There is something about trays that has always interested me.  I have friends that love and collect chairs, perpetual calendars, bronze figures and oil paintings and while I love a great chair as much as the next avid collector, trays rate right up there with my other obsessions {any kind of pottery or china that strikes my fancy as well as boxes of all kinds}.

The two images below are from one of my favorite blog sites French Kissed.  If you haven’t visited Jermaine at FK you should, all of her photography captures the essence of an inviting home and she always tells a wonderful story…Jermaine, thank you for always inspiring me!

via French Kissed

 

Things just showcase better on a tray…especially “smalls” as antique dealers call the little treasures that truly make a home.

I believe I initially became interested when I was given a footed silver tray by my mother in law.  It was relatively old and I loved the details of the pattern as well as the fact that it was footed.  I later watched antique stores for English oak trays but usually had to pass on purchasing them due to the price…this was several years ago and now I could kick myself that I didn’t splurge and pick one up because they have doubled in price.

via eBay

Silver trays, such as the sterling tray above can cost some serious coin, but there are some wonderful trays at consignment stores and antique stores that mimic this look and may only be silver plate and still offer character and a vehicle for showcasing accessories or serving from.

via adventures of tartanscot, SMW designs

via house beautiful

via better homes and garden

I’m always drawn to the wide variety of ways a tray can be used.  From doubling as a hard surface on a large ottoman substituting as a coffee table, to a venue for featuring small antiques and decorative items on a shelf or buffet.

These antique money trays were featured on WUSLU, they sell a variety of unique items but when they’re gone, they’re gone.

via traditional home

I recently posted HERE  about the tray I made with a basic glass insert (that my frame guy made for me) so that I could use some toile wallpaper that we covered with bead board…you’ll have to read the post.  The good news is that this tray which I purchased from Home Goods can now be made to work for any season or color scheme I choose by simply cutting the fabric or paper to fit and refitting the tray with the glass.  Fun, right?

via west elm

via pottery barn

Straw or woven trays look great on a table or standing up as a backdrop for a kitchen counter.  There is something so timeless about a great straw basket tray.

via restoration hardware

via restoration hardware

via brabourne farm

mary eriksson

The above tray looks like it might be an old soda crate, the use of it on a desk as an organizational display is very creative.

unknown

Are those Hermes boxes stacked on the simple, black tray?  Very nice!  I could see Jo Malone boxes used this way too.

via old painted cottage

This vignette of old silver utensils and tray look very nice in front of the bead board back splash.

Do you have any trays you are especially fond of?