9 Creative and Useful Display Tray Ideas for Your Home

Do you want a display tray for your home? I have 9 DIYs to show you that are helpful for displaying and serving in your home.

What is a display tray?

A display tray is a flat surface or container with raised edges, typically used for organizing and presenting items in a neat and appealing manner. Display trays come in various materials such as plastic, metal, wood, or glass, and they can be designed for specific purposes, such as serving food, organizing jewelry, showcasing products in retail settings, or displaying decorative items.

These trays are often chosen for their aesthetic appeal and functionality, helping to keep items in place and organized while also enhancing the visual presentation. Display trays are commonly used in retail stores, restaurants, homes, and other settings where showcasing and organizing items is important. They can range in size, shape, and design to suit different needs and preferences.

What is the purpose of a tray?

It’s a place to put items on that you want to display like knick nacks, photos, keepsakes, etc. One of the things I like about putting things on a display tray is that it makes it easy to pick up and move for cleaning.

What do you put in a display tray?

You can put anything you want to display on a serving tray. Here are some ideas

1. Retail Displays:
   • Products: Retail stores often use display trays to showcase products such as jewelry, watches, cosmetics, or small accessories.
2. Food Service:
   • Appetizers and Finger Foods: Display trays can be used to present appetizers or bite-sized snacks during events or in restaurants.
   • Pastries and Desserts: Bakeries and cafes may use display trays for showcasing a selection of pastries, cakes, or desserts.
3. Home Decor:
   • Decorative Items: Use display trays in your home to showcase decorative items like candles, figurines, or vases.
   • Photos: Display trays can be used to organize and showcase photographs or small framed pictures.
   • Knickknacks: Display small collectibles, trinkets, or knickknacks on trays for an organized and visually appealing arrangement.
   • Souvenirs and Keepsakes: Keep special mementos or souvenirs on display trays for a personal touch.
   • Plants: Use trays to display potted plants or succulents, adding a touch of greenery to your space.
4. Events and Parties:
   • Centerpieces: Display trays can be used as part of a centerpiece arrangement for events or parties, holding flowers, candles, or other decorative elements.
5. Hospitality Settings:
   • Toiletries: In hotels or spas, display trays may hold toiletries or amenities for guests.
   • Towels: Display trays can be used to present neatly folded towels or other linens.
6. Jewelry Displays:
   • Necklaces, Rings, and Bracelets: Jewelers often use display trays with compartments or padded inserts to showcase various types of jewelry.
7. Office and Workspace:
   • Desk Organizer: Use a display tray on your desk to keep office supplies like pens, paper clips, and sticky notes organized.
   • Odds and Ends: Keep miscellaneous items organized on trays in your workspace.
8. Miscellaneous:
   • Food: Display trays can be used to present a variety of food items, making them visually appealing and easy to serve.
9. The expanded list now includes additional items such as photos, knickknacks, souvenirs, keepsakes, plants, jewelry, odds and ends, and food.

How do I create a display tray?

I have 10 trays that I have created to share with you. Many of these can double as a serving tray that works for any of your display items, or food service as well.

IKEA Cabinet Door DIY Serving Tray

Do you want an easy DIY serving tray? I found some cabinet doors on clearance at IKEA and turned them into a serving tray for my home. You can find the full tutorial at IKEA Cabinet Door DIY Serving Tray

How To Make An Ocean Serving Tray

Learn how to make a beautiful DIY ocean serving tray with this step-by-step tutorial. Do you need a serving tray in your home? They’re so useful and can be used in just about every room of your home. I”m sharing how to make an ocean serving tray.

Cabinet Door Serving Trays

I found 2 cabinet doors at a garage sale for $2. With a little chalk and chalkboard paint, I was able to upcycle them into serving trays. Use them as a serving tray, message board, and more – these make great gifts! You can find the full tutorial at Cabinet Door Serving Trays

Target Dollar Spot Wood Serving Tray Upcycle

Easily makeover a Target dollar spot find with this simple wood serving tray upcycle. All you need are a few simple supplies for this makeover The dollar section in Target is always fun to look at and they always have fun serving trays. You can find the full tutorial at Target Dollar Spot Wood Serving Tray Upcycle I found a raw wood serving tray and I was so excited to upcycle it for my home!

