We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Furniture

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

How Do I Choose the Best Serving Tray?

By Tiffany Manley
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 7,840
Share

With so many options available when purchasing serving pieces, it is easy to get lost in the decision of choosing the best type of serving tray to purchase. A serving tray accomplishes a few key things: it provides a sturdy surface for presentation of food, drinks, and other items; it provides a stylish way to present your food and drinks; and it might complement the décor of a party or gathering that you are hosting. Serving trays tend to get the most use during a special event or occasion, so it is important to know what choices you have when choosing one. To decide on the best tray, determine what its main purpose will be, what will be placed on the tray and the décor around which the tray will be presented.

A serving tray might be used for many reasons. In order to choose the best tray, you should determine what your needs are. If you would like a tray to serve food to a number of people, such as a catered affair, choosing a tray that is wide enough to hold a number of items but also is well-balanced, sturdy and not too large is the way to go. When using a tray to bring the holiday turkey to the table, a simple tray large enough to hold this single food item will suffice. If your tray will be used mostly for decorative purposes, it can be of any size, shape, color or material you would like, because its purpose is more about presentation rather than function.

Not only is it important to choose a tray that is the right size and material for your needs, it also is important to choose a tray that can reasonably handle the items to be placed on it. If the majority of what you will be serving on the tray consists of beverages, you might choose to go with a tray that has a handle or a nonslip surface to prevent excessive sliding. When the tray will be used to transport a large or heavy item, a serving tray with side handles might be the best tray to use. The tray is supposed to be attractive but functional for transporting the items safely to their destination.

Although function should be the first determining factor in deciding on a serving tray, its appearance is important as well. A tray should match the overall look of the space in which it is being used. Sleek stainless-steel trays would work well at an event with modern décor. Serving trays made out of fine porcelain with intricate patterns might fit in nicely with the family’s holiday dinner. Choosing a tray that is both functional and attractive can truly tie together a fine meal or event.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/how-do-i-choose-the-best-serving-tray.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.