Tray-ditional Décor: Easy ways to style your home for the holidays

Story and photos by SHARON WHITE

Stick with a theme. This metal tree, plaid reindeer and country Santa give a rustic look using glittered twigs and pine cones as a base.

A simple way to elevate any space in your home is to use a tray as a base for your decorative displays.

From a design perspective, clustering items on a tray gives a greater impact than spreading them out across a table or over a flat surface.

Why use a tray? Because trays can:

Serve as a decorative base for a centerpiece
Add texture, color and interest to any space
Be changed out seasonally or for special occasions (birthdays, holidays, parties)
Become a focal point to express your individual style or showcase your collections
Corral practical items that could otherwise look messy

Use trays in any area of your home, including kitchens, entryways and bathrooms; on dining tables, coffee tables or side tables.

You can find trays of every shape and size, made from all types of materials like wood, metal, wicker, silver or glass. You can even use a cutting board, a flat-bottom bowl or basket, a charger plate or a mirror.

Choose a tray that best fits your space and style it using items you already own. Have fun creating beautiful vignettes that are totally original.

Using the same silver tray, go from a sparkling Christmas display to a glamorous New Year’s centerpiece by interchanging items like Santa and reindeer for champagne and toasting glasses. (Tiny, battery-operated glimmer lights were used with opalescent shred to add texture and shine.)

Kids can even create their own trays. Just provide decorations and let them get crafty. (Brightly colored balls and lights are placed as a base for Santa and his merry gingerbread house.)

How to Style a Tray

Begin with a tall (or bulky) item to add height/weight.

Choose items that follow your theme or color scheme (e.g., woodsy/rustic, shiny/elegant, kid friendly, bar themed, holiday themed, etc.).

Add light in the form of a candle (or flameless candle) or battery operated glimmer lights. And add shiny things that will reflect the light.

Include something soft or organic like greenery, twigs or flowers.

After selecting several items you think might go well together, place your tallest or bulkiest object on the tray first, then play around with placement of the smaller items/candle, etc., until the composition looks pleasing to your eye.

A collection of whimsical snowmen on a tray can be used as a centerpiece all winter long.

Vary the height of items. Don’t overload your tray. Make sure there is a bit of space between objects.

Trays can also neaten up spaces that tend to look cluttered.

Here are more ideas for trays:

Create a makeshift bar to house spirits, wine and glasses.
Use it to hold perfume, jewelry, shells, books or small items.
Corral remotes, reading glasses or coasters.
Help unsightly sink items appear organized (e.g., sponges, hand soap, brushes).

How to Style a Tray

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