The history of the serving tray is both fascinating and humble. Early Etruscans used metal to serve their royalty. Called ‘Salvers,’ these early trays were a crucial part of society and denoted that the food served on it was fit to eat and had been tested for poison.

1. Form Meets Function with Embellished Decorative Trays
The history of the serving tray is both fascinating and humble. Early Etruscans used
metal to serve their royalty. Called ‘Salvers,’ these early trays were a crucial part of
society and denoted that the food served on it was fit to eat and had been tested for
poison. Through different societies and cultures, trays have played an important role in
the ritual and process of serving food, enjoying company and respecting your guests. As
time marched on, trays became a canvas for artisans to showcase their work. Much like
decorative bowls or exquisite China, trays show how form meets function in the most
beautiful way.
Fast-forward to current times and decorative trays are being used not just for serving
royalty but for embellishing and adding character to homes all over the world. When
choosing a tray for your home, it’s first important to determine your personal style and
aesthetic. It’s also crucial to decide where the tray will be placed. All of these factors will
help you choose a look that’s just right for you.
If you’re a fan of ‘mod’ mid-century style, try searching for melamine trays that were
very popular in the 1960’s. These trays usually come in bright colors like orange and
yellow and sometimes feature fun prints. A melamine tray looks in a neutral room that

2. needs that ‘extra something,’ Once you choose your mod tray, consider purchasing a
couple of complementary pillows to really create a cohesive, gorgeous look.
If you’re more of a traditionalist, hand-painted wooden trays are beautiful and add a
classic, sophisticated touch to any room. Try looking for versions that feature scalloped
edges, gilded paint, or other differentiating factors. These trays look particularly beautiful
when placed on a draped throw blanket on top of an ottoman. If you’re looking to spruce
up a vacation home, a traditional tray will add visual interest to a room and can easily
freshen up the look.
Finally, if exotic and sexy styles are what you covet, look for a tray that features rich
details like inlaid gold and animal prints. These exotic trays look perfect in a den or
bachelor pad and are a fuss-free way to add ‘art’ in a tactile, functional way. These types
of trays are generally more expensive, so care should be taken and they should be used
just for display on a coffee table or desk.
It’s clear that throughout history, decorative trays have played an important role. Whether
plain and simple, or embellished and chic, trays have the ability to transform a room and
add depth, character and style.