I decided to make a tray for a friends Birthday. 

A bit late for my birthday (back in April... though the actual sinking was another tragedy on that day after), but will still be appreciated.  Good save on the join... I don't think I'll even notice it after my first use.

You shouldn't worry about the orange peel effect... you can always say it's idiosyncratic for imported Western Aussie Jarrah...  not only that it'll stop things sliding around on it when I trip.
Actually they should rename orange peel effect to a lemon!

PS.  Couldn't you find a clean white sheet for the traditional photo shoot... or was it just an opportunity to case out that red number in the background to bolster your pocket burning shekels?

If your first cut is too short... Take the second cut from the longer end... LBD