An absolute essential when it comes to entertaining, serving trays are amongst the most important kitchen accessory. Can you imagine your life without these home decor products, or think about going back and forth from the kitchen to the living room or dining room multiple times to get 4 cups of tea and some snacks or bringing out a whole feast during a festive gathering? We are sure even this thought makes some of you feel tired especially if your kitchen and living/ dining room are located far apart. The potential of disaster is very high when your home is packed and hands are full bringing different drinks and dishes one by one. This makes us think that serving trays were definitely made by someone very practical but also slightly lazy.  

This is the third blog in our home decor series, where we will be exploring the history of different serveware accessories, and this time we will be talking about trays. We all use these home decor accessories almost daily, but don’t register their importance until we can’t find them. Plus, in the contemporary world, these kitchenware accessories are used for multiple purposes, from organizing trinkets to accentuating accents, thanks to Pinterest and homeowners' creativity, with the designs of metal trays their function has also evolved with time.    

Read More: History of Serving Bowls  

The History of Salver aka Serving Trays

The verified earliest example of any form of tray dates back to the 7th or 6th century BCE – that is Etruscan Black Earthenware Tray. However, there is definitely no certainty if it was the oldest in existence. But it certainly suggests the concept of a serving tray is quite ancient and that these serving platters, were existing long before they became common in aristocratic homes. Originally flat trays were known as salvers, in England during the mid 17th century and were usually made in silver and were mostly owned by wealthy households. Salver's use indicated that the food or drinks were intended for royalty and had gone through the poison test. The serving accessory indicated that the testing process has taken place and the food is safe for the king/queen to eat. 

English, Scottish, Irish salvers record back to the 17th century. In the 18th century, these platters became popular in oval shapes featuring loop handles. By the 19th century, the popularity of cafes and restaurants made them a part of people’s day to day life and soon salvers turned into a household necessity. During this time long, rectangle and oblong trays became quite fashionable.

In recent years, manufacturers and home decor online stores have combined conventional and sustainable materials to create an innovative design that not only looks good in your home but is also good for the planet. Bamboo and wooden trays are being used widely in China, Japan, and other Asian countries, with sleek and modernly stylish designs. Other kitchen-safe materials like marble and metal are also being preferred as more homeowners are consciously making environment-friendly decisions.     

The Evolution of Serving Trays

The original design of serving trays used to be flat but for more practicality, raised edges were introduced around the surface of these essential home decor items to prevent the things on them from sliding off. Today trays are available in a wide variety of materials like marble, stone, wood, crystal, ranging from leaf designs to animal shapes. Not just for serving, their design is also used in the medical world in the form of surgical trays. 

Casa Decor Serving Accessories - Recommendations: 

1. Luna Alchemy Platter
2. Snack Trencher Wooden Tray Set
3. Food Canvas Festive Gold Tray
4. Apricus Gold Snack Tray
5. Golden Ellipse Aluminum Tray

Take a Quick Glimpse into our Serving Tray Collection Online: https://youtu.be/W5EGJefzAy4

Buy Serving Trays Online from Casa Decor

From leaf-shaped trays to carved wooden platters - Explore our home decor online store to buy a wide variety of serving trays and other kitchen accessories, handmade by local artisans using ethically sourced food-safe materials like wood, and metal. Visit us on www.casadecor.co.in to explore a beautiful collection of Lazy Susan Turntables, cake stands, wooden trays, platters, sylvan bowls, and more!