If you’re searching for winter tray decor ideas then you’re in the right place because I’ve joined a group of creative bloggers this month for a winter decorative tray blog tour!
Along with showing my own winter decorations, I’ve included 5 major tips on how to decorate a tray, many suggestions for where you can use a tray, and several home decor items that you can place on a your tray.
There are 24 of us that are sharing a variety of ideas for how to style decor trays for winter. You’ll find those 24 additional winter tray ideas at the end of this post. You’re sure to get tons of inspiration from that many winter wonderland themed ideas!
WINTER TRAY DECOR IDEAS
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HOW TO DECORATE A WINTER TRAY
Keep in mind the following 5 guidelines when planning your project, gathering decor items, and styling a tray vignette:
1 – STAY IN BUDGET
My first goal is to make my tray decorating be a budget-friendly decor project without sacrificing a quality look. I use what I already have on hand and/or items I purchase from thrift stores.
My thrift store tray is a heavy galvanized metal with a bamboo type bottom. I ended up painting just the edges gray where the fabric wouldn’t cover.
2 – CHOOSE A THEME IDEA
Plan a theme when decorating for the holidays whether it be a category or color theme.
For example, categories can be a nature theme with pinecones or deer, a Santa Claus or snowman theme, an elegant theme using Chinoisiere patterns, or it can be like today’s winter wonderland theme.
My decorative tray color theme include colors I think of most that reflect a winter vibe: white, silver, gray, and blue.
Winter Tray Decor Options
2 Silver Reindeer Deer Statues Home Decor
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Buy Now → 3 – USE ODD NUMBERS:
Decorators follow the rule of using odd numbers, like grouping 3 or 5 items together. This general rule not only creates interest, but looks more natural and is visually appealing to the eye.
- my five items that I already had on hand are:
- blue vase filled with white berry stems left over from my winter wreath
- snowflake creamer given to me as part of a gift set
- stack of sweater plates that were also a gift
- silver deer which is actually from a salt and pepper shaker set
- my free winter printable in a hand painted charcoal gray frame
Similar Winter Tray Options
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Buy Now → 4 – CONSIDER SHAPES, HEIGHT, AND DEPTH:
Using decor of varying shapes, heights, and depths creates interest and moves your eye throughout the tray vignette. These differences make each decorative item stand out.
All of my items are at different heights. The snow white stems are the tallest on my decor tray, then the framed printable, graduating down to the snowflake creamer, plates, and then the lowest point being the deer.
Regarding shapes and depth, I’ve used rectangle, round and oblong shapes, and having my shorter items up front leads your eye to the larger winter decor in the back.
5 – INCORPORATE CONTRAST
Different colors and textures should be used so the items don’t blend into each other. You want decor items to pop on your tray.
- I USED LOTS OF TEXTURE FOR MY TRAY VIGNETTE:
- the tray is made of metal
- bottom is lined with soft fabric
- bumpy berry stems filling the ceramic vase
- dimensional snowflake on the ceramic creamer
- raised sweater texture on the plates
- shiny silver deer
- wood frame with glass
- MY COLORS ARE VARIED SO THAT THEY POP VISUALLY:
- white berry stems against the blue vase
- white dishes in front of the blue vase
- dark silver deer on top of the light gray fabric
- dark charcoal gray frame makes the art print pop
The photo below is a slightly different version of my tray. I substituted a silver Christmas tree for the vase with berries and inserted floral picks in the ceramic creamer. I believe I like my first tray better.
Winter Tray Decor Ideas
Buy Now → 
Lighted Birch Tree Home Decor Silver Glitter
Buy Now →WHERE CAN YOU USE A DECORATIVE TRAY?
DINING ROOM: Use your winter tray as a centerpiece for your dining room table or place it on the sideboard or buffet table.
FAMILY ROOM: Place the tray vignette on your coffee table or an ottoman.
KITCHEN: Use your decorative tray as a centerpiece on the island or kitchen table, or as a vignette on your coffee bar.
FOYER: Place the tray on your entryway table.
