It can’t be just me – you know you’ve done it, too!
Back in the day (maybe two whole years ago) there was a time when a box covered in cloth (Guilty!) or the ubiquitous round cake stand were the two most popular options for creating height, interest, drama for and easy access to food on a tablescape.
Not one to be drawn to anything I saw mass produced in the shops, and being a big dinner party / party host, I started to design the Food Trays – and all of lifes problems were suddenly SOLVED! Well, ok, it wasn’t quite that simple. The designs evolved, artisans were found, and almost 18 months later…
Food – ELEVATED.
The first artisan on board was Birdman the Welder who helped out with the bent steel and beautiful goes-with-everything — champagne gold — powdercoating. It was important to me that the FOOD stood out, but could be easily accessible on a crowded table, and that the two sizes nested JUST RIGHT into each other. Love! They nailed it.
Next up was Kristine Webber c e r a m i c s! OH how I love this lady – and her dedication to my little project. Apparently “let’s just cut out rectangles and fire them up!” is not how ceramics work (yes, I’m learning a LOT about materials LOL).
Kristine worked tirelessly to create a ceramic base that would lay flat on a tray, was the perfect color and texture – LOVE texture – and could even be put in the dishwasher!!!
They turned out beautifully, and were eventually short-listed for a ceramics award 🙂
PRO TIP
You can also add various heights with plants/flowers, candles, pretty water jugs, and food like whole lemons.
theakhomekitchen
They turned out so beautifully, in fact, that stock sold out – TWICE – and I added wood trays by the uber-talented Willow & Stump (Western Living’s Furniture Designer of the Year 2018) as well as some etched marble trays for some beautiful mixing and matching on any variety of tablescapes and dinner themes.
Perfectly suited for cascading charcuteries, no?! It’s been an amazing experience to work with so many talented local artisans – every piece is unique and absolutely made with love!
The best part is seeing how YOU all use the Food Trays! Like this bridal shower above. I use the trays for everything from Taco Tuesday (what better way for everyone to reach the hot sauce?!) to ‘the holder of my office trinkets’ on my desk.
Do you entertain a lot? What would you use the “Food” Trays for? Tag #MYakHOME and @alisonkent_home on your Insta to share!
