Different Uses for Serving Trays (Slate, Lacquered & Non-Slip)
Serving trays do far more than ferry drinks from kitchen to sofa. They frame food, tidy clutter, protect surfaces and - at their best - turn everyday moments into a bit of theatre. Whether you're laying out canapés, carrying eight G&Ts in one go, or creating a chic landing spot for keys and candles, the right tray makes life smoother and your table smarter.
Here's the thing: "best" depends on where and how you'll use it. Slate, lacquered and non-slip trays each bring different strengths. Let me explain, and along the way I'll answer the questions people ask most when choosing.
So, what exactly are serving trays used for?
Practically speaking, trays keep things together and under control. On a dining table they corral small dishes and sauces. In the living room they add a stable surface to an ottoman or soft sofa arm. At parties they help you carry several plates or glasses without a white-knuckle shuffle. They also protect wood from heat rings, condensation and stray crumbs. A good tray is half tool, half stage set - tidy, portable and presentable.
Slate trays: texture, contrast and natural drama
Slate tableware has been on the rise for good reason. The deep charcoal colour makes bright food sing - think ruby cherry tomatoes, glistening salmon nigiri or a pale wedge of brie. Because slate is non-porous, it doesn't take on odours or stains the way untreated wood might. Wipe it clean, and it looks sharp again. You can even chill slate in the fridge before service to keep cheeses and chocolate truffles a touch cooler. Just avoid sudden temperature shocks; no hopping from hot oven to cold counter.
What is a slate tray best for?
Starters and small plates shine here. Set out canapés before supper and watch them pop against that dark background. Sushi looks like it was plated by a chef, especially on a round platter for maki and uramaki, with a long rectangle for neat lines of nigiri. And of course, the classic - cheese. Add grapes, chutney, olives and a slice or two of salami; you'll have a centrepiece that invites conversation. Many people also use slate as a rustic charger under white crockery. The contrast adds depth without clashing with glassware or cutlery.
Care is simple. Hand wash with mild soap, dry well, and every so often rub in a little food-safe mineral oil to deepen the colour. Use non-serrated knives to avoid scratches, and add felt or rubber feet underneath to protect your table.
Lacquered trays: gloss, colour and easy housekeeping
Sometimes you want a smooth, high-gloss finish that wipes clean in seconds. That's where lacquered trays earn their keep. They're usually made from wood or sturdy composites, then sealed under a durable lacquer that shrugs off spills and coffee rings. Many have raised sides and cut-out handles, which makes breakfast in bed far less perilous for the sheets.
When are lacquered trays the best choice?
They're brilliant on coffee tables and ottomans, where a hard, even surface is handy for mugs, a vase or a scented candle. They shine for afternoon tea, biscuit plates and casual nibbles. If you love seasonal colour, lacquered trays come in patterns and tones you can swap with the mood - autumn rusts, winter greens, spring pastels. Wipe-clean convenience is the headline here; busy households appreciate anything that looks smart and cleans up fast.
A quick word on care. Most lacquered trays prefer a gentle hand wash and a soft cloth. Avoid abrasive pads and long soaks, and don't park boiling pans straight on the surface. Warm mugs are fine; trivets help with anything hotter.
Non-slip trays: the quiet workhorse (and a lifesaver for drinks)
If you've ever tried to carry six fizzing beers across the garden, you'll know why non-slip trays exist. These trays typically pair a rigid base with a grippy surface that helps glasses stay put, even when there's condensation. Many also have a textured underside for better grip in the hand. They're the go-to for pubs, cafés and busy homes where spills happen fast.
When do non-slip trays beat the rest?
Serving round after round of drinks, ferrying breakfast to the patio, or helping kids carry bowls to the table - any time stability matters. They're also a thoughtful choice for elderly relatives or anyone with shaky hands; that extra grip buys confidence. And because most non-slip trays are lightweight and tough, they're happy at picnics and barbecues.
Cleaning is usually as simple as warm soapy water. Some versions are dishwasher-safe - check the maker's guidance.
Shapes and sizes: round or rectangle, big or small?
Round trays suit drinks service and shared small bites. They move smoothly through a crowd and keep glasses equidistant from the edge. Rectangular and square trays feel organised - ideal for sushi rows, a cheese line-up, or anchoring a coffee table display with remotes, coasters and a little plant. Large platters build drama; smaller ones are nimble and easy to pass around. If you can, keep a couple of sizes to hand. You'll reach for different ones without thinking.
Serving Tray FAQs
► What's the best tray for canapés?
Slate steals the show. The colour contrast is a built-in styling trick, and you can label cheeses or dips with a chalk pencil if you like that bistro look.
► What about sushi at home?
Use a round slate platter for rolls and a long, slim rectangle for nigiri. The geometry helps you space pieces cleanly, and the cool surface keeps things feeling fresh.
► Which tray should I use for breakfast in bed?
A lacquered tray with raised sides and proper handles. It's sturdy, easy to wipe, and the rim stops jam jars from wandering.
► What's safest for carrying lots of drinks?
Non-slip, every time. Go round for crowds; it's easier to rotate and offer glasses. A non-slip base gives you a steadier grip when your hands are damp.
► Can a tray act as a charger plate?
Yes. Slate works beautifully as a charger under simple white plates, adding texture without fuss. It also protects the table from heat and drip marks.
► Will slate stain or smell?
Not if you wash it promptly. Slate is non-porous, so everyday foods won't seep in. Curry pastes and beetroot can leave a brief tint if left sitting - quick washing solves it.
► Dishwasher or hand wash?
Slate and lacquered trays usually prefer hand washing. Many non-slip trays can go in the dishwasher, but always check. When in doubt, warm water, mild detergent and a soft cloth are safe.
► Hot pans straight onto the tray - yes or no?
Generally, no. Trays are serving pieces, not hob-to-table cookware. Use a trivet for anything just off the heat.
Styling tips that make food look better (without trying too hard)
A little height helps. Stack crackers in a small ramekin or lean biscotti in a short glass to add layers on a flat tray. Use tiny dishes for chutneys and dips so spreads don't meander across the surface. Contrast is your friend: pale goat's cheese on slate, glossy cherries on lacquer, frosted highballs on a dark non-slip base. And don't crowd the scene - leaving space around each element reads as confident, not sparse.
Bringing it all together
If you want drama and natural texture, slate is your stage. If you want polish and wipe-clean ease, lacquered trays keep things crisp and colourful. If you want grip and go-anywhere practicality, non-slip trays pull their weight day after day. Honestly, there isn't a single "best" tray - only the best tray for what you're doing right now.
You know what?
Keep one of each style and you'll cover almost every occasion without thinking. Canapés before a roast? Slate. Coffee and cake on the sofa? Lacquered. A round for the garden? Non-slip. Add a couple of ramekins, a handful of grapes, maybe a sprig of rosemary for scent, and you've turned simple food into something that feels special - without making more work.
And that's the quiet magic of a good serving tray. It doesn't shout. It just makes everything else look better, feel calmer and travel safely from here to there. Which, on a busy night, is exactly what you need.
Thanks for reading,
The Rinkit Team