BEDROOMS & BATHROOMS: Use on a dresser, side table, or bathroom vanity
WHAT CAN YOU PUT ON A DECORATIVE TRAY?
- candles
- stack of books
- vase or vessel
- farmhouse bead strand
- signs or framed printables
- add greenery, flowers or floral picks
- bring in nature (pinecones or twigs)
- dishes that fit a theme (for coffee bar)
- wine bottle and glasses (at the bar)
- so many possibilities whether it’s a tray or tiered tray!
Hopefully, this was all helpful to you for learning how to decorate and style a decorative tray to make your own winter wonderland home decor!
SEE 23 MORE WINTER WONDERLAND TRAY IDEAS BELOW!
Many thanks to our hostess Katherine, from Katherine’s Corner, for corralling and coordinating so many bloggers at one time!
If you’re coming over from Meagan’s blog at Decorative Inspirations… thank you for dropping in!
If you’re following the tray tour in order, next on the winter wonderland tray tour is Laura at Everyday Edits.
Sharing my winter wonderland tray at these fabulous blogs!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
AllysonAllyson is the founder and content creator of Southern Sunflowers. She shares tutorials for DIY crafts and decor on a budget.
Allyson, your tray is both charming and classic. Blue and white are one of my favorite color combinations. You gave some great ideas as to how to get started when decorating a tray. Glad to have met you on this blog hop. Merry Christmas!
Thank you, Maria! Happy to be hopping with you. 🙂
Winter will be here before we know if so nice to have an idea already to go. Love the color scheme you chose.
Thanks, Carol… nice tray hopping with you. 🙂
Allyson, I simply adore the tree! Love the berries as well. So pretty! Lovely to be hopping with you! Merry Christmas! Toodles. Kathryn
Thank you, Kathryn. Nice tray hopping with you, also!
Ayllson, Your winter wonderland tray is so sweet. I love that mug. Have a great week.
Thank you, Meagan. Merry Christmas!
Allyson,
Oh I love your tray. That creamer is adorable. Great tips on how to create your own tray.
I am enjoying touring with you.
Hugs,
Bev
hi Allyson, your tray is so pretty, you’ve chosen perfect items to represent a winter feeling, with the snowflake pitcher, silver deer, the tree and winter berries…plus the cute framed quote and the neutral color palette, that’s winter on a tray! Happy December!
Thank you for the compliments on my winter tray, Jenna!
I love the soft wintery colors you used…very pretty! Great tips too!
Shelley
Thanks, Shelley! I hope I didn’t miss any important tips. You would know since you’re one of the queens of tray decorating!
Love this Allyson! That little deer is so pretty and your sign is just perfect. Thanks so much for the great tips. Happy Holidays!
Thank you, Denise! Glad you like my winter tray. Happy holidays to you, as well.
Hi, Allyson; I love the blue and grey colour scheme of your winter wonderland tray, and how you built it from base to top with contrasting layers.
Thanks Irene! I’m so happy you like my winter tray.
I have enjoyed all the trays so far, and yours is no exception. Plus the tips for putting together a creative and beautiful tray are so helpful, thank you!
Melynda, I enjoyed all the trays, too. So many different ideas and lots of inspiration. Stay warm in Arizona!
love love the navy and cream together on the tray! Great job allyson
Thank you, Laura! I’m happy you like my color scheme.
Love the tray! Very pretty and what a find at a thrift store…The use of the frame really caught my eye too!! Very pretty!! Thanks so much for sharing!!
Hugs,
Deb
Thanks, Debbie! The blue snow printable I made is what started off my whole winter concept.
Allyson, so nice to see you using blues in your tray. It is such a peaceful color that is much needed during this hectic season. The different elevations work really well. Have a great week.
Lynne
Lynne, I think the blue colors are peaceful, too. Nice touring with you!
So pretty Allyson! I love your colors – both trays look great! And thanks for the decorating reminders. Sometimes I get so caught up in the creating part that I forget what would help it look better. 🙂 It’s nice touring with you. Hope you have a lovely holiday season!
Thank you Barbara! I hope I covered everything in the reminders. Have a great weekend!