Decorative Spring Tray with Faux Lemons, Artichokes, + Grapes
Project Inspiration
No more Christmas on the kitchen island! When I was taking down my Christmas decorations, I was inspired to style my kitchen island with some faux seasonal produce to hint at spring on the horizon. I bought a tray from West Elm because I loved the extra long, organic shape. I simply layered some faux lemons, artichokes and grapes from Amazon on top of each other for a styled look. This is an extremely beginner-friendly DIY project that elevates any kitchen and is perfect for everyday display!
Supplies List & Cost Breakdown
For this spring DIY produce tray, I purchased:
1 West Elm Organic Metal Tray (Extra Long - 33”W) in Light Brass - $90 (similar for $71 from Amazon here)
1 pack of GiftYou Large Faux Artichokes - $19.97/3-pack
1 pack of WsCrofts Artificial Lemons - $13.98/12-pack
2 packs of Ashland Mini Purple Faux Grapes - $11.99/4-pack, so $23.98
Total Supplies Cost = $147.93
The Secret
The key to achieving a high-end, natural look for faux produce arrangements is using texture and variation to mimic how produce would naturally pile up. It wasn’t necessary for this particular DIY, however, you can easily elevate your styling by using floral wire or hot glue dots to lightly secure some pieces in place, creating controlled layers and preventing them from rolling around. Bonus: this keeps your display intact if it gets bumped!
Step-By-Step Instructions
1. Prep Your Tray: Start with a clean, dust-free tray. If you’re using a metallic tray like mine, you can lightly polish it with a microfiber cloth to make the finish gleam.
2. Lay the Foundation: Place your largest items first—in this case, the faux artichokes. These should anchor your arrangement. Space them evenly across the tray, focusing on creating a visually balanced layout.
3. Layer the Lemons: Next, add the faux lemons. These should fill in the gaps between the artichokes, overlapping slightly for a more natural effect. Place a few at different angles so they don’t look too “perfect.”
4. Add the Grapes for Depth: The faux grapes are the perfect finishing touch to add texture and dimension. Drape the bunches over the edges of the tray to create an organic, cascading effect. This adds a feeling of abundance and keeps the arrangement visually dynamic.
5. Adjust and Refine: Step back and evaluate your arrangement. Adjust the placement of your items to ensure there are no awkward gaps or areas that feel too crowded. Rotate the pieces to show their best sides and create a sense of movement.
6. Secure for Stability (Optional): If you want to keep your arrangement intact long-term, use small pieces of floral wire or hot glue dots to secure a few key items in place. This ensures your display stays put, even if you move the tray or it gets bumped.
7. Style and Display: Place the finished tray on your kitchen island, dining table, or any surface where it can shine. Pair it with a simple table runner or keep it as the focal point of the space for an effortlessly seasonal look.
The Final Result
This decorative spring tray is proof that even the simplest DIY projects can have a huge impact on your space. With just a few faux lemons, artichokes, and grapes layered thoughtfully on a stylish tray, you can create a vibrant and inviting centerpiece that hints at warmer days ahead. Plus, because all the produce is faux, you can reuse these pieces for countless future projects—making this a budget-friendly way to refresh your decor year after year.
I hope this project inspires you to embrace seasonal decorating in an approachable, creative way. Whether you’re new to DIY or a seasoned pro, this tray is an easy win for bringing a touch of spring into your home. Let me know if you try it—I’d love to hear how you styled your own version!