Which serving trays are best for entertaining?
If you’re hosting an upcoming gathering, you’ll likely be serving some kind of appetizers, treats or drinks. The best way to set out goodies for your guests to enjoy is to place them on a serving tray. are flat portable surfaces made of durable materials to support dishes, food and drinks. These trays keep your food and beverages organized and help prevent unnecessary spills.
Serving tray features
There are a handful of features that differentiate one serving tray from the next. 24 inchesKnowing what, where and how you’ll serve your guests will help you find the right serving tray for your next event.
Materials
Serving trays can come in various materials, including plastic, wood, metal, glass and marble. Plastic trays are the least expensive but are also prone to cracking and absorbing odors. Wooden trays are popular and look nice in almost every setting, though you may need to oil them occasionally to help seal the wood and keep them looking pristine. Metal, glass and marble trays require less upkeep and are highly durable but often have a higher price tag.
Size and shape
You can find serving trays in various sizes and shapes, but the most common ones are rectangular. Many serving trays measure between 12 and 24 inches long. Bespoke serving trays may be round, oblong, tiered or custom-made. The larger the tray, the more surface area you have to arrange your refreshments.
Walls
Trays can come with walls standing up from the sides or without them. These walls are there to prevent condensation from leaking out and food and drinks from sliding off. Walls are most helpful if you plan to arrange your serving tray in one area and carry it somewhere else.
Handles
Most serving trays come with handles attached or holes cut out from the sidewalls for easy carrying. If you plan to move your refreshments from the kitchen to another room, handles are an excellent idea to help keep the tray balanced.
Tiers
Serving trays are often a single flat surface but may involve two or more attached layers. These tiers can help display more petite refreshments, adding depth to your tablescape or saving space on your tables and counters. Keep in mind that tiered serving trays limit the height of your refreshments as they stack on top of each other.
Best serving trays for entertaining
Serving trays for entertaining under $25
This bamboo tray is lightweight yet durable. The side walls are tall enough to keep most dishes from sliding off, and the handles are extra large for an easy grip.
This durable serving tray is tear- and fade-resistant, making it an excellent choice for patio soirees and outdoor events. A removable fishnet mold lines the bottom of the tray, which helps hold items steady and makes cleanup easy.
Serving tray for entertaining $25 to $50
This straightforward serving tray is a reliable standard that’s sturdy and comes in seven colors. The wood construction is solid, and the handle cutouts make carrying easy.
Serving trays for entertaining over $50
This classy Mother of Pearl serving tray is made to order with custom sizing and trim. The organic edging and modern handles create a sleek, sophisticated finish. Choose from gold or silver accents.
The antique copper finish and hammered iron detailing grab your attention with this oblong serving tray. The attached brass handles lift from the edges.
This minimal brass tray with slight edges adds a luxurious touch to any event. The tray is made from a single sheet of brass, creating a seamless surface. The modern look gives an effortless nod to midcentury design.
For a serving tray that’s sure to impress, this beach-inspired coastal serving tray mimics the ocean shoreline with an epoxy finish atop a light maple board. Metal side handles offer strong support.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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