Serving Trays & Platters

1. Serving trays come in a wide variety of sizes.  Choose a tray that's appropriate for the amount of food you will be serving.  The tray should be large enough to hold the food but small enough to fit easily onto your serving table or be passed among guests.

2. Serving platters are typically larger than serving trays, and are meant to be placed on a buffet table so that guests can help themselves.

3. Serving trays and platters are available in various styles to suit different types of food.  Chip-and-dip trays, for example, have divided compartments; bread trays and platters are usually large and flat with raised edges.

4. Consider the material of a serving tray before you purchase.  Plastic trays are better for casual events, while ceramic and silver trays are designed to be used again and again at special occasions.

4. Holiday-themed serving trays and platters are a great way to add a special touch to any gathering.  They also make wonderful gifts for holiday hosts and hostesses.

5. Don't forget the utensils!  Serving utensils are an important part of any serving tray or platter presentation.  Choose utensils that match your trays for extra-special events.  Make sure to provide several knives and serving forks so that guests can help themselves.