Late summer is exactly the right time, ice tinkling in glasses, to stroll across the lawn towards laughing friends with a well laden tray of beverages. Did I not just describe your summer? Well, I had a piece of that last weekend and the tray was a key component. I have a dear old enamel beer tray that kicks around with my barware and does very well for presenting mix-your-own Bloody Marys. Pick up your own vintage tray for not too many dollars, then invite your friends by for a refreshing iced beverage and impress them with your mad-classy hosting skills. I rounded these up on Etsy but you can also find darling vintage trays at thrift or consignment stores. Cheers!
Shown above the jump, from left to right
1 Engrave Silverplate, $28.00 from 22BayRoad: perfect for swankier homes and gatherings.
2 Green Sailboat, $25.90 from tparty: this tray is perfectly summery. Wouldn’t a round of mint iced teas or G and T’s look extra good on green?
3 Budweiser Tray (very much like my Becks version), $22.00 from rutabagasix
4 Sweet Orange Lacquer, $14.75 from AmeliaBedelia: so simple and bright you could use this tray anywhere in the house and it would be pretty. I see it holding a folded magazine and jewelry next to the bed.
5 My casual tray set up lakeside to greet friends as they exit the water.
Thanks, Megan!
(Images: as linked, except 5. Megan Irving)
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Could someone direct me to a DIY for redoing old metal and melamine trays?
Love this post and the trays. Sign me up for the lakeside mix-your-own Bloody Marys!
I love trays. They are great anywhere. My mom uses one to hold snacks on when people are over in the living room area. I use one for my dresser for rings and earrings, one on my nightstand for glasses and books and one in the living room for remotes, etc. They look awesome and are practical. I like the Bud one!
I love trays too! I use them to organize the tops of nearly everything!
Can't believe you were able to find such trays! They're awesome!
Can't agree more with everyone! Love using trays for all sorts of entertaining. It's even more fun to hear other ways people use some of these great finds (such as for the earrings on a dressers).
What a lovely image of summer!