What to do with Granny's Silver Tray

I often see silver trays like the one above at flea markets and antique shops, yet seldom see them actually used by anyone at home.  Perhaps because they seem a bit old fashioned.......

Or too formal.......

....or way too high maintanance or have no purpose.....this one above has just the right amount of tarnish...

Throw all your dresser "bits" on one....this photo above is my dresser tray full of things I never put away properly.  It keeps me tidier to have one spot to set them down and not scattered around.

This one I put in the bathroom to corral the soap and other pretties.

I also use them for bar trays...you can set them on a buffet or any cupboard or dresser, add a pretty dish for sliced lemons, and they look great.

I like to use them to display interesting bits on the coffee table.  They unify collections and give them more weight and substance.  Smaller items can make the place look cluttery when scattered around, but grouped with other interesting bits, they are like a little showcase for treasures.  Here I scattered some of my seashells, a twinkly eiffel tower ornament with pretty ribbon--too pretty to put away...and a handful of really disgusting tasting, but very pretty to look at candies, to make an interesting, contemporary vignette on my coffee table.

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