Decorative Trays
“Imperfection is beauty, madness is genius and it’s better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring.” – Marilyn Monroe
My name is Cason and I’m absolutely ridiculous. Shall I count the ways? I love those orange marshmallow circus peanuts. Keep anything citrus flavored away from me. I can’t go to bed if my closet door is open. I have a freakishly good memory. I hate dyed flowers. When I can’t get the streaks off of my refrigerator, I turn into a deranged person. Oh, and I really love trays. Serving trays, decorative trays, catchall trays – I definitely don’t discriminate. You can find these little guys covering every surface of my home. Whether it’s make-up, jewelry, keys, or magazines, a tray somehow makes a “cluster of stuff” look like you did it on purpose. Check out my favorite trays around our house, how to style them, and where to get them. (Sadly, this isn’t even all of them!)
Ikea decorative dish | We use this large hammered gold tray for magazines, catalogs, and remotes on our coffee table. It’s technically a “bowl” but I’m an adult and can do what I want.
Pottery Barn LOL Tray | I apologize for being a tease because it’s no longer available. It’s so dang cute I had to include it in my list of faves.
Core Bamboo Large Classic Tray in Lime | I snagged this tray for half the price on a flash sale site a couple years ago. This tray is BIG. Perfect for breakfast in bed, coffee table books, or my personal favorite – a bar. I love creating mini bars as a host. Throw some glasses, cocktail napkins, paper straws, and a vase of flowers on a tray and you’ll look like a total pro.
Etsy Gold Polka Dot Acrylic Tray | Mom gave me this tray for Christmas last year and it might be my favorite. Unfortunately, the Etsy shop that created this one has closed but Etsy has plenty of other options in the acrylic tray arena! I toss the jewelry I wear most often in this tray at the end of the day. Throw in an Eiffel Tower trinket and small perfume bottles from Paris and clutter looks downright fancy!
UPDATE: We make these now! Check them out here.
Jonathan Adler Mod Porcelain Tray | Some good friends of mine gave me this tray and it’s made itself right at home on a table near the door. Keys, sunglasses, and randoms usually occupy this one. I threw in a tea candle and a mini succulent to make this catchall location look like every detail was meticulously arranged.
J.Crew Ceramic Jewelry Tray | Kat gave me this tray and it’s tiny but oh so cute! Earrings, matchbooks, buttons, safety pins, memory cards and other wee little wares seem to migrate to this mini dish. I keep it on top of a stack of decorative fashion books to again…make everything look like it has a place! You see a theme here?
I told you I had a problem. And there are 4 more I can think of scattered throughout the house! Do you have any clever ways of making odds and ends look fancy? Tell us about it!