Serving trays are undoubtedly one of the hardest working tableware you can have in your kitchen. But how often do we actually talk about them? Let alone think about investing in a nice collection. More often than not, we do not think much when it comes to the selection of serving trays to buy. Besides serving a myriad of purposes beyond transferring foods from one room to another, they also add to the décor and theme of your dining table.

Whether you love to host tea parties and lunches or stay as a loner, a serving tray is of immense importance. There is no limit to things you can serve to your guests in a tray and there is no one size fits all when it comes to the serving tray to buy.

While some serving trays are ideal for sharing a specific portion size of food, others allow you to carry your crockery and cutlery from kitchen to serving area.

Types of serving trays to buy

There is a wide variety of serving trays available in the market. Some common materials you can choose your serving trays from are:

1. Wood
2. Melamine
3. Plastic
4. Bone china
5. Ceramic
6. Bamboo
7. Glass

When it is time to pick a serving tray to buy you can be flooded with a variety in terms of not just material, but also colour, sizes and designing of the tray. Keep in mind what you want to serve, in order to pick the right size and shape. You can visit Ellementry to buy the best ones for you.

What to consider when buying a serving tray?

It is, of course, important to give consideration to the size and material of the serving tray to buy but do not forget to make sure that the tray you pick is good to look at and offers a visual addition to your foods.

You can take things up a notch and match the colour and style of your serving tray with that of the tableware you own. However, neutral trays like those made of wood are great to look at and can complement any table set up.

Websites like Ellementry has a wide selection of wooden trays to choose from in different shapes, colours and sizes. All these trays come in a collection of matching tableware to choose from to complete the look and are completely handcrafted.

Things to serve in a tray

1.     Drinks at the bar

A nice well-sized tray can be kept at your beverage bar with drinks ready to be served. The guests can pick their favourite ones and help themselves while you get to have some free time to enjoy your own party. Having the drinks already placed in the tray can allow you to rotate them once in a while if required and lets you mingle up with the guests.

2.     Fruit platters

For your next brunch, arrange freshly cut fruits on a wooden platter and be the talk of the town for your plating skills. Rather than placing the fruits in a bowl-like fruit salad, why not create a fruit platter and bring a little bit of style to your table?

3.     Assortment of cheese

Cheese – who doesn’t love it, right? If you are not sure about things that you can serve to your guests in a tray, fret not. A collection of assorted cheese will never disappoint you. Just pick up some gouda, mozzarella and other favourites and place them on a wooden tray. Your guests will adore you!

4.     How about some breakfast in bed?

Want to make your better half feel special? Planning to start a special occasion on a romantic note? What can be better than a scrumptious breakfast in bed? Just toss some eggs, pancakes and a cup of coffee on a beautiful tray like this shade of green wooden tray from Ellementry  and thank us later! Keep a small bouquet of flowers along and you will not regret it!

5.     Tea

There is no better way to use a tray other than serving your favourite tea. Whether you love a hot creamy masala chai, or you are more of a green tea person, a tray is essential for that perfect serving of tea. A big tray like this silver metal tray with handles from Ellementry can even accommodate some go-to snacks as well.

6.     Coffee

Like to enjoy a cup of coffee with your partner. Well, you do need a nice tray to pep up your regular coffee drinking experience. A tray allows you to carry more than two coffee mugs along with some snacks at the same time besides adding a little more finesse to your experience.

7.     Snacks

There is no limit to things that you can serve to your guests in a tray. Whether you are hosting a bunch of kids for a birthday party or your boss and his family are coming for drinks. You will, of course, need a couple of trays and platters to serve snacks or take them from the kitchen to the dining table.

The final word

Serving trays that are good to look at are no doubt versatile and a very useful accessory to have in your kitchen. While such trays come handy to serve food and drinks to your guests, they also make your tea and coffee drinking experience more delightful. Do not forget to complement your cups and trays!

Besides using these trays for serving purposes, you can also invest in some beautiful pieces to add to your home décor. Keep it on your coffee table with a flower vase or a candle to add style to your living room décor. You can even place some trays on the dining table to keep your cutlery sorted or organise your cruet set and other mandates.

What do you think of this article? Is there anything that we missed? What all things do you serve in a tray? We would love to have your feedback! Do let us know your views in comments below! Do not forget to check out our tray collection.