Over years of entertaining I've discovered that, with only two hands, I'm limited in how many items I can bring outside as I set up and serve my guests. Therefore, one of the most indispensable accessories I use for outdoor parties is a serving tray with handles. Plus, serving trays give structure to outdoor serving areas if you organize items on trays such as flatware and napkins, or glasses and ice bucket, or condiments for your food. Here are some of my favorite trays for outdoor parties, with an eye toward style, practicality, and durability since you'll be bringing them outside.
1. Wooden Rooster Serving Trays
PriceGrabber.com
These country-style wooden serving trays reflect your country style with a traditional rooster design. They come in a set of four trays with rope handles and would be appropriate for carrying lightweight items outside such as disposable party goods, chips, etc.
2. Le Cadeaux Triple Weight Melamine Serving Tray with Raised Sides and Handles
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These trays can handle the heavy lifting with raised sides and handles to help keep items from slipping off. They come in thirteen different colorful designs.
3. Bambu Serving Tray with Handles
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This tray is made from environmentally friendly bamboo. It's lightweight and large enough to bring out several serving dishes or platters. With a natural finish, this piece will blend into your other summer serving pieces.
4. Acaciaware Serving Tray with Handles
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This beautiful tray is made form one solid piece of hardwood that's been ecologically harvested in the Phillipines. It's at once simple and elegant. The resinous acacia wood resists water and staining.
5. Large Acrylic Serving Tray with Handles
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This contemporary, clear acrylic tray won't pull any attention from your food and other serving pieces as it quietly fufills its purpose. But with its ample capacity you'll want to use it for all your events.
6. Large Solid Teak Amenities Serving Tray Caddy with Handles
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This is an extra-large tray that can be both dressed up and dressed down, used indoors or outside. Made from solid teak wood it's both water resistant and mold resistant.
7. Nito Oval Serving Tray with Handles
Williams-Sonoma
Williams-Sonoma sells this beautiful, large, hand-woven tray which has been made in the Phillipines using a vine of the fern family. It's been coated with a clear laquer finish making it easy to wipe clean.
8. Round Red Galvanized Serving Tray
This bright red, sturdy tray has stainless steel metal handles for easy carrying of drinks, appetizers, and other party food to your outside event. Its contemporary styling will add an attractive splash of color to your outside decor.
