Decorating with Tiered Trays - Part Three

This is the third post in my three part series on decorating with tiered trays. You can find part one here and part two here.

These last two tiered trays that I have to show you are rather primitive. I like the warmth that the wood provides and that they are easy to style. This first one was purchased at Nell Hills in February ($85) to go in a corner in the kitchen under the upper cabinets. Remember that rule I mentioned in the first part of this series; the one about knowing where you want to put your tray and measuring the spot before you buy?

Yeah, well I didn't do that.

Actually I did measure the height of the cabinet and knew the tray was a smidge too tall (24"), but I loved the tray and thought maybe Bill could cut it down so I bought it anyway.

Once I got it home I decided cutting it probably wasn't such a good idea so I sat it on my stoves grill until I could decide whether or not to return it. Seeing it there, made me think it just might work right there, so it has lived there ever since. 

I know this isn't for everyone but I love decorating above and around my stove for the seasons. I spend a lot of time cooking these days and surrounding myself with happy things makes me so, well... happy.

It all started quite by accident. I had made this LOVE banner for Valentines Day and planned to hang it on my range hood just below my heart wreath, but no matter what I tried I didn't like it there and ended hanging it behind the stove instead.

Once I took it down after Valentines Day, the area seemed sooo bare!

I love hanging my ADORNit watercolors  on my "clothesline" over the stove and displaying them on my tiered tray. They remind me to be thankful, brave and happy while celebrating every day.

As I edited these photos I realized that the white film on the grill and around the lambs feet is flour! Ha I made my granddaughter a birthday cake the day before I took these photos and I guess flour fallout is real. Thankfully I dusted in the following photos. How embarrassing! (The cake was delicious by the way).

For me, part of decorating is surrounding yourself with things you love and that have meaning.

A tiered tray is the perfect spot to create happy vignettes.

 Sadly I don't have a sewing room in this house but I styled the next tray as inspiration for those of you who do.

I gathered some favorite treasures to display on the two wooden shelves. Notice that the fabric and cookie sheet extends beyond the edge of the lower tray. You can't do that with trays that have a ledge.

 Again, this little tower of happiness doesn't take up much counter space but adds some color and charm to the space.

 

This next tiered tray is from HomeGoods. I saw it on a trip there recently but didn't buy it (it was $99). I couldn't stop thinking about it so when it was still there a few days later I popped it in my cart.

I have never liked this spot behind my basement sectional. I've tried trays and plants there but everything seemed flat and uninteresting

until I brought this 39" two tiered tray home. (There is 15" between the tiers!)

I added a few stacks of books and a small collection of porcelain boxes along with some greenery. I love the height and interest it adds to the table and you can style these so that they look good from all sides.

My most frequently asked question has been, where do I buy tiered trays?

I combed the internet to hopefully find some resources for you but didn't have a whole lot of luck. This first one is called The Charlotte from Vintage Farmhouse Finds  and is $129. I like that the tiers seem further apart (although they don't give those dimensions on their website and they didn't respond to my email).  

 

Here is the same tray styled and by their photo it looks like it has fairly good spacing between tiers.

This next photo is from Pinterest - same Charlotte tray just styled differently.

If there was a negative I'd say that the high ledge could be somewhat limiting.

Speaking of Pinterest, you might want to check out my board on tiered trays here.

Not to be too negative but I would not buy this one from Pottery Barn

I know some of you have it and have commented that the tiers are too close together (just 6"). I also think the sides are too high. Just my opinion.

Of course check out Hobby Lobby, HomeGoods, Nell Hills (they ship) and your local independent gift shops. They are there,  sometimes you just have to look since they are usually used as display pieces and buried under other merchandise.  

The other question I got was do I use the stuff I put on the trays or is it strictly for display. I usually leave them alone except for the times I'm having company for dinner and wonder what I did with those soup bowls...then I'll borrow.

I hope you have enjoyed this series and have found it helpful. Next time I'll be back with another sewing tutorial.

Until then,

Encourage one another,