We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs.
In her new book, Homemaking with Babs: Tips & Tricks for Making a House a Home, New York Times bestselling author Barbara Costello covers every room, storage space, and square foot in-between. With her hallmark geniality, she unveils secret recipes for organizing and maintaining a home that supports for the way you really want to live. Just as on her wildly popular social media channels, Costello’s written tips are clear and unfussy, the sort of solutions you can stand up and go implement this afternoon. Below, she kindly agreed to share her hack for a boot tray that actually dries wet shoes with Domino readers.
While raising four kids, I quickly realized we needed a better system to organize all of their snow boots. I was tired of wet, slippery, hazardous foyers filled with a mountain of boots that never seemed to dry out. Voilà—the boot tray was born. By arranging each pair of boots on a bed of river rocks, the boots stay organized and dry while the foyer stays clean, safe, and dry. The river rocks allow the water and dirt to drain beneath them so everything dries out in no time.
I use this in my own home throughout the rainy and snowy seasons. The rocks lift boots above any collected water, helping them dry more quickly while keeping my floors dry and clean. This DIY is perfect for busy families, pet owners, or anyone who wants a practical way to contain everyday mud, rain, and snow.
Choose a tray.
Select a tray with sides at least 2–3 inches high so it comfortably holds both the rocks and any water that drips from wet shoes. Rubber, galvanized metal, powder-coated steel, decorative resin, and wood trays will all work well.
Williams Sonoma
Hold Everything Boot Tray
A clean, classic design with deep sides that keeps water and dirt contained while looking polished in an entryway
L.L.Bean
Rustic Wooden Boot Tray
A beautiful wooden frame with a removable galvanized insert that feels right at home in a mudroom or covered porch
The Home Depot
Medallions Boot Tray
A decorative tray with an elegant copper finish that works equally well as home décor and a hardworking boot tray
Amazon
SUPENUIN Extra Large Boot Tray
Perfect for larger households, this extra-long heavy-duty rubber tray holds multiple pairs of shoes or boots at once. The raised edges help contain water, mud, and snow, while the durable waterproof rubber construction is built to withstand everyday use.
Get some river rocks.
Use smooth, washed river rocks approximately 1–2 inches in diameter. This size creates enough space beneath boots for water to collect while keeping shoes stable. You can often find them at local gardening stores or retailers such as The Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Amazon.
Wash the rocks.
Rinse the river rocks thoroughly to remove dust and debris. Allow them to dry before placing them in the tray.
Fill the tray.
Spread the rocks into an even layer across the bottom of the tray. Leave just enough space between the stones so water can drain below the boots.
Place by the door.
Position the tray near the entrance where family and guests naturally remove their shoes.
Empty and refresh.
As water collects in the bottom of the tray, remove the rocks, pour out the water, rinse if needed, and return the rocks once everything is dry.
[PORTRAIT]
Maintain.
Empty standing water regularly. Wash the rocks every few weeks with warm, soapy water, allowing both the tray and rocks to dry completely before reassembling.
If used outdoors or in snowy climates, occasionally hose everything down to remove dirt and salt buildup.
“Homemaking with Babs” Copyright © 2026 by Motherhood Media, LLC. Photographs copyright © 2026 by Dane Tashima. Published by Clarkson Potter, an imprint of the Crown Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Random House LLC.”