Party properly with nice trays and platters

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By Mitchell Chapman

Hosting “big” parties isn’t something I do often. These days, I prefer hosting a dinner party.

I tell my guests what time we will be eating, but invariably I fall behind schedule. Serving appetizers or hors d’oeuvres is a great way to buy yourself more time in the kitchen.

Since I subscribe to the premise that everything looks better with a stylish presentation, trays and platters have been one area of focus for my collecting. They are the perfect vessels for your appetizers, hors d’oeuvres and drinks.

Many of my trays and platters have been purchased on eBay. That is where I discovered mid-century designer Bruce Fox. He created a giftware and decorative accessory company in New Albany, Indiana, in the 1930s. Later, the giftware division was sold to the Wilton Armetale Co.

Bruce Fox Designs also has created super-fun serving dishes that are right at home in the Pacific Northwest. Many Fox designs reflect the flora and fauna of our region. My favorite piece is an oval tray with two salmon sculpture handles. The texture of the tray’s surface resembles fish scales, and the underside looks like rippling water. I recently served salmon cakes on this platter.

Another favorite piece is a large clamshell that measures 18 inches across. I fill it with ice and use it for serving shrimp cocktail.

Silver trays are wonderful for serving appetizers. Of course, I only buy silver-plated ones because sterling is simply unaffordable.

Most of my trays were purchased at antique or thrift stores, though I recently got one from eBay. If I had been able to inspect it in person prior to purchase, I would not have bought it. The silver plating was almost gone, and I misinterpreted the photos, thinking it only needed a good polish. In fact, I suspect it had been polished multiple times using a paste polish, which can wear off silver plating rapidly. I only use Wright’s Silver Cream. It’s gentler on silver plating and still results in a lustrous shine.

Another thing with silver trays is that you really need to lift and feel them. Only buy the heavier trays that feel solid. Many trays sold at thrift stores are thin and feel like tin; avoid those. I don’t really care who made the tray as long as it feels solid and has a design or shape I like.

To generate photos of some of my various trays and platters, I decided to host an hors d’oeuvre party at my aunt’s house and invite some family over. Showing the trays and platters “in action” seemed like a good idea. Well, I overestimated my culinary abilities. My family had fun, but I was stressed.

So, the message is: Don’t overdo it. If you are not a kitchen wizard, make it easy on yourself and consider buying pre-made hors d’oeuvres from the store. They’ll look great presented on platters. Or, there’s always the old stand-by: cheese and crackers.

If you don’t have any trays or platters, you can use a cutting board or a large plate. But even the simplest hors d’oeuvre will look special presented on a beautiful tray.

It’s the holidays, so break out those entertaining dishes and invite your family and friends over to make them feel appreciated!

Mitchell Chapman lives in Montesano and enjoys DIY renovations, interior design and home furnishings. He’s been an “armchair” interior designer for more than 25 years. He can be reached at GraysHarborHome@outlook.com.