Tiered trays, long associated with the charm and elegance of a traditional English tea, have a timeless appeal. They evoke images of delicate floral china plates stacked high with finger sandwiches, scones, and dainty desserts. However, these versatile serving pieces shouldn’t be saved strictly for tea time. Instead, they can be used in unexpected ways to elevate brunches, lunches, dinners, and even cocktail parties, transforming any meal into a memorable experience.
Innovative Ways to Use Tiered Trays at Brunch
For brunch, a tiered tray is the perfect way to display an array of both sweet and savory offerings. Imagine the bottom tier laden with miniature bagels, croissants, or slices of toasted artisanal bread. The middle tier can showcase tiny bowls of fresh fruit, yogurt parfaits, or cream cheese spreads. The top tier (often the smallest) is ideal for indulgent treats such as muffins, scones, or even tiny jars of yummy honey and jam. A tiered tray not only keeps the table organized but also encourages guests to savor the meal at their own pace, picking and choosing from the presentation.
Voila! Turn a Simple Lunch into an Event
A tiered tray can add instant flair to a casual lunch. The height of the tray draws the eye, creating a lovely focal point for the table. Simply fill the trays with an assortment of salads served in individual cups, mini quiches, or sliders. If you’re hosting an outdoor event, consider a picnic-style approach: the bottom tier can hold small sandwiches or wraps, the middle tier can feature a selection of cheeses and cured meats, with the top tier reserved for fresh berries or cookies.
Creative Tablescaping for Dining
Dinner parties can benefit from the charm of tiered trays, where the tiers create a sense of abundance whilst saving valuable table space. For a tapas-style meal, they’re perfect for presenting small nibbles such as bruschetta, stuffed mushrooms, or shrimp. Alternatively, a dessert-focused tray can be the highlight of the evening, offering a mix of petite fours, truffles, and macarons. Guests will be enchanted by the variety and presentation, making it a delightful conversation starter.
Beyond the Bar Cart: Tiered Trays Amp Up Cocktail Hours
Tiered trays can even play a starring role for a cocktail party. Use one as a stylish way to display garnishes, such as an assortment of citrus slices, herbs, and olives for drinks. A second could showcase savory snacks such as spiced nuts or cheese straws. Paired with a well-stocked bar, you’ve instantly created a chic self-serve station.
Where to Find Tiered Trays
No trays? No problem! If you’re ready to get started, we’ve discovered several lovely pieces that are extremely affordable in a variety of styles. These include:
- Porlien Gold Trimmed Blue and White Floral 3 Tier Stand (Retail $27.99)
- Okllen 3 Tier Serving Tray in Galvanized Metal (Retail $28.99)
- YHOSSEUN 3 Tier Modern Metal Serving Tray Stand (Retail $33.29)
No budget? Tiered trays make easy DIY projects. Simply take a plate or tray and glue an inexpensive glass or crystal candlestick to the bottom, graduating in size as you work your way up. (Always use glass glue or Super Glue, as Elmers or school glue will dissolve in the dishwasher.) This is also a great way to utilize one-off thrift finds, combining them into a unique piece.
Don’t favor traditional materials like china or metal? Let your imagination run wild! You can create tiered tray stands out of almost anything. A vintage pie tin and an overturned tiny tin pail makes a charming, rustic display space. Or try wineglasses as the dividers.
Ultimately, tiered trays are more than just serving pieces—they’re an easy way to bring artistry and creativity to any table. Whether for brunch, lunch, dinner, or drinks, a tiered tray transforms your next meal into an extraordinary event.
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