5 Trays For When You're Binge-Watching ‘Stranger Things’ But Want to Eat Dinner Too
If your main point of reference for eating off a tray is your elementary school cafeteria, let us reintroduce you to the concept. The trays we're using these days are full of personality and made to be shown off. We love them for serving cocktails, poolside snacking, or, uh, eating while Netflix-ing without staining the coffee table. From retro-chic to Scandinavian-simple, here are five trays we're filling with food this summer.
Photo by Alex Lau1/5For an Electrifying Update to the Infamous Lunch Tray
Who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks? In this case, we're talking about this clean and minimal mustard tray. Where the ubiquitous lunch trays of years past were decidedly glum and bland, this gorgeous update simply simply begs to be stacked high with vibrant salads, slices of fresh produce, and crowd-pleasing dips.
Buy it: Cambro Fiberglass Camtray, $22
Photo by Alex Lau2/5For an Understated Tray with an Edge
I love an understated design staple with a little edge, and that's exactly what this perforated tray from HAY delivers. Its gently sloping edges ensure that its contents won't slide around too much, which makes it perfect for slinging round after round of cooling slushies and salted watermelon margaritas. Plus, it's versatile enough to transition from a casual backyard lunch to a dinner party at golden hour in a heartbeat.
Buy it: Hay Perforated Large Tray, $60
Photo by Alex Lau3/5For a Chic Stay-cation for One
While this "tray" is technically an enamel baking dish, I can't help but repurpose it for my leisurely snacking endeavors. Perfectly sized for a party of one, it's a prime choice for all of your go-to staycation endeavors. For a maximalist meal, I'm planning on pairing it with a glass cup with tasteful touches of color. Whether I'm laying out in the sun pretending to be on pink sand beaches or simply putting my phone on "Do Not Disturb," this is the prime accessory to channel vacation vibes while staying true to my aesthetic.
Photo by Alex Lau4/5For a Case Study in 'Less Is More"
There are thoughtful executions of minimalism, and then there are iterations that are more sure to elicit yawns than any semblance of interest. This turquoise tray, accented with a single, eye-catching spot, is the former. For a tray that's equally as alluring when it's full of fresh produce as it is while bare of its former contents, this dramatic Pappelina tray is the move for the minimalism minded.
Buy it: Pappelina Vera Medium Tray, $45
Photo by Alex Lau5/5For the Entertainer Who Knows to Work Smarter, Not Harder
After a long draining day of relaxing, there's nothing like a gorgeous pop of color to re-energize me for dinnertime. While a technicolor tray could easily lean more towards gaudiness, this circular tray features bold squiggles of red and blue to create a vision that almost seems to come to life—anyone else getting 3D glasses vibes? Use it to elevate simple staples like batched mojitos or servings of macerated berries with fresh whipped cream into entertaining showstoppers without the extra work.
Buy it: Framkalla Tray, $8
