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    Learn More About Trays

    Serving trays are an important piece of serveware that everyone should have in their home. Use them to bring out food and drinks all at once instead of having to carry everything separately, whether you’re catering to a crowd or setting the stage for dining solo.


    If you often entertain large groups, consider large party trays for bringing barbecue items to the backyard and tiered trays for setting out appetizers and desserts. Hosting a more intimate gathering? Etsy sellers also offer a variety of small trays great for a coffee date with a friend on your patio.

    Serving trays come in many styles, each suited for different types of foods and purposes. These are some common types of trays:


    • Charcuterie tray: Charcuterie is a spread of cured meats and cheeses laid out on a generously sized charcuterie board that allows you to pile on enough for everyone to enjoy.
    • Deviled egg tray: These trays come with indents that cradle the eggs and keep them from rolling around. Many deviled egg trays have a central compartment for salt, pepper, and condiments.
    • Sandwich trays: A popular food at parties, finger sandwiches are often artfully arranged on a round or rectangular tray.
    • Cookie tray: Offering up some baked goodies? A specialized cookie tray with a protective raised lip is a dessert table essential.
    • Fruit tray: Fruit serving trays often come with separate compartments that allow you to set out a stylish selection of cut fruits and berries.

    Serving trays come in a variety of materials to enhance your decor and entertaining theme. Many are just as fashionable as they are functional and can easily double as decorative trays fit for display—tray chic. The most common material options include:


    • Wood: Wood serving trays are popular for their wide range of designs. They are available in almost any size and usually feature cutout or metal handles.
    • Ceramic: Beautiful ceramic trays are often chosen for their unique shapes and styles, acting as an appealing accent anywhere you place them.
    • Metal: Bring a hint of shine to your serveware with a polished metal tray that will add a decorative gleam to any table setting.
    • Marble: A marble tray is an elegant option that will instantly elevate your entertaining aesthetic. They are commonly used as charcuterie boards as the stone helps keep the cheese cool.

    Dining trays differ from serving trays as they’re made for everyday meals at home rather than entertaining. They allow you to take your meals somewhere other than at the table, whether you’re heading outside for supper under the stars or hitting the couch for dinner and a movie. There are two main types of dining trays:


    • TV trays: Eat your meal while watching your favorite show with a handy TV tray. These trays usually come with a stand to lift your food to a comfortable height while you sit and a spacious surface for your plate, utensils, and drink.
    • Breakfast in bed trays: A breakfast in bed tray is a wide tray with short, angled legs that prop the surface above your legs while you sit in bed. Pick one up to treat your special someone to a romantic way to start the day.