Introduction: Grass Lunch Tray
I love eating my lunch in the park, but sometimes am too busy to leave my desk or to find a nearby green space. By combining a shallow serving tray with real grass I can take the park with me wherever I go, with the grass lunch tray!
Making your own is super easy, and having your own personal green space at your desk is bound to be an attention-getter at your office.
Let's make!

Step 1: Supplies
- shallow serving tray
- hot glue gun
- plastic sheeting
(any 3-5 mil plastic sheet)
- sod (from your local hardware store)
- 3" PVC coupler
Step 2: Cut Plastic Sheet
Unroll the plastic sheet to cover the entire bottom and sides of the serving tray. This plastic will act as a barrier between the sod and the surface of the tray and should be monolithic (no breaks or cuts in the plastic which water can seep through).
I cut a rough shape of plastic that was larger than I thought I would need, then draped it over the tray.
Step 3: Glue in Place
Before trimming the plastic to the final dimensions I glued it in place.
Positioning the plastic where I wanted I used a dab of hot glue in each corner of the tray and then pressed the plastic into the glue, securing it in place. I glued the rest of the corners while gently pulling the plastic taut. Once the corners were glued down, I glued the edges of the plastic sheet to the inside of the serving tray.
Step 4: Trim Plastic
Since my serving tray had handles I also trimmed the plastic from around the handle openings so they would be usable.
Step 5: Rough Cut Sod
The smallest section of sod I could buy was 8sq.ft (4' x 2' section). Since this was too large for my serving tray I needed to cut it down to size.
Unrolling the sod outside, I cut a section a little larger than my serving tray with a putty knife.
Step 6: Trim Sod to Fit Tray
After the sod was cut to a rough shape it was placed into the lined serving tray. Then, the sod was trimmed to fit the serving tray perfectly.
Step 7: Add Drink Holder
I wanted to include a sturdy place to hold my drink, so I cut out a section of sod using a 3" PVC coupler as a template.
I decided to trim down my 3" PVC coupler, as it was a little too tall. Next, I positioned the coupler on the sod near a corner and cut around it. After removing the section of sod I placed the PVC coupler in the opening to act as a retainer, keeping the sod clear of the opening.
Step 8: Lawn Haircut
Like all lawns, this grass will also need to be trimmed. I used scissors to trim my grass down to a neat and tidy height.
Step 9: Dine at the Park
You're all set to enjoy your own personal slice of greenery in the concrete jungle. Place your plate and beverage on the tray, and step into your own personal tranquil park.
Have you made your own grass lunch tray? I want to see it!
Happy making :)

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50 Comments
7 years ago
I'm afraid you have taken this "drought" scare too far, my friend !
7 years ago
This looks really cool... I think that I will try to make it! Awesome idea!
7 years ago
This is a great idea. I might try it for a portable hydraulophone (water-based musical instrument) maybe built into a grass tray, as a complete ecosystem.
More generally, a portable hydraulophone with biofiltration would be nice in a tray like this so we could play it anywhere, not just in pools and fountains.
Reply 7 years ago
That's a great idea, and that video is amazing! I'd love to see your results, please share.
Good luck!
7 years ago
This is a great idea. I might try it for a portable hydraulophone (water-based musical instrument) maybe built into a grass tray, as a complete ecosystem.
More generally, a portable hydraulophone with biofiltration would be nice in a tray like this so we could play it anywhere, not just in pools and fountains.
7 years ago
Great idea
7 years ago
Order the mahi mahi for lunch and you got an automatic surf & turf.
7 years ago
Cool. How bout a little checkered picnic blanket, and put Ken and Barbie on there? Then they get drunk on cheap wine, fall asleep, and the ants come out and feast on them.
8 years ago on Introduction
thats is so cool now all you need is a matching lawn chair
8 years ago on Introduction
this is cool...I'm waiting for you to "invent" a little lawn mower to trim it :D
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
Or, you know, a remote controlled mini tractor or something. LOL
8 years ago
A little lawn mower is needed.
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
Hahah! Yes! Next instructable: Teeny Working Lawnmower.
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
Or some very small sheep.
8 years ago on Step 9
This is absolutely great! Do you have to water the grass? How would it work for long term use? C:
8 years ago on Introduction
I'm famoussssssss!!
I love this project. It's so cute. :D
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
Where are the ants???? =)
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
LOL this is super awesome. I thought the picture might have been a family member and I guess you are! I did not recognize you. Love your dress. Keep shining you guys.
sunshiine
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
Thanks for being my model, Jessy. You're welcome to use my grassy potable park whenever you like!
8 years ago on Introduction
I like it. The video was cool also.