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Trays are one of my favorite decor staples because of how versatile they are. They can be styled, restyled, and repurposed from season to season with just a few simple swaps. This Christmas, I styled five trays in five different ways throughout our living space to add layers of festive charm.
Decorating with Trays: 5 Festive Ways
Come decorate trays with me and see how easily they can elevate your holiday decor.
Snowy Eucalyptus Tray
This is one of my favorite trays to keep on our kitchen island. It works beautifully as a serving tray but also doubles as decor when it’s not in use. During the winter season, I like to keep the items on this tray very moveable due to the extra foot traffic and increased kitchen prep that comes with holiday gatherings.
All of the pieces can be quickly removed and stowed away—or repurposed elsewhere—when we need the space. For this tray, I chose a festive green evergreen-scented candle paired with a small frosted tree and a rustic bell. In the back, I layered frosted eucalyptus and snowy white pine into a tall black container to add height and texture.
Birch Candle Dough Bowl
This cozy piece sits at the center of our dining table and is incredibly easy to assemble, using just five items. I started with a gray-washed wooden dough bowl and placed two berry evergreen candle rings inside. Two birch pillar candles finish the look, creating a simple yet warm centerpiece that feels both festive and timeless.
Christmas Cloche
This tray sits on our kitchen counter near the sink and serves multiple purposes. Right now, it’s home to a snowy winter scene candle, but it often doubles as a spot to keep baked goods fresh until they’re ready to enjoy—which doesn’t take long in our home!
To continue the Christmas theme, I added a red velvet bow to the candle and tucked a small snowy wreath behind it for a soft, festive touch.
Mrs. Claus’ Bakery Tray
It wouldn’t be the holidays without a little bit of Mrs. Claus’ bakery-inspired decor. This tray is simple but full of charm. By standing it on its side, the tray takes on a completely different purpose and allows the beautiful print on the bottom to be displayed.
I paired it with a small snowy tree and a sugar cookie jar candle for a sweet, whimsical holiday moment.
Warm Ice Block Tray
The ice block tray is styled in our living room and truly comes to life at night. The soft glow from the ice block lights creates such a warm and inviting atmosphere. They sit atop a round wooden tray with brushed gold metal handles and are nestled into a snowy evergreen garland.
To tie the look in with the rest of our decor, the entire tray rests on a red woven placemat, adding both warmth and color to the space.
Conclusion
Decorating with trays is one of the easiest ways to add seasonal charm while keeping your home functional and flexible. Whether they’re used for serving, styling, or simply adding a festive moment to a space, trays allow you to decorate with intention—without clutter. With just a few thoughtful pieces, you can create holiday vignettes that feel cozy, practical, and perfectly festive.
For more Christmas decorating ideas and inspiration, be sure to explore the rest of the holiday content here on the blog.
Common Questions
How many items should you style on a tray without it feeling cluttered?
I generally try to stick to two to five items when styling a tray. Anything more than that can quickly make the space feel cluttered and also makes it harder to keep the tray versatile—especially during busy or chaotic moments when you may need to move things aside or tuck them away.
Many decorators prefer odd numbers, like three or five, because they prevent a look from feeling too symmetrical and allow for better layering and texture. That said, there’s absolutely a place for symmetry as well. A balanced, symmetrical tray can feel calm and intentional, especially in more structured spaces.
How do you safely style candles on trays?
When it comes to safety, I personally don’t light candles while they’re on trays. Countertops and solid surfaces provide a more stable base and help keep flames away from surrounding decor and greenery.
That said, I use a lot of flameless candles throughout my home, especially when styling trays. I also have candles—like my birch pillar candles—that I simply never light. I love their look so much that I prefer to keep them unchanged, allowing them to serve purely as decorative pieces.
Where can I shop these looks?
You can find similar items on Amazon, making it easy to recreate these tray styles no matter your budget or timeline. Many of these pieces are staples I use year after year and simply restyle as the seasons change.
This post contains Amazon affiliate links. As always, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you—thank you for supporting Homemade Hydrangea.
Trays
- Circular Wooden Tray with Metal Handles – A versatile base that adds warmth and structure while making decor easy to move from room to room.
- Rectangular Wooden Tray – Perfect for kitchen counters or island styling where function and beauty meet.
- Dough Bowl – Ideal for dining table trays and centerpieces with a rustic, collected feel.
Evergreen Florals
- Evergreen and Berry Candle Ring – A simple way to add festive color and seasonal texture around candles.
- Snowy Norfolk Pine Garland – Soft, wintry greenery that layers beautifully on trays and tabletops.
- Small Snowy Evergreen Trees – A charming accent that instantly creates a cozy winter feel.
- Snowy Evergreen Branches – Great for adding height and fullness to vases or tucked behind decor.
- Snowy Wreath – A classic piece that works tucked into trays, propped upright, or layered behind decor.
Decor Accents
- Red Woven Placemats – Adds warmth, color, and an easy seasonal layer beneath trays.
- Red Velvet Ribbon – The perfect finishing touch for bows, candles, or simple holiday accents.
- Birch Pillar Candles – A timeless decor staple that adds texture and warmth, even when unlit.
- White Cookie Jar – A sweet nod to holiday baking that blends charm with function.
- Glass Cloche – Perfect for highlighting small seasonal vignettes or favorite decorative pieces.
- Rustic White Bells – Adds a subtle farmhouse-inspired touch with soft texture and movement.
- Black Rustic Vase – A grounding piece that adds contrast and height to tray arrangements.
