Old Sweetwater

Old Sweetwater

Saturday, January 29, 2011

The Tres Chic Tray

Trays are hard-working items we take for granted. Two of mine broke this summer so I went *on the hunt* for replacements. I had my internal check list: 
  1. Not too heavy, but sturdy enough to carry a crystal pitcher full of iced tea and four glasses or an entire coffee set with cups and saucers. 
  2. Not too small, but not so large it fills up the table.
  3. Low maintenance finish so water rings won't show.
  4. Simple, but attractive. 
  5. Neutral colored. 
  6. Comfortable handles.
Uh, easier said than done, but I finally found one! What do you use trays for? 


  

26 comments:

Tanna said...

I love the shape of that Hermes tray and stand! And I love the design and shape of yours (WITH the snack and flower!!). I have a few vintage trays, but rarely use them other than to brighten my kitchen. Have a great weekend, Janean!

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

Hi Janean,
I love your tray table. It's perfect. I have a love for them too. I love finding them at the thrift and giving them new life.
I use them in the kitchen, the bedroom and the bath....just about everywhere to give ordinary items some importance.

hugs
Sissie

Jojo said...

Trays are wonderful and I forget how versatile they can be around the house. Two weeks ago I felt so lucky while putting some things in my basement. I found 2 beautiful brass trays that I forgot I had!!! It was like receiving a gift!!

FairfieldHouse said...

...breakfast in bed, reading the Sunday paper while sipping coffee...

Rita said...

Janean, It is hard to give up something that you really like, isn't it? I'm glad that you found a new tray to replace the old one that broke. Have a wonderful weekend!

BumbleBeeLane said...

Love the rustic wood one.Warm Blessings!~Amy

Sarah said...

Janean, I use trays all over my house ~ all sizes, all shapes, all styles. I use them for serving, for table tops, for gathering together small collections, for grouping a few framed photos, . . . the list is endless. Trays are always following me home. The tray in the 4th photo would be one to come my way. ~ Sarah

Farm Girl said...

Wow, now I know I should have bought it. I went to an Estate sale yesterday and the trays the lady had were 65 cents and I just passed them by, but Now I see I should have got them. Ouch!

Unknown said...

Wow, those are simply wonderful, what a variety!

Blondie's Journal said...

I have a couple of trays...I like to display little vignettes or arrangements in/on them. I'm not a breakfast~in~bed sort of person so I like to have fun with them. I'm glad you found the exact one you wanted!

XO,
Jane

It's me said...

Nr 7 please!!! so great !!...lovely weekend...love from me Ria...xxx..

Stina said...

Wat mooi heb zelf ook nog een beschilderd thee blad daar ben ik heel zuinig op.,

Groetjes Stina

Barb said...

Hi Janean!

I love trays! I have several, but my favorite is a big silver plated tray that I found at a thrift store for $1.00! It is big enough for everything I use a tray for, and has a beautiful patina! I love the wooden trays, the last picture on your post - I would love to have a few of those on hand . . . or should I say, in my hand!

Hugs,
Barb

Dianna said...

#4 and #7 would be my picks! I love trays with a passion. I have some pretty tiled ones from Mexico, one from England that belonged to my grandmother, some silver ones, some glass ones, but NO wooden ones! Not even ONE! I think I'll make that my treasure hunt for the summer! Can carry it with a pitcher of iced tea or lemonade out to the deck beside the hammock! ;)

Sally said...

Love the one you have, but they're all very pretty. I have one similar to #4 that has a primary use; for my great-granddaughter to have her snacks. She says she feels like a princess when I hand it to her. :)

Karen said...

Hmmm, that plain wooden one intrigued me. I use mine for breads/crackers and cheese, or fruits. And the lesser known-moving my knick-knacks from one place to another when I dust. :P

Dolores said...

I love trays...... I like to sit them around with special items in them.....can't say I really use them as drink trays..etc.

I can't decide which of these I like the best ....all!

Elizabeth said...

I love your trays,you have inspired me to get mine out and start using them!

On Crooked Creek said...

Janean,
Lovely tray! What a find!
I use my trays for a variety of things. .. mostly to carry cold beverages to the deck in the warmer months! Some hold vignettes on the dining table, coffee table, dressing table. Silver ones are sometimes stacked for variety in the china cabinet.I'm still on the lookout for enough to use as chargers for a tablescape! ! ! What a fun post! Thank you for showcasing these hard working pieces!
Fondly,
Pat

Pondside said...

I served tea on a tray today - dark wood with a colourful inlay - handles just right. There's a collection of trays at our house - I have a weak spot for them.

Suz said...

yes, I have many
use them all the time
I think I have too many actually
now what

From Beyond My Kitchen Window said...

Not a bad looking tray in the bunch. Ina Garten has a large wicker tray I would die for. I can never seem to find one that large.

Rita said...

Janean, I have something for you on my latest post. Please check it out. Thanks, my friend.

Lady Katherine said...

Yes, you found a great tray for coffee or Tea! Oh, and there is a lot of lovely trays here! Join me for Tea Time Tuesday!

1 Funky Woman said...

Great pics. Love the Hermes one. I have been collecting trays for a while now and boy do they come in handy when we eat dinner by the fire or out on the deck.

Megan

Marla said...

I love trays and pick them up here and there constantly. They are so useless for so many different things from decorating to serving.