Four DIY projects for serving food with style

06 Jan 2026

One of the greatest pleasures of the summer season is getting to spend extended time outdoors entertaining family and friends – whether that’s full-on barbecuing or ‘throwing together’ a grazing platter for a more relaxed group gathering. 

The following DIY projects will not only enhance your next event, they’re all designed to add even more pizazz to your party foods.

Sticking to a winning formula

Level up your next outdoor party with this kebab serving block. Serve up a range of sweet and savoury options in an easy-to-grab format that will quickly become a crowd pleaser. Quick and easy to put together, and sure to be a stunner thanks to the variety of Resene testpots available, this DIY project will kick off your summer of entertaining. Click here for a step-by-step guide.

Next-level nibbles

Family-style dining – where food is served in a communal setting designed to foster relaxed social connectivity – has increasingly gained in popularity over the years in both restaurants and in our homes. This elevated charcuterie board is the ideal centrepiece to your next gathering and can be easily made with a few materials and tools, and of course, Resene paints and stains in your favourite colour combinations. Get the ‘how to’ instructions, here.

Crate expectations

Make your summer entertaining a breeze with this handy DIY condiment crate. It will save you many trips to the kitchen and you can serve your condiments, cutlery and snacks in style. Choose your favourite Resene testpot colour, or multiple colours, for the bottom, and your favourite Resene Woodsman stain for the frame. See the steps for making your own condiment crate, here.

The art of platter-y

Most of us have one or two old platters lying around, ones we are not too fond of but have accumulated over time. Why not give them a new life with Resene FX Blackboard Paint and turn them into fun signs for when you’re entertaining guests. Use them to label foods, including any potential allergens, or just pop them in your entryway as welcome signs. If you don’t have any spare platters, your local second-hand store is sure to have some laying around. Click here for the easy-to-follow instructions.

Published: 06 Jan 2026