{DIY} Chalkboard Serving Platter

{Cheese platter all complete! Ready for guests}

After searching everywhere for the perfect cheese platter, it seemed I had failed miserably.  Sur La Table, Costco, and even Williams-Sonoma didn't carry the type of serving platter I was looking for - a "label-able" one.  Since cheese is a daily staple on our evening menu, I wanted to properly label the various types.  I even opted for small flag like toothpicks with a space for the type of cheese, but that too, not available.  After a little research online, I found just what I needed: Chalkboard paint.  Who knew, right? I was so ecstatic to have my little paint party and set all my little cheeses in a row, so I got right to it.  I choose a moderately sized porcelain platter since our taste in cheese is on a steady incline, but the link below has various sizes. This DIY project was so quick, easy {and enjoyable}, I can't wait to entertain guests.  

what you'll need:

Porcelain serving platter - Bed Bath & Beyond

Pebeo Porcelaine 150 Chalkboard Paint - Amazon
a soft bristle paint brush - Local crafts store

how to:

1. Make sure your platter is clean and dry.
2. To properly mask the edges, be sure to use painter's tape to keep the white edge even. 
3. Apply the paint with a soft bristle brush. You may need to paint two thin coats to avoid seeing brush strokes.
4. As soon as you are done painting carefully remove the tape if you used it. 
5. Let the paint dry for 24 hours. Then, bake your platter following the instructions printed on the back of the paint bottle. After baking, your serving platter is dishwasher and microwave safe! <--- so cool!
6. Ready for your cheese platter.  Remember, the key to a mouth-watering cheese platter is adding complimenting bits and pieces that are salty and sweet. Red grapes, small apple slivers, a dollop of honey, medjool dates, mixed nuts, and of course basil for garnish {and for snacking}, all call for a fabulous cheese platter where the crowd will definitely be gathered at the start of your dinner party!

{Successful Cheese platter has salty and sweet elements;
apples, grapes, mixed nuts, dried fruit and medjool dates add a scrumptious kick when paired with cheese}