Upcycled Puzzle Serving Tray

I did this for my daughter’s 18th birthday!  My daughter finished the puzzle I gave her and when I found a serving tray in the Target dollar section – I knew how to preserve it!  You can find the full tutorial at Upcycled Puzzle Serving Tray

Upcycled 3 Tiered Serving Cart

I found a vintage 3 tiered serving cart for $6 at the thrift store, and I was so excited! With a little cleaning, sanding, and painting, I upcycled it to fit in my home. You can find the full tutorial at Upcycled 3 Tiered Serving Cart

Create A 3 Tiered Stand For Your Home

Whether a special occasion is coming or you need something decorative to store things on in your home – these 3 tier stands are easy and inexpensive to make, and look fantastic! You can find the full tutorial at Create A 3 Tiered Stand For Your Home

Upcycling A Serving Tray

I found a serving tray at the thrift store and I couldn’t wait to bring it home and give it new life! This little tray is so handy for so many different things and I can’t wait to show you how it turned out. You can find the full tutorial at Upcycling A Serving Tray

Serving Centerpiece with Teacups

I have a variety of teacups and as many of you know I like to use things or create something useful with them.  With a quick stop to the thrift store, a little spray paint, and my teacups, I made a serving centerpiece! You can find the full tutorial at Serving Centerpiece with Teacups

Shop any of these stores and I receive a small commission at no cost to you.

Some great ideas for these display trays:

• Make a stackable jewelry display tray
• Use them for badge holders at an event
• Create retail displays in your retail store
• Use them to carry things for meals like salad bowls, dishes, etc
• Place one in your entryway to hold key rings

How do you display serving trays?

Displaying serving trays effectively can enhance both their visual appeal and functionality. Here are some suggestions on how to display serving trays:

1. On a Kitchen Island or Countertop:
   • Place serving trays on a kitchen island or countertop, especially if they have decorative features or if you want to make them easily accessible for daily use.
2. Open Shelving or Glass Cabinets:
   • Utilize open shelving or glass cabinets to showcase serving trays. This method allows for easy visibility and adds a decorative touch to your kitchen or dining area.
3. Dining Table Centerpiece:
   • Use serving trays as a centerpiece on your dining table. Arrange them with decorative elements or items related to the upcoming meal, such as napkins, condiments, or small dishes.
4. Stacking or Nesting:
   • If you have multiple serving trays, consider stacking or nesting them when not in use. This not only saves space but also creates an organized and aesthetically pleasing display.
5. Wall Mounted Racks:
   • Install wall-mounted racks or shelves specifically designed for displaying trays. This can be a practical solution, especially if you have limited counter or cabinet space.
6. Hanging Display:
   • For decorative or uniquely shaped serving trays, consider hanging them on the wall as part of your kitchen decor. Use decorative hooks or brackets to create an interesting visual display.
7. Coffee Table Styling:
   • Place serving trays on your coffee table, styled with decorative items like candles, flowers, or books. This is an excellent way to add functionality to your living space.
8. Buffet or Sideboard:
   • If you have a buffet or sideboard in your dining area, arrange serving trays along with other dining essentials to create a cohesive and organized setup.
9. Theme-Based Displays:
   • Coordinate the display of serving trays based on themes or occasions. For example, arrange trays with seasonal decor during holidays or showcase a collection of trays with a specific color scheme.
10. In Built-In Cabinetry:
    • If you have built-in cabinetry in your kitchen or dining area, allocate a specific section for displaying serving trays. This allows for easy access and keeps them organized.

Remember to consider the overall aesthetic of your space and the design of the serving trays when deciding on the display method. Whether you choose a functional and accessible arrangement or opt for a decorative showcase, displaying serving trays can contribute to the overall charm of your kitchen or dining area.

You can find more out about the best serving trays at Best Reviews

Creating an enticing retail display requires careful consideration of various factors, and one essential element is the depth of the display. By arranging products at different depths on shelves or counters, retailers can capture the customer’s attention and create a visually engaging presentation. To further enhance the appeal, incorporating custom packaging that complements the high-quality materials of the products can leave a lasting impression on shoppers.

When promoting products to potential customers, utilizing a mailing list can be an effective strategy. Sending newsletters with enticing product descriptions, unique variations, and even exclusive first-order coupons can pique the interest of recipients, encouraging them to explore the online store. Additionally, incorporating dimensions, item numbers, and quantities in the product listings allows customers to make informed decisions, facilitating a smoother checkout process.

For businesses aiming to cater to a broad audience, offering a minimum quantity for purchase provides flexibility to customers with varying needs. The inclusion of free shipping or fast shipping options in the checkout process can also be a decisive factor for customers, influencing their decision to proceed with the purchase.

In the realm of luxurious home accessories, items like Belle de Provence marble accessories stand out due to their unique variations and the craftsmanship of skilled artisans. White marble with grey veins, carefully crafted in India, adds a luxurious accent to any bathroom counter. The long display of these products allows customers to appreciate the natural beauty of the stone, making them an attractive choice for those seeking high-quality and aesthetically pleasing home decor.

In conclusion, creating an engaging retail experience involves a combination of factors, from strategic product placement on shelves to the use of custom packaging and effective marketing through newsletters and mailing lists. Attention to detail, such as including dimensions and item numbers, contributes to a seamless checkout process, while the quality of materials and craftsmanship can elevate products like Belle de Provence marble accessories to become sought-after additions to a customer’s home.