part of your family’s traditions.
Thanksgiving is about gathering, slowing down, and savoring time together. Handmade serving pieces embody that spirit. They say: “I made this for us.” They carry a story—of wood chosen, hands at work, care given.
Every time you use them, you’re reminded not just of the holiday, but of the satisfaction that comes from building something with purpose.
This season, let your woodworking show up at the table. Build a cutting board, a tray, a serving board—something simple, useful, and made with your own two hands.
Because at the end of the day, Thanksgiving isn’t just about what we eat—it’s about what we bring to the table. And when you bring something you’ve built yourself, you’re bringing more than food. You’re bringing a piece of your craft, your care, and your story.
🪚✨ Crafted by hand, rooted in home.
Comments