DIY Glass and Wine Caddy with Free Plans

Materials

• Scrap hardwood or softwood suitable for small projects
• Wood stain (optional) to enhance grain and color
• Clear varnish or polyurethane for protection

Tools

• Hand saw or small circular saw
• Flat wood drill bits or Forstner bits for clean holes
• Sander (orbital or sanding block)
• Band saw or jigsaw to cut slots and notches
• Brush for stain and varnish
• Router with a round-over bit (optional for finished edges)

Instructions

1. Prepare and measure the wood — choose a flat piece of scrap board and cut it to the overall length and width you prefer so it can comfortably hold a standard bottle and two glasses. If you have a template, place it on the board and mark out the bottle and glass positions.
2. Mark the holes and cut lines — transfer the template outlines to your board carefully. Mark the center points for any circular holes you’ll drill for the bottle neck and glass stems. Draw the slot lines where the glass bases will sit.
3. Drill the circular openings — use flat wood drill bits or Forstner bits to cut the round openings for the bottle neck and glass bowls. Drill slowly and support the workpiece to avoid tear-out. Choose bit sizes that suit your glasses and the bottle neck to ensure a snug, but not forced, fit.
4. Cut the glass slots and notches — using a band saw or jigsaw, carefully cut the slots or notches for the glass stems and any additional shaping. Make multiple light passes rather than trying to remove too much material at once. Test-fit each glass and the bottle as you go to adjust sizes.
5. Sand all surfaces — smooth every edge and the interior of the cutouts using a sander or sanding block. Start with a medium grit and finish with fine grit for a clean, professional feel. Pay particular attention to the slots and drilled edges where splinters can form.
6. Round over edges (optional) — for a softer, safer finish, rout the outside edges with a round-over bit. This gives the caddy a finished look and removes any sharp corners that could catch on clothing or hands.
7. Stain and finish — apply your chosen stain following the grain, wiping off excess and allowing adequate drying time. Once dry, seal the caddy with two coats of clear varnish or polyurethane to protect the wood and make it easy to clean. Allow sufficient drying and curing time between coats.
8. Final checks and use — once fully dry, test-fit the bottle and glasses. Make any fine adjustments with sandpaper if needed. The caddy is now ready to use or gift; wrap or decorate it as desired for presentation.

Safety tip: Always wear appropriate eye and ear protection when cutting, drilling, or routing. Clamp workpieces securely and take your time with each operation.

Finishing tips: If you want a rustic look, use a light stain and a single matte varnish coat. For a more polished gift, apply a deeper stain and multiple satin or gloss coats. Consider lining the inside of the cutouts with felt to protect glass bases during transport.

Gift ideas: Pair the caddy with a favorite bottle and a small note for a thoughtful, handmade present. Because the design is compact, it also works well for picnic sets or garden parties where carrying glasses and a bottle in one hand is useful.