Outdoor Serving Trays With Detachable Cover
Outdoor parties and meals are a fantastic way to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine. However, one challenge is keeping food fresh and protected from insects, debris, and other outdoor elements. This is where outdoor serving trays with covers come in handy. These convenient trays allow you to transport, display, and serve food and drinks while safeguarding them from contamination.
Outdoor serving trays with lids provide an easy way to keep appetizers, main courses, desserts, and beverages clean while dining al fresco. The detachable covers let you access the food when needed while covering it at other times. This comprehensive guide will explore the benefits, features, materials, types, uses, and care tips for outdoor serving trays with detachable covers.
Benefits of Outdoor Serving Trays With Covers
Outdoor serving trays with lids offer many advantages over regular platters and trays:
- Protect food from insects, dirt, and debris when used outside
- Prevent contamination from windblown pollen, tree sap, and other environmental hazards
- Keep food fresh and prevent drying out
- Allow easy transport of food from kitchen to patio or picnic area
- Provide an elegant way to serve and display appetizers, mains, and desserts
- Come in convenient sizes for individual portions or family-style servings
- Feature compartments to separate different foods
- Let hosts access contents while keeping bugs and dirt off food when lid is closed
- Enable tidy storage with food remaining on tray and cover snapped in place
With so many advantages, it's easy to see why outdoor serving trays with detachable lids are a popular choice for al fresco dining and outdoor entertaining.
Key Features of Outdoor Serving Trays With Covers
Outdoor serving trays with removable covers provide great functionality with features like:
Detachable Lids
Lids lift off or detach for easy access to the food then snap or slide back on to protect contents when not serving. Covers fit snugly to create a barrier against contaminants.
Durable Materials
Outdoor trays withstand weather conditions and frequent use thanks to durable materials like melamine, bamboo, rattan, aluminum, and stain-resistant wood. Sturdy handles provide secure transport.
Variety of Sizes
Trays come in small, medium, large, and extra-large sizes to accommodate different quantities of food. Individual portion trays allow for personalized servings.
Compartments
Partitions in the tray keep different foods separated for easy serving. This prevents mixing of flavors and textures.
Appealing Designs
Ornate metalwork, smooth rattan, and natural wood make these serving trays elegant additions to your next al fresco party or picnic.
Materials for Outdoor Serving Trays
Outdoor serving trays come in a diverse array of materials to match your style, needs, and budget.
Plastic
Durable melamine and acrylic trays resist damage from weather and frequent use. Plastic trays are affordable, lightweight, and easy to clean.
Metal
Aluminum, steel, and wrought iron offer an attractive look and sturdy construction. However, they can show wear over time.
Wood
Real wood brings beauty to outdoor dining but requires extra care to prevent warping. Teak offers weather resistance while oak provides a classic look.
Bamboo
A renewable and sustainable option, bamboo is lightweight yet strong enough for regular use. It needs occasional re-oiling to prevent drying.
Rattan
Naturally water-resistant, rattan combines durability with a stylish weave that sheds rain and debris while complementing any outdoor decor.
Stone
Slate and marble make impressive serving trays that can withstand temperature extremes. However, the weight makes transport difficult.
Types of Outdoor Serving Trays
The variety of outdoor serving tray designs goes far beyond basic rectangle platters. Unique options include:
Tiered Trays
Stacked platforms let you display and serve an array of appetizers or sweets for a dramatic effect.
Insulated Trays
Foam insulation lines the interior to maintain temperature for hot or cold foods like dips, salads, or chilled seafood.
Trays with Compartments
Partitions keep ingredients for recipes separate or divide up dishes in individual portions.
Personalized Trays
Monogrammed and customized trays make memorable gifts for newlyweds, hosts, or anyone who enjoys entertaining outdoors.
Uses for Outdoor Serving Trays With Covers
Outdoor serving trays with lids enable easy transport and service for:
Picnics
Carry your potato salad, sandwiches, fruit, and other picnic foods to the park or beach without worrying about spills or contamination.
Poolside Parties
Serve chips, dips, fruit skewers and beverages poolside while keeping food protected from dirt and debris.
Patio Dining
Enjoy meals on the patio without flies or other pests getting to the food in between courses.
Camping Trips
Haul ingredients for foil packet meals or store leftovers without leaks or spills.
