Every time summer rolls around, I start craving yellow. Not the bright neon kind, but that soft sunflower shade that looks like it’s been sitting in the sun all day. It just makes me happy. There’s something about those big golden petals that can light up even the dullest corner of a kitchen.
That’s exactly why I started creating sunflower tiered trays. I wanted something that felt cheerful, simple, and full of warmth without being too perfect or overdone.
The first tray I made wasn’t fancy at all. Just a few faux blooms, a small jar of honey, and a yellow gingham bow. But when I finished setting it up and stepped back, it made me smile. And that’s what decorating should feel like. Easy joy.
You don’t need to spend a fortune or have a professional eye. You just need a few sunflower touches, some creativity, and a little patience. So if you’re ready to bring that sunny, farmhouse vibe into your space, here are twelve easy sunflower DIYs you can use to style your tiered tray this summer.
1. What You’ll Need to Get Started
Let’s start with the basics. You need a sturdy tiered tray, one that can handle a mix of sizes and textures. I love wooden ones with a slightly worn look. They add warmth and go perfectly with yellow tones. Then gather your sunflower pieces, real, faux, or a mix of both. A few stems go a long way, especially if you spread them between tiers.
Next, you’ll want small accent items. Think mason jars, little pitchers, or even a honey pot. I also keep a stash of mini wooden signs with simple words like “Bee Happy” or “Hello Sunshine.” They fill in empty spots and tie everything together. Add some ribbon, jute, or lace for texture. Once everything’s laid out, you’ll start seeing how it fits.
Don’t rush it. This part is like setting up your palette before painting. Touch the pieces, move them around, and feel which ones belong. There’s no right or wrong here. It’s all about what feels good to your eyes.
2. Mini Sunflower Garland
This one is simple but adds a beautiful touch. Grab a piece of twine and attach small faux sunflowers with hot glue or tiny clothespins. You can hang it along the edge of your tray or wrap it loosely around the tiers. It adds movement and that sweet, handmade charm.
I made one using scrap fabric from an old table runner. The frayed edges gave it that rustic farmhouse feel. Every time I look at it, it reminds me that beauty doesn’t need to be perfect. It just needs heart.
3. Mason Jar Blooms
You can never go wrong with mason jars. Fill a few with mini sunflower stems and place them on different levels. Tie a bit of jute rope around the rim, maybe add a bow, and you’ve got instant texture. It’s such a small detail, but it makes the tray feel fuller.
If you want a softer look, tuck in some greenery with the flowers. It tones down the yellow and gives that natural summer meadow vibe.
4. Sunflower Signs
Small wooden signs are easy DIYs that make your tray feel complete. Paint one white, distress the edges a little, and write something cheerful like “You Are My Sunshine.” If you’re not into hand lettering, print out a small design and glue it on.
I love changing these out with the seasons. It’s an easy way to refresh your tray without redoing everything.
5. Mini Bead Garland
Grab some wood beads, paint a few yellow, a few white, and string them together. It’s such a satisfying DIY. Loop it around your tray or let it spill slightly over the edge. The little pop of color brings life to any tier.
I once made one using leftover beads from a Christmas project, and it looked even better than planned. Sometimes the best designs come from using what you already have.
6. Sunflower Mugs or Cups
If you collect mugs like I do, pick one with a sunflower print or a color that fits the theme. Place it on the top tier with a small faux bloom tucked inside. It instantly adds height and character. You can even use it to hold your spoon set or a little candle.
It’s that small personal touch that makes your tray feel like you.
7. Candle Accent
A candle adds warmth and coziness. Find one with a subtle scent like honey or vanilla. Wrap a piece of ribbon around it and glue on a tiny sunflower. When lit, it gives the whole display a golden glow that ties everything together.
Every time I light mine, the soft flicker against the wood feels calming, like a little reminder to slow down.
8. Wooden Honey Dippers
These add such a cute farmhouse element. I found a pack online for a few dollars. You can tie them with twine or rest them beside your honey jar. It’s tiny details like this that make your tray feel thoughtfully done.
They also pair perfectly with bee-themed decor, so if you decide to mix in a few bees with your sunflowers, it’ll all flow naturally.
9. Painted Mini Pots
Pick up small terracotta pots from the dollar store, paint them white or yellow, and distress the edges slightly. Fill them with small flowers or moss. They look adorable on the lower tiers. You can even stencil little sunflower patterns if you want an extra handmade feel.
These always remind me of summer mornings, that mix of earth and sunlight that just feels good.
10. Fabric Bows
A bow can change the whole mood of your tray. Cut a strip of gingham or burlap fabric, tie it loosely, and let the ends fall naturally. I like adding one at the top tier and another near the base. It softens the look and pulls everything together.
Don’t aim for perfect symmetry. The charm is in the unevenness.
11. Tiny Frames or Photos
This one’s personal. Add a small frame with a sunflower print, a quote you love, or even a mini Polaroid from summer memories. It’s a sweet way to make your decor feel more like home.
Every time you walk by, it’ll make you pause and smile.
12. Seasonal Touches
Mix in a few seasonal accents. For summer, I like using lemons or small wooden bees. In early fall, switch them for acorns or wheat stalks. The base of your tray stays the same; you just change a few details, and it instantly feels fresh again.
This little habit keeps my trays from feeling static. It’s like breathing new life into the same space every few months.
Conclusion
Styling a sunflower tiered tray is more than just decorating. It’s a small act of joy. Every item you place, every flower you tuck, it’s a moment to slow down and create something that feels like sunshine. It doesn’t matter if your pieces don’t match or your ribbons aren’t perfectly tied. What matters is the feeling it gives you when you walk into the room.
My favorite thing about these trays is how they brighten even the simplest mornings. Coffee tastes better when you’re surrounded by things that make you happy. The soft yellow glow, the little handmade touches, they remind you that beauty lives in small details.
So go grab your tray, gather your blooms, and let your creativity wander. There’s no rulebook, no right or wrong. Just a little bit of patience, a few sunflower petals, and a whole lot of heart.
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