The secret is that you do not require an elaborately designed and organised Pinterest board to wow your guests. In fact, they won’t be aware of or focus on “perfect”; they will be aware of the feeling the experience. The way the scene is presented, the relaxation of the moment and small touches that convey an impression that they feel welcome, a stylish serving tray has this effect without appearing overly fussy.
It begins with the tray.
A wooden serving tray acts as the perfect blank canvas. Already imbued with warmth, texture and a natural aesthetic which cannot be artificially replicated, they are far from being plastic or metallic and are neither cold nor over-formal to look at. The serving tray looks inviting, even empty. Thus, the first rule is to simply choose a serving tray that looks good before anything is placed on it. If you’re just getting started, you might want to explore our guide on must-have wooden kitchen essentials.
Now instead of styling, think about composing a mini vignette.
Place the cup or glasses first, but do not put them in a rigid, straight line. Slide them to one side or angled. These simple changes instantly give the tray a less ‘posed’ and more laid-back appearance.
Introduce a soft texture.
The placement of the cloth napkin, simply folded or unceremoniously placed, provides a soft addition and breaks the hard lines of a cup and bowl and instantly provides a more comfortable arrangement. This subtle change in the composition offers the same effect as a bolder addition but it does so in a more unassuming way.
With snacks it’s often about the presentation rather than what is there. It doesn’t take a lot of effort to turn common biscuits and namkeen into something special by removing them from the packaging and placing them into clean and simple bowls. Avoid having lots of different boxes and containers and sticking to one or two makes everything seem cohesive effortlessly.
This is something that instantly takes a tray up a notch; adding just one extra element that isn’t technically required but shows thought: This could be a small dish of nuts, slices of lemon, a tiny ornamental element, a leaf or flower. It doesn’t have to be expensive or a huge addition; you just want to show that thought has been involved.
Another thing people always seem to forget about: spacing.
A cramped tray does nothing for a stressed vibe and looks unnecessarily heavy and rather sloppy. Empty space is never a mistake, it enhances the rest of the items and the tray has room to “breathe” and feel composed and calm.
Also, think about playing with levels and shape.
When you get all of the same size on the tray, it looks very flat. Changing from a slightly taller glass and shorter bowl, or elevating one of the items so it’s higher than the other adds some eye appeal without being over the top. You don’t need any measurement – just feel it.
And now the last element to this puzzle, which often goes unnoticed. It’s the delivery.
Even a well styled tray is useless if delivered in a flurry of activity. Walk in naturally, carry the tray steady, and serve without effort. This calm is then felt with the rest of your guests.
At the end of the day, styling a serving tray is less about impressing your guests and more about making them feel comfortable, pampered, and appreciated.
You know, nothing that looks effortlessly done ever actually is. When we see it look easy, we know that somebody thought about all of the right details, but not too many to make it fussy. And that, in itself, is something we can remember.