{GHP} Trays, Deux

12 Thursday Apr 2012

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There are only so many topics where gardens, homes and entertaining (party) are concerned…and I try to be original (or as original as I can be for my blog). But sometimes topics are worth revisiting. Trays, at least for me, is just such a subject. I first posted my love of the versatility of trays HERE.

Since that time I have found more images showing the use of trays and they are inspiring…at least to me, I hope they will provide you with ideas as well.

With a padded ottoman for a coffee table a tray becomes a necessity.

Better Homes and Garden

I may have zeroed in on the peonies in this image, but when I realized the arrangement on the white lacquer tray I was sold.

Color Outside the Lines

I really like this brass tray on the ottoman…the room is filled with touches of brass/gold tones — it really is beautiful.

Madeline Stewart Designs

Maybe it’s my California roots but Barclay Butera designs such an inviting and relaxed room…I can imagine the cool breezes off the ocean and the sound of the blender in the kitchen, preparing margaritas for the party.

Barclay Butera

Another amazing California designer, Mary Ann of classic.casual.home has used this brass tray in her family room…the classic combination is more appealing on a tray—a plant and/or fresh cut flowers, candle and photograph.

Classic. Casual. Home

Doesn’t this try look great on the blue and white checked table cloth…such a pretty ensemble of blue and white, what’s not to love?

Dan Carithers

Silver and wood trays are a favorite of mine. This one looks masculine with the leather appointments but I can imagine it topped with silver and crystal for a party.

David Jiminez ~ Haus Design

Lilacs and coffee on a vintage wooden tray…yes, please.

unknown

It’s hard for me to determine what the tray in the picture below is made of but I love the rustic appeal of the old, cloth bound books, a candle and some kind of small receptacle.

Haus Design

Isn’t this a wonderful montage of interesting accessories. The red tray ties to the pillows and red coral and the blue and white candle container ties it all in a pretty bow.

unknown

Another nice woven tray filled with orchids, moss and a footed silver bowl.

Do you use trays in places besides your kitchen? What do you typically display on them? I’d love to hear your ideas.

I’ve linking to French Country Cottage for Feathered Nest Friday

{Home and Party} Trays, a versatile obsession

22 Thursday Sep 2011

Posted by Karen B. in Antiques, Collections & Accessories, Decorating, Entertaining, Personal Information

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trays

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