Trays are amongst the simplest—yet most useful—of household accoutrements. Compared to carrying-by-hand, trays allow one to transport three (or four) times the amount of volume of that which must be carried. Trays can be fancy and decorative or they can be handsomely utilitarian (like the Edwardian English Oak Butler's Tray, shown above).
I use trays when setting the table. In the kitchen, I pile-on all the plates, glasses, napkins, silverware, and serving pieces (pitchers and utensils). Using the tray allows me to make one trip to the dining room. I use trays when serving my guests (first drinks, then supper, then dessert). And the tray is useful for clearing-away the table at the end of the night.
When I head upstairs for an evening of movies or television streaming, I'm often carrying a tray—complete with dessert, wine bottle, water pitcher and glasses (plus coasters, glasses and mobile phone).
And other simple household chores—like hanging pictures or sorting Christmas ornaments—is made all the easier with the aid of a nice, big tray.
The Edwardian Oak Butler's Tray, shown above, was made between 1890 and 1910. It is simple and useful. It is dressed with a coating of wax, which ensures that liquids "bead-up" if spilled (though it's smart to wipe up liquid messes as soon as possible, to prevent watermarking). Click on the photo above to learn more about this handsome and useful piece.
Though our Greenwich Village store is now permanently closed, LEO Design is still alive and well! Please visit our on-line store where we continue to sell Handsome Gifts (www.LEOdesignNYC.com).
To arrange a visit our Pittsburgh showroom (by private appointment only), please call 917-446-4248.