Cactus Sunset Serving Tray

Marilyn French St. George had a soft spot for sunsets and the desert. Inspired by the warm colors and peaceful stillness, she decided to bring a little bit of that magic into the kitchen with a serving tray. But not just any tray—this one would capture the vibrant hues of a desert sunset and feature the iconic cactus.

She carefully chose a sturdy wooden base, then painted the edges in fiery shades of orange, pink, and purple to mimic the colors of a desert sunset. At the center, she hand-painted a silhouette of a cactus, its arms reaching up to the sky like it was greeting the sunset. Marilyn even added a little gold sheen to the cactus to give it a glowing effect, just like the last rays of the sun before it dipped behind the horizon.

When the tray was finished, Marilyn couldn't wait to show it off. She filled it with snacks for a cozy desert-themed dinner with friends. As she placed it on the table, everyone immediately stopped talking and stared.

“Is that... a sunset in a tray?” her friend Nate asked, amazed.

Marilyn smiled. “Yep, it’s the Cactus Sunset Serving Tray. I thought it would bring a little desert warmth to the table.”

They all gathered around, admiring the tray as they snacked. Every time someone reached for a chip or a glass, they’d pause to admire the colors, and for a moment, it felt like they were sitting in the middle of the desert, watching the sunset together.

From that night on, the Cactus Sunset Serving Tray became the centerpiece of every meal—adding a touch of the desert’s warmth and beauty to any gathering. And every time someone saw it, they couldn’t help but smile, just like the last rays of sun stretching across the sky.

(Made by Marilyn French St. George for In The Kitchen Contest)