DIY Christmas Party Cheese Markers: Custom Dollar Tree Craft

Are you planning your holiday entertaining and looking for unique appetizer markers to enhance your table? Why not wow your guests with these personalized Cheese Markers? I’ve been preparing for our annual Christmas party, and I made these custom Christmas Tree Cheese Markers and Appetizer Markers using inexpensive Dollar Tree crafts. You can make six markers for just over $1.25. They are easy to make and can be customized with the names of all your delicious dishes and cheeses. They are perfect for charcuterie boards, dessert stations, and drink stations. Follow along as I share the easy step-by-step tutorial.

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How To Make Custom Cheese Markers

I have been looking for unique Cheese and Appetizer Markers for our annual Christmas party. Several of the ones I found were pricey and didn’t include the names of my appetizers. Then I saw these cute Dollar Tree Christmas tree cutouts and decided to make my own custom Cheese markers. The cutouts had a hole at the top because they were intended for Christmas Ornaments. However, I found some tiny gold jingle bells that I knew would be adorable on the markers.

Step One – Paint

The first step is to paint the Dollar Tree Christmas trees in your desired colors. I decorated the dining table with bright vintage ornaments and used those colors as inspiration. I painted my cheese markers red, green, blue, and pink.

I painted both sides of the tree and around the edges. Once it was dry, I applied a second coat to the front of the tree. I also painted the base of the tree with gold leaf craft paint.

Step Two – Add Personalized Names

The next step is to personalize the appetizer markers. I initially used a gold Sharpie marker to draw my design and add the names of the cheeses I plan to serve at the party. However, I quickly realized that the names disappeared and would be hard to read, so I switched to a black marker for the customized names.

Step Three – Add Toothpicks To Make Cheese Markers

Next, I added the long toothpicks to the backside of the wooden cutouts. I first applied a heavy amount of E-6000 glue and added the toothpick, then used hot glue over the top. Ensure your toothpick is straight with the tree and hold it in place until the hot glue dries. Once the E-6000 glue dries, you will have a secure bond.

Step Four – Add Tree Topper

After the hot glue is dry, you can add the tree topper. I used the gold jingle bells to fill the hole in the wooden tree. You can use a bow, star, or other small topper.

Apply a drop of hot glue to the bell and place it in the hole until dry.

Optional Step Five – Add Glitter

The cheese markers look really cute at this point, but since I’m a “more is less” kind of girl, I decided to add some glitter. I used a small paintbrush to add some Elmer glue around the edges of the trees and along the garland I had painted on with the Sharpie. Then, I sprinkled over the glue with gold glitter.

How To Make Stands For Appetizer Markers

Since I ended some of my appetizer markers to stand along with a toothpick, I decided to make stands for them. After some debate, I used an old Scrabble stand for this purpose. Brad cut the stand into three pieces and sanded the edges. I then painted them with gold leaf craft paint.

To attach the appetizer marker to the stands, I use double stick puffy tape so they would be secure in the stands.

The Finished Cheese and Appetizer Markers

I left a few of my cheese markers blank to add a personalized name once I decided on my menu. But don’t they look adorable? They are going to be perfect for this year’s Christmas party.

The stands will allow our guests to identify all the appetizers without guessing. The gold glitter gives them just the right amount of sparkle for a festive table. Do you like the glitter, or would you prefer them without it? You could decorate your trees to work with your Christmas decor in so many ways. Let me know if you try this project. I’d love to see your designs.

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Thanks for stopping by, and Happy Holidays!