While they’re regarded as one of the hardest working items in the household, we tend not to give them much thought. A serving tray has so many purposes that go beyond the basic chores that they’re typically known for, such as serving food and drinks or transporting plates back to the kitchen.

Here are a few reasons why a serving tray should be a staple piece of equipment in your kitchen and what benefits you can get from having one in your home.

There are various ways that you can use a serving tray to help make day to day life in the home that little bit easier. You can use a serving tray to place items on top of your coffee table. Adding a bouquet or small stack of books or a candle can make a huge difference and make your serving tray look more interesting.

Wooden serving trays can also be used to transport food and drinks to your family and guests. Another way to use a serving tray is by keeping items well organized on a dressing table. If you want to store your items in one place, simply place your serving tray in a drawer, helping you keep books, reading glasses and hand lotions together. That way, you can find any items in the dark.

One of the most useful and common types of serving trays are butler trays, which you will be able to find in consignment shops, flea markets, big box stores or in thrift stores. If you can’t find a tray that matches your décor perfectly, try not to panic. This is where your creative side can come out to play.

Simply spend some time creatively changing your serving tray to inject a bit of taste and style. Spray painting your serving tray can add a bit of color and a personal touch when placed in your home. If you are a traveler and are unsure of what to do with an old passport, cutting out the colorful pages and decoupaging them to a serving tray can be another way to add a personal touch. If you don’t want to rip up your passport, simply make color copies of the pages you want.

Before purchasing a serving tray, there are several factors that you need to consider. Take time to think about the size of the serving tray. If you plan to use the tray frequently to carry food and beverages, you should opt for a large tray that has plenty of room for cups, glasses, and plates. Whether you plan to carry jugs of water, bowls of fruits and vegetables or platters of meat, you will want to pick a serving tray that you feel comfortable carrying.

You should also pick a serving tray that is bright and colorful and that can fit the aesthetic of your room. The sturdiness of the tray is another factor you should consider. When carrying hot foods, you want to be assured that the tray can support the food you are placing on top. The last thing you want to happen is to lose your grip of the tray and end up spilling food onto the floor or on yourself.

Serving trays are made from a variety of materials such as metal, exotic woods, and plastic. If you plan to use your serving tray for special occasions only, you should pick a tray that is made from metal or copper as they look more sophisticated than one made from plastic or wood. Modern trays are more practical to carry greater weights. Not only that, they can be cleaned easier. Although rectangular trays are the more popular type of trays, many people opt for round/circular or oval trays. There are also non-slip varieties, bag trays and nesting trays that you may be interested in.

It’s always best to have a think of what type of serving tray is right for you and your home. If you are purchasing a serving tray in person, try out the different varieties that are on offer, helping you make the right decision.

Before picking a serving tray for your home, you should consider the size, weight, color, and type of material it’s made from. Depending on how frequently you plan to use your serving tray, you will want to pick one that looks presentable, eye-catching and, most importantly, sustainable. There are plenty of options available to you, so it’s always best to do your research before making your final decision, helping you find a serving tray that is perfect for your home.

You may be interested in purchasing more than one serving tray for your home, so try and find a tray that fits the color scheme of your home, rather than mixing and matching.