Having guests over when your main coffee table is occupied or missing can seem tricky. Where will drinks, snacks, and games go? How will you stage an attractive tablescape? Enter the versatile ottoman tray – it can expertly fill in as a serving station when extra surface area is needed. Read on for our top styling and furnishing tips to maximize ottoman trays for entertaining.
Choose an Ottoman Tray Size That Fits Your Furniture
When selecting an ottoman tray, the first factor to consider is proportion. You’ll want your tray size to align well with the dimensions of the ottoman itself. Aim for a tray about 2 inches less width and depth than the ottoman so drinks don’t accidentally get bumped off the edges. Beyond scale, also check:
- Clearance – allow enough overhead room for serving dishes and arrangements
- Height – low profile trays work well for casual snacking while taller trays excel as tablescapes
- Weight – if storing heavier items long term, select a sturdy, reinforced tray
- Material – consider level of heat resistance and protection needed for intended use
Measuring Ottomans for Well-Fitted Trays
When sizing up options, bust out your tape measure for precise ottoman dimensions. Note width, height and depth, rounding up to the nearest inch. Then peruse tray selections around 2 inches smaller both ways. Trays should have a clean appearance while accommodating snacks and decor.
Trying Before Buying for Right Room Fit
If possible, we recommend testing trays in person instead of buying sight unseen online. Visit home stores to experiment with placing empty trays atop ottomans in typical use positions. Verify enough overhead and surface clearance. Move around with sample serving pieces to confirm a good spatial match before purchasing.
Essential Supplies for Serving Guests
Once you’ve secured a well-fitting ottoman tray, it’s time to outfit it for guests. Consider keeping these serving supplies and furnishings nearby for last-minute setups:
Drinks
- Coasters: Protect surfaces from condensation rings or spills
- Napkins/drink covers: Save spruce ups for wood, upholstery
- Drinkware: Stature glasses, wine carafes, unique mugs
Snacks/Sweets
- Plates/utensils: Stage bite-sized foods for easy nibbling
- Bowls: Corral snacks by type in divided vessels
Games & Entertainment
- Playing cards: Standard decks, unique editions for variety
- Board games: Classic and indie games for all tastes
- Dice/game pieces: Essential for gameplay
Design an Attractive Tablescape
A thoughtfully designed tablescape takes an ottoman tray from purely functional to an artistic focal point. Blend items needed for serving along with decor touches for visual flair. Some inspiration:
Symmetrical Styling
For a clean yet abundant look, adorn either side of your ottoman tray similarly. Place matching lanterns on both ends alongside equivalent stacks of decorative boxes or trays filled with entertaining supplies. Repeat shapes, colors and heights for satisfying symmetry.
Asymmetrical Arranging
Conversely, embracing asymmetry fosters organic appeal. Decorate one side with branch arrangments in a metal urn while leaving the other side lower with just a candle holder and miniature framed art. Let heights, shapes and styles differ for contrast.
Blending Form + Function
When designing your tablescape, make sure to reserve adequate surface area for serving vessels and entertaining needs. Then creatively fill remaining space with event-appropriate embellishments. Styling with purpose prevents function being compromised for form alone.
Ottoman Tray Ideas for Various Gatherings
Depending on the type of get-together on your calendar, adapt your ottoman tray setup to align. Here are tailored recommendations:
Happy Hour
Kick cocktail hour up a notch by pre-staging your mini bar kit on an ottoman tray. Include a range of glassware, spirits, mixers and garnishes so guests can DIY desired drinks. Surround items with small bowls of olives, nuts and snacks to nosh while sipping.
Dessert Course
Present petite sweets in style on an ottoman dessert tray. Consider dividing a two-tiered serving stand – store bites on top then stack plates and forks below to grab as needed. Sprinkle the surface with candy confections or chocolate shavings for added whimsy between courses.
Game Night
Let the tournaments begin by launching game night from an ottoman games tray instead of the coffee table. Keep playing card decks, boards, puzzles, dice and pencils corralled yet accessible. Ring the perimeter with vivid bowlfuls of snacks to fuel the fun and strategy.
Care Instructions
To preserve your ottoman tray setup longevity, follow furniture care best practices:
- Use placemats under serving pieces for insulation
- Avoid placing hot dishes directly on delicate tray surfaces
- Review ottoman material cleaning guidelines to prevent damage
With extra diligence, your impromptu ottoman entertaining station can maintain its beauty while pulling double hosting duty.
To complement your ottoman tray with extra flair, we recommend these versatile, elevated embellishments:
- Textured table linens for layered visual interest
- Ceramic/glass votive holders and vessel arrangements
- Wrapped beverage straws for pops of print and pattern
- Lanterns housing LED candles to amplify ambiance
- Groupings of framed photos staggered across the tray
- Collections of worn books, sea shells or geodes
- Distinctive greenery like trailing ivy or single stem orchids
When your primary coffee table or dining surface gets commandeered, don’t fret — simply deploy your styled ottoman tray tablescape. You’re ready to host guests in style with these serving, decor and furnishing ideas tailored to maximize form and function. Cheers to memorable entertaining moments ahead!
