Help! I Can't Stop Buying Decorative Trays

By Zoë Sessums

Have you ever had that home decor item or piece of furniture that you begin searching for and then find you may have developed a problem? Perhaps you suddenly have 6,000 striped linen napkins overflowing from your closet? Or maybe you're having to buy another cabinet to stow all of your adorable watering cans. Whatever your collection is composed of or has amassed to, we want to celebrate it. Go forth and gather! Hit up another estate sale or Etsy shop or flea market. If chic pedestals or vintage playing cards make you happy, then keep on collecting.

My personal weakness? Decorative trays. And if you're asking what could you possibly need that many trays for, turns out trays are great for everything! Want to keep your keys in a safe spot? Check. Want to serve some hors d'oeuvres? Perfect. Want to assemble a group of candles? These are just the ticket. Essentially, a tray is just a beautiful surface made for whatever you desire. From affordable to one-of-a-kind and everything in between, here are some favorites. But don't be surprised if you end up with more than one in your shopping cart.

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We love the way Italian architect and designer Gaetano Pesce has often experimented with color and resin. These bright resin trays are a great example of how fun his work is. Stash all your pocket knickknacks on it at the end of the day or use it to keep all your favorite nail polishes organized.

For all you neutralists, here's a set of trays for subtlety and class. With one large square and one slim accompaniment, we think these would be great for the middle of your table (condiment caddy?) or in your entryway (keys, wallet, headphones, et cetera) or both.

Trays for all manner of moods! Or, if you really want to be obvious about staging your cannabis accessories, a leafy design.

These colorful graphic trays have a real Clever vibe. We'd bring them out for party snacks or use them for making a morning coffee and bagel array more fun.

These enamel steel trays are suitable for hot and cold situations, so they make for excellent host items: serving hot cookies or an array of deviled eggs. Though if you don't want it for edible goods, it's lovely for stashing utensils or napkins and so much more.

This sweet wicker tray is perfect for corralling items on your dresser. You could even get meta and put a collection of something else on it.

For when you want a neutral piece with a little pop of color (the name really fits), these are great. The solid wood and colored lacquer combo is modern and fresh. Keep your pens and Post-its in one dedicated space, but easily move the whole set around the house.

By Erika Owen

By Rachel Davies

By Eva Morell

French artist and designer Nathalie Lete is all about making pieces with themes of fantasy, humor, and childhood memories. We love the romance and whimsy in these trays—fill them with your own tchotchkes of wonder.

When you want to show off your love of something particular, like, say, Dolly Parton, say it with a tray! They're really a two-for-one: a bringer of joy and a helpful home accessory.

When you don't want your tray to steal the show, translucent acrylic is a good way to go. The square and rectangular shapes are very sturdy and go with any design scheme.

By Erika Owen

By Rachel Davies

By Eva Morell

Beyond the hypnotic design, this round tray is made from heavy gauge steel with a fine layer of porcelain, meaning it is food-, dishwasher-, and oven-safe. We're tempted to just keep it clear and stare into the swirling blue.

These angular trays are designed by Clara von Zweigbergk and each set comes with a variety of colors, shapes, and nesting options. Configure to your heart's content! The only problem: which one to choose?

By Eva Morell

By Melissa Grustat

By Melissa Grustat

By Eva Morell