I’ll admit it, I’m obsessed with those adorable decorative serving trays you find in stores. Every time I go to Target, I lust after the newest one they’ve released, and every time, I pass it by. I mean, how will I use it, outside of breakfast in bed? I’d really love to use it, but I mean, is it practical? I ask myself every time. After passing up this particular tray all last season, when I saw it reappear at Target, I knew I had to have it! So, I sat down, determined to figure out ways I could use this tray before I spent the money. And trust me, I was not disappointed with the ways I’ve been able to use it. Are you longing for a beautiful serving tray?
Make your guest room feel luxurious by placing a serving tray on the bed with goodies your guest might need. I spend the year stocking up on clearance-priced travel sized items like shampoo, mouthwash, and facial cleanser. Pair that with a nice, clean towel and washcloths, a drinking glass for bed, and a note telling guests where to find the extra blankets, and they’ll be right at home. If it’s the busy holiday season, you’ll be able to spend less time helping your guests find what they need and more time enjoying each others’ company, and that’s what the holidays are all about!
Create a portable wrapping station by placing tissue paper, gift tags, Sharpies, ribbon, tape, scissors, and gift bags on a tray. Don’t forget little snacks like mini Peppermint Oreos or peppermints! By creating a portable wrapping station, you can set it in the center of a table for the family to wrap together, or allow members of the family to slip away to their room with the wrapping station, taking turns to wrap gifts for one another in secret. With handles, even small hands can snag the wrapping station and wrap to their heart’s content. Just be sure to keep snacks stocked up for solo wrapping parties!
Everyone needs a night off! Create a girls’ night in with ease by placing your gear– from movies, to nail polish and toe separators, to ice cream in waffle bowls– on your serving tray, then take it to the room of your choice. A serving tray will keep goodies corralled while you enjoy. Curl up with a chick flick, a cheesy holiday movie, or even a family-friendly favorite if you’re enjoying your girls’ night with your daughters. A tray is a great way to bring the party to the living room!
Create a stunning cocoa bar as the focal point during tree-trimming or your holiday parties like cookie exchanges! With oversized mugs, flavored creamer, and sprinkles, as well as mini Peppermint Oreos, peppermints, and other yummy treats, this will be a true hit with any cocoa lover! Don’t forget the whipped cream and marshmallows (try Peppermint Jet-Puffed marshmallows for a minty twist!)
If you’re truly set on getting a serving tray, but don’t feel like you can justify it, these are just a few ideas of how you can use it. But you can also place it on a side table to corral clutter and look like a focal point in your decor (plus it doubles as an oversized coaster and remote holder!). You can serve breakfast (because no way, this actually works for it’s intended purpose?!), or use it as a base for your centerpiece. Wouldn’t a large dish filled with silver and gold ornaments, surrounded by fake snow, look stunning on this silver tray? The sky is the limit on how you can use this tray during the holidays and into the new year, so don’t hesitate when you see one while you’re shopping– grab it and rest assured, you’ll be able to find many, many uses for it!
How would you use a serving tray during the holidays? Tell me in the comments below!
