Flat trays with no handles were popular during the Victorian age to serve the nobles and royals. They may be exclusive to riches back in the days but now they are a common household thing. 

Today we have decorative trays crafted and designed from the materials like wood, mother-of-pearl, plastic, acrylic, rattan, wood, and the list goes on. Some of us prefer minimalist designs while others prefer a decorative piece but no matter the preference, they are available in all shapes and sizes.

Popular Varieties of Serving Trays

Trays are not the most talked-about item, and they are often ignored. Besides serving drinks and beverages to the guests, they can also be used to transfer kitchen goods from one place to another. These underdogs can be great to add a pleasant touch to the table décor. 

So, if you are a décor freak, you can purchase a tray (or a bunch) that matches your interior and style. Intriguing, isn’t it? Now, wasting no time, let’s talk about the types –

1. Metallic Serving Trays 

One of the most durable trays is molded from metals. They are rigid-looking and hard to break; it’s because of these qualities they can carry heavy items. When we think about metals, we instantly think about their weight and heaviness. Modern alloys used in metal trays are lightweight at the same time highly durable. 

Stainless steel and aluminium metals are the most sought and preferred for decorative trays. You can never go wrong with metal trays. If you are buying some for your collection, then purchase premium-grade tableware because they last and shine longer.

2. Trays Carved from Wood

Wooden trays are classy, appealing, and full of an earthly vibe. Many people love them because of their traditional look and finish. They can be used to serve tea, coffee, and drinks. You can also use them for serving soup in decorative bowls. They are very easy to carry and can last for many years. The price may vary but they are very affordable and cheap to purchase. So, you are looking for something traditional, wooden trays are perfect for you. 

3. Plastic Trays – Fast Food Trays 

Plastic trays are very common in cafeterias and public restaurants, and the best thing about plastic trays is that we can use them over and over. They are cheap and resistant to damage which makes them ideal for rigorous use. Because of environmental concerns, people avoid the use and purchase of plastic trays, but even then they are quite popular and easy to see. 

Plastic doesn’t only mean cheap and sturdy with no looks. You will be amazed to see the decorative trays collection in the shops. Whether it’s a wedding cake or a bunch of party drinks to deliver, this tray can do it with no hassle.

4. Special Tea Serving Trays 

Tea is among the first beverage that is served to guests in most Commonwealth countries, Europe, and Australia. Serving tea is considered elite and regal, therefore, the cups and the tea serving trays are considered an important business. They are elegant and usually compact made from various materials such as plastic, metal, or wood. If you are a décor enthusiast, you can purchase the type and size based on the main theme of the house.

5. Trays with Compartments

Trays with compartments are easy to spot in households. They are a common sight and are mostly used for feeding various meals to kids. These trays can be simple as well as colorful with animal prints and cool designs. A standard tray usually has 5 compartments but the number might differ with the shape and size of the tray.

6. Trays for Appetizers 

Trays for appetizers is a specialized tray with multiple sections on the top. Such trays are quite common at parties and events where guests can use this for having a variety of snacks. 

If you are having a party in your house, you can put snacks and foods into the appetizers and the guests can pick and eat the things they want. These trays are a perfect companion for a house party with numerous people. Although they are not cheap, they are easy to clean, durable, and high in quality. 

Today, trays are not dull and a means to deliver drinks and beverages, they are now an important part of the home décor. Thankfully, there are so many options to mix and match with the theme of your choosing. 

READ ALSO:- Serving Tray: A Simple List of Things You can serve in it

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On the contrary, there are plenty of things to consider when buying serving bowls. That’s because all those things give the bowl certain features that make it useful for specific purposes, such as serving salads or desserts.

In this blog, we will talk about some types of serving and decorative bowls in terms of materials, purposes, and styles, as well as some tips to pick out the right ones for your needs.

Decorative Bowls: Which Material to Choose

Generally, decorative bowls are made using the following materials:

Plastic Bowls

• Such bowls are cost-effective and widely used all over the world to store leftover food or serve foods such as cereals.
• Some versions are microwave safe but not suitable for ovens.

Glass Bowls

• Extremely popular and versatile bowls present in almost every home with the ability to serve nearly all types of food and drink items.
• Although glass is quite affordable, simple to clean, and feels good to use, it is a fragile material. It is generally microwave and dishwasher safe.

Melamine Bowls

• An inexpensive variety of bowls found in lots of colours, designs, and patterns.
• This material is safer to use for children as it isn’t fragile. Melamine utensils also uplift the appearance of a dinner table.
• Melamine is not microwave safe but it can be cleaned in a dishwasher.

Ceramic Bowls

• Ceramic has plenty of advantages: it is tougher than glass, looks more attractive, and is even more versatile when it comes to serving food.
• Not only can you use it as a fruit bowl, but you can also turn ceramic bowls into ornamental bowls to suit your purposes.
• Ceramic bowls are both microwave and dishwasher safe.

Bamboo Bowls

• Bamboo is also quite well-used in utensils. It stands apart due to its biodegradable and eco-friendly properties.
• These are considered best for serving salads, but you’ll have to wash them by hand.

Stoneware Bowls

• Stoneware is perfect for everyday use as it is quite durable.
• This material has a unique appearance leading to different patterns and styles.
• Stoneware is safe for use in dishwashers and microwave ovens.

Fine China Bowls

• Fine china provides in grace what it lacks in strength, meaning it’s more fragile than glass but much more elegant as well.
• People often use bowls, serving trays, and utensils made from fine china as decorative bowls, putting them up for display.
• Fine China bowls are generally reserved for special occasions by many people.

Earthenware Bowls

• Earthenware utensils impart a unique look, feel, and taste to food that is cooked and served in them.
• Great for both serving and decorating, bowls made from this material are significantly durable and great for daily use.

Different Types of Utility and Decorative Bowls

From dry food items such as rice and appetizers to soup and gravy-based dishes, different serving bowls are ideal for different uses. Here are some tips to help you make the right use of the bowls you like:

• Salad bowls: Big glass or wooden bowls that make salads look more visually appealing. A salad bowl is useful as a fruit bowl as well.

• Rice bowls: Bowls with lids that are often included in dinner sets. These bowls can be used to keep any hot food warm.

• Pasta bowls: These are designed a bit differently in comparison with other major serving bowls. Pasta bowls are useful for any kind of pasta – conchiglie, elbow, fettuccine, spaghetti, you name it – and are styled to provide a beautiful appearance to your dish.
• Stew\Soup bowls: Used on a regular basis by most people for serving soups or soupy stews.

• Dip bowls: Small, palm-sized bowls with a distinct, curved shape that makes them useful for serving dips, fondue, and chutneys. They also make tables and countertops more attractive during special occasions thanks to their sleek design.

• Cereal bowls: Made mostly from glass, melamine, or ceramic, these are large and deep enough for a fulfilling bowl of breakfast energy.

• Decorative bowls: These are available in a wide range of shapes, colour, designs, and sizes. Moreover, you can turn bowls made from any type of material into decorative bowls for your living space – your creative genius is bound to make great use of these bowls to make your coffee table, dining table, workspace table, bedside table, or any type of table or countertop look stylish and beautiful!

• Storage bowls: These are sold with lids and are mostly made from plastic. They are available in several sizes to help store things to place in the fridge or on the countertop, but you can also use them as decoration bowls along with serving trays.

• Candy bowls: Give guests a conversation-starter with delicious snacks and candy served in beautiful candy bowls made from any of the materials mentioned above: plastic, stoneware, ceramic, fine china, earthenware, glass, melamine, or even bamboo, depending on your aesthetic. These are extremely convenient to place on any table or surface you want, too!

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