Garden Events
Impress guests at your garden party with pretty presentations of tea sandwiches, scones, and desserts on covered trays.
Beach Excursions
A covered tray protects your sandwiches and snacks from getting sandy on the beach.
Choosing the Right Size Outdoor Serving Tray
Serving trays for outdoor dining come in a range of sizes for different purposes:
Small Trays
Approximately 8 to 10 inches work well for transporting sides, appetizers, condiments, breads, desserts, and individual portions.
Medium Trays
Mid-size trays around 13 inches accommodate main dishes for a few guests or small entrees for buffet service.
Large Trays
Oversized 18+ inch trays allow you to serve main courses family-style or present a bountiful buffet spread.
Consider how many people you plan to serve and the menu before selecting a tray. It's nice to have a variety of sizes for serving different courses.
Choosing Durable Outdoor Serving Tray Materials
When selecting an outdoor serving tray material, look for:
Weather Resistance
Options like melamine, bamboo, rattan, and high-quality woods can handle sun, rain, and temperature swings. Avoid more delicate materials like paper or unfinished wood.
Easy Cleaning
Choose smooth, non-porous materials that simply need wiping with a damp cloth to clean instead of scrubbing. Removable trays simplify cleaning.
Sturdy Construction
Well-constructed trays hold up to regular handling without bending, warping, or denting. Avoid flimsy metals prone to dings.
Long-Lasting Materials
While plastic trays are affordable, higher quality woods, bamboo, rattan, and aluminum provide beauty and durability for years of use.
Tips for Matching Trays to Dinnerware
An outdoor serving tray needs to accommodate your dishes, glasses, and flatware. Remember:
Plates
Check that plates fit comfortably inside the tray. Oval trays often work better for round plates.
Bowls
Shallow bowls for salad and sides usually fit fine, but deeper soup bowls may need more height.
Cups and Mugs
Taller beverage cups and mugs often need additional headroom so choose a deeper tray.
Utensils
Make sure there is room for utensils either in compartments or next to plates.
If in doubt, go larger to have enough room for all the serving pieces.
Caring for Outdoor Serving Trays
Extend the life of your outdoor serving trays with proper care:
Handwashing
Avoid the dishwasher which can damage many tray materials. Instead, use mild soap and warm water.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Prevent stains and dull finishes by skipping strong cleansers in favor of gentle dish soap.
Proper Storage
Keep trays out of direct sun and rain. Use a protective cover or bring inside when not in use.
Tips for Using Outdoor Serving Trays
Here are some useful tips for seamless serving:
Label Compartments
Use small tags or chalkboard sticks to identify different foods in partitioned trays.
Secure Lid During Transport
Stop lids from slipping with rubber bands, small clips, or built-in lid locks.
Use Non-Slip Mats
Line trays with silicone mats to prevent sliding on outdoor tables.
Carry Carefully When Loaded
Heavy trays full of food and serveware require two hands and flat transport.
Check for A Level Surface
Make sure outdoor tables are even to prevent tipping accidents.
Top Brands of Outdoor Serving Trays
Trusted brands for quality outdoor serving trays include:
Picnic at Ascot
Classic wood, bamboo, melamine, and rattan trays with lids and built-in wine holders.
Picnic Time
Fun patterns and licensed character trays great for kids alongside more elegant wood and seagrass options.
Acaciaware
Sleek and modern acrylic trays resistant to stains, spills, and UV rays.
Creative Co-Op
Farmhouse chic wood and metal trays complement shabby-chic, vintage, or rustic decor.
GreenLife
Eco-friendly bamboo and potato starch traysmade without BPAs or toxic chemicals.
Mikasa
Sophisticated porcelain, bone china, and glass trayswith lids bring elegance to outdoor dining.
Lenox
Upscale metal, bone china, and earthenware trays featuring butterflies, florals, and unique geometric shapes.
LeavingThingsBehind
Boho chic handwoven water hyacinth and seagrass trays with artisan flair.
Outdoor serving trays with detachable lids provide the perfect solution for transporting and serving food outside while keeping it fresh and contaminant-free. With options available in a range of styles, sizes, compartments, and durable materials, it's easy to find the ideal outdoor tray for your patio, deck, picnic, or camping meals.
The right covered tray simplifies serving and ensures your next al fresco dinner party is a successful and enjoyable occasion for all. Bon appetit!