If you are entertaining this Christmas season, a Tiered Serving Tray is a must. It’s kind of like the Ferris wheel of serving trays. Just looking at it fills you with excitement.

It’s hard to go wrong with a tiered serving tray. But there are some tips that will make it look even more attractive. Here are a few to consider.

Types of Tiered Serving Trays

There are a variety of types of tiered serving trays. Many have dishes that surround a centerpiece. Others are more like plates or bowls that sit on stands.

The type of tray you are using will make all the difference in what you can serve. For example, if you are serving a casserole or a hot dish, you will want to use a serving tray with large plates or bowls. The type with plates or centerpieces is best for standalone items like pastries, fruits, and desserts.

Biggest on the Bottom

If you have a tiered serving tray with different sized levels, it’s best to put the bigger items on the bottom. For one, it’s likely the tray on the bottom will be the largest, so it can accommodate large pieces of food. But it will also make for better symmetry.

Add Other Decorations

If you have extra room on the serving tray, it will be the perfect place to add small decorations. For example, a small Santa figurine will look attractive next to a cupcake or candy. And even if you don’t have room on the plates, you can add ornamentation in the form of bows and ribbons that can be hung off the stand itself.

Go Minimalist or Maximalist

You can overcrowd your serving tray with food to make it appear as if there is an abundance or go for a minimalist look adding just a few, well-spaced items. Either will work and they will both look luxurious in their own way.

Placement

Where you place your serving tray will also add to the aesthetic. There are many suggestions for placement, and you really can’t go wrong no matter where you put it. Here are some ideas:

• The center of the dining room table

• The end of a banquet table

• On top of a serving cart (this will make it look truly grand)

A tiered serving tray will look great anywhere. The only rule to bear in mind is, tall serving trays should go on the back of the table where other, smaller items can be placed in front of it.

Now that you know how to make the most of your tiered serving tray, how will you be integrating it into your holiday design?

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