In the past, serving trays were seen as simply items to carry dishes and plates of food from the kitchen to the dining room. Today, home designers consider them one of the most versatile accessories one can have in their household. A serving tray can be used to organize groups of items such as candles and barware, plus, large trays with raised sides can even be used as a place to keep magazines and books neat and organized. Also, a serving tray that features a colourful design can be the perfect item which can bring life to a monotonously designed room.
Nowadays, you can find a variety of modern serving trays online and in local stores as well. There are rectangular, square, round and oval ones which can be made from different materials including metal, wood, melamine, plastic – all strong enough to bear weight loads. That means whether you decide to buy trays online or go shopping in your local store, you will surely be able to find one to match your needs. The shape, size and looks will depend largely on your style, nevertheless, here are some tips to consider when shopping for a tray.
Different Materials
- Metal – Trays made of this material are great for serving beverages and food because they are durable, easy to clean and have an elegant look.
- Melamine – These trays feature a sophisticated look, are durable and easy to clean. Nevertheless , they can fade over some time if washed too frequently.
- Wood – Wood trays are the perfect organizing pieces to keep items like remote controls and small stacks of paperwork within your arm’s reach while relaxing on the couch.
- Rattan – They work well for both indoor and outdoor environments as a surface for setting down a drink or a book. Their downside is that they absorb liquids and can end up getting stained and sticky.
Consider Lacquered Finishes
When buying a wooden tray, I recommend you to choose one with a lacquered finish. Aside from being versatile, the glossy coating also serves as an extra protection from liquids and food stains. Plus, it makes cleaning much easier as all it requires is wiping down the surface. Although lacquered finishes may come at a higher price tag, if you are looking to buy a tray that can serve you for many years to come, then that extra investment is totally worthy.
Keep Sides and Handles in Mind
When looking to buy trays online or offline, you will find a number of options with raised sides which are especially useful as they help to keep drinks from sliding off the tray and can also keep different items on them. Similarly, trays that feature handles are much more preferable as they are more portable than trays without ones. There are also trays that come with cutout handles, which are holes carved out from the elevated sides of the tray. While this offers a better grip, they may also cut into your hand. If possible, opt for rattan and metal handles as these won’t hurt your palms.
