Which serving trays are best for entertaining?
Hosting guests means you’ll be serving them all sorts of food, from crudités to cake bites — but you might be wondering how to plate them. A serving tray is your best option.
When it comes to serving trays for entertaining, it’s all about presentation. Some people prefer simple, organized arrangements, while others are more creative. Take charcuterie boards, for example. Some of them have surpassed the line of being Instagram-worthy — and entered the territory of going viral.
To help you find the right serving tray for entertaining, we’re sharing an overview of everything you need to know about them.
What do I need to know about serving trays for entertaining?
What is a serving tray?
A serving tray is any type of tray that is used to present food or drinks.
Some are plain and flat, whereas others may have divided sections, different tiers, modular designs or mini bowls for dips. A subset of serving trays are charcuterie boards, many of which have drawers or hidden compartments that house cheese knives.
What goes on a serving tray?
Serving trays can hold almost any type of finger food, such as cheese, cold cuts, hors d’oeuvres, crudités, fresh fruit and dessert. They’re also useful for serving cooked appetizers, like sliders, mini meatballs and kebabs.
Provided the foods aren’t too messy, there isn’t much you can’t put on a serving tray. It’s unlikely you’ll be serving salad or gooey pasta dishes from a flat serving tray.
How big should a serving tray be?
Serving trays are designed to be practical, giving you plenty of space to arrange or spread food. With that said, how much space you need depends on the size of the foods and how you intend to arrange them.
Ideally, a serving tray shouldn’t feel overwhelmed by the amount of food stacked on it. Each piece of food should be easy to pluck from the tray without disturbing others too much. However, some platters benefit from elegant overlaps, such as cheese slices that lean on crackers.
In short, there’s no hard and fast rule on serving tray sizes. Many consumers invest in a variety of sizes. At the very least, it’s helpful to invest in a classic rectangular tray and a few smaller serving trays.
What materials are used for serving trays?
Serving trays are made with a wealth of materials, including glass, metal, plastic, ceramic, porcelain, acrylic, melamine, wood and bamboo. Some people use their Himalayan salt blocks as serving trays.
How much are serving trays for entertaining?
Cheap serving trays, usually made of plastic, cost $20 or less. Mid-range serving trays, priced between $25 and $60, include better-quality designs. The most expensive options, made with premium materials like ceramic or porcelain, cost $75 or more.
What are the best serving trays for entertaining?
Best cheap serving trays for entertaining
Charity Leaf Disposable Palm Leaf Life Bamboo Serving Trays
If you’re looking for an eco-friendly option for disposable trays, this 10-piece set is 100% biodegradable. The trays are microwaveable and oven-safe to 340 degrees.
Prodyne Flip-Lid Appetizers on Ice Tray
Say goodbye to warm, soggy appetizers with this nesting ice tray set. It’s a popular investment for outdoor entertaining in warm weather.
The bold color of this oblong, art deco-inspired design is ideal if you’re looking for statement serveware. Made from vitrified ceramic, it’s safe to place in the dishwasher, microwave and oven.
Best serving trays for entertaining in the $25-$60 price range
Lenox Butterfly Meadow Melamine Serving Tray
This outdoor-friendly serving tray by Lenox is popular for casual al fresco dining. The soft, pastel colors of the design let the food remain the focal point of the presentation.
Tabletops Unlimited Serving Set
Look no further for an upscale dip tray. The practical design, which is oven-safe to 400 degrees, features a bamboo tray with three cups containing dip, olives or garnishes.
Best expensive serving trays for entertaining
Villeroy & Boch French Garden Sandwich Tray
The countryside-inspired tray is versatile enough to plate sandwiches, desserts and other fixings. The tray is also dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning.
Godinger Dublin 3-Tier Serving Rack
It’s hard to beat the chic aesthetic of this tiered crystal rack, which draws inspiration from midcentury serveware. Each plate is 12 inches in diameter.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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