When it comes to summer entertaining, there’s nothing quite like a beautiful tray or platter to elegantly balance everything from cocktails to a collection of amuse-bouches.
The best part about summer entertaining is the opportunity to indulge in some pretty party planning.
Whether it is investing in beautiful porcelain plates
What we’re currently obsessing over is trays. Chic trays with a character or a sense of style that create the perfect starting point for spreads and tables bedecked with equally amazing-looking dishes and drinks.
If you’re looking to invest in a beautiful tray, we’ve compiled an assortment of the best to shop right now.
From minimalist trays that do double duty as sculptural objets d’art to the kind of retro-inspired trays that make any tablescape feel homely and welcoming, there’s a range of new options to suit every personality.
Round House’s playful collection of platters is perfect for a summer party, with quirky designs in bright colours that are ideal for mixing and matching. We like the Crab Platter (pictured, centre, with matching bowl and Prawn Plate, $35) designed in collaboration with Sydney artist Daimon Downey.
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Advertise with NZME.Made from Portuguese cork, this Capra Designs tray is a textural (food-safe) addition to cocktail hour. Pile it with chunks of bread, nuts or pretzels for a monochrome moment.
For someone with more opulent taste, this grandiose serving plate is crafted from white Ginori 1735 porcelain featuring Gucci’s Herbarium motif - a whimsical print design of cherry branches, leaves and flowers, inspired by a vintage fabric.
An elongated oval platter with scalloped edges in a sweet shade of mint, Fazeek’s Wave Platter is destined to be the centrepiece at your next dinner party.
Designed by Zaha Hadid Studio, this sculptural platter is made from stainless steel and moulded into an organic shape resembling a “disturbance in a pool of water”. Metaphorical references aside, it would look great as a fruit bowl.
Handmade in Aotearoa, this whimsical Equestrian Platter by Artist L. is made from sculpted clay featuring an illustration inspired by the intricate illustrations of children’s picture books.
Italian artist Ivo Bisignano joined forces with cook and author Yotam Ottolenghi for this colourful range of Serax tableware that has plates and trays of all sizes in bold designs. We like this Feast plate in lapis blue with its swirl of white dots. Just add fresh cherries!
For dishes that need to stand out, a neutral serving platter or tray is a good idea. The seafoam hue of this Portuguese-made serving platter is a great way to make colourful snacks and meals pop.
Silverware has had something of a cool renaissance recently, thanks mostly to artist Laila Gohar’s commitment to old-school whimsy, and this silver tray is an impressive accompaniment to equally elegant martini glasses or colourful club sandwiches.
Breakfast in bed never looked better with this metal tray with handles perfect for carting coffee and toast. Available in toffee and olive green too.
This large round serving plate is perfect for a cheese platter, serving meat or pizza, and is handmade in Cordoba, Spain.
More summer entertaining ideas
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