Wine Stemware Serving Trays

About Wine Stemware Serving Trays

Although there are multitudes of serving trays available, serving trays specific to stemware is somewhat limited. Don't let this fact deter you on your quest for the perfect wine stemware serving tray. Instead, get creative and choose a serving tray that can be re-purposed into a wine stemware serving tray.

What to Consider

When you are considering serving trays for stemware, there are a few key points that you have to keep in mind before making your purchase.

• Center of gravity – Sounds complex, but it isn't. Stemware is top heavy, meaning, it has a higher center of gravity than highball glasses, snifters or stemless wine glasses. Due to this fact, stemware has a higher likelihood of tipping over on the tray. To lessen the chances of tipping, choose a serving tray with a smooth flat bottom.
• Handles – Be sure to choose a serving tray with handles on the sides. These handles make it easier to move the tray from one location to another.
• Size – When choosing which size tray you would like, keep the type of stemware you will be using in mind. This is important because the bowl of a red or white wine glass is larger than the stem and base. Choose a larger sized tray for versatility in use.
• Shape – Round, square, rectangular or oval, the shape of your stemware serving tray is really a personal preference. The only thing you should keep in mind when choosing a shape is to make sure that the bottom of the tray does not slope seamlessly into the sides. If you have a tray full of wine glasses and accidentally set one on the sloped edge of the bottom, that glass may tip into the other glasses, causing a domino effect and tipping all of the glasses on your tray. No one likes to see good wine go to waste, so choose a stemware serving tray with a definitive bottom edge to prevent this possible disaster.

Types of Stemware Serving Trays

Wood

Wood stemware serving trays are perfect for serving wine at barbecues and picnics.

• Black bamboo tray – This serving tray from Cost Plus World Market is perfect for any casual affair. Its durable bamboo construction makes this tray perfect for a backyard barbecue or pool party.
• Carved wooden tray – This carved wooden tray has a smooth flat bottom with ornately carved wooden sides and is offered in three different sizes: 12"x12" and 15"x15" square designs or a larger 12"x18" rectangular design.
• Emeril by Wedgewood wood serving tray – From renowned chef Emeril Legasse's Professional Series line, this wood serving tray is simple and elegant, making it perfect for any occasion.

Metal

• Pewter serving tray – From the Ella Style Tableware collection, this pewter tray is perfect for smaller dinner parties. Although this tray does not have handles, its small size makes it just as easy to carry as a tray with handles.
• Silver plated serving tray – This serving tray has an antique deco design on the sides and large handles. This serving tray is perfect for both casual and formal parties.
• Silver plated oval tray – This tray has a traditional Baroque design along the edges and handles. Serve your stemware with grace and ease with this elegantly designed tray.
• Stainless steel serving tray For a more modern look, choose this rectangular stainless steel serving tray. Although this tray does not have handles, the lip around the edge is wide enough to be used as such.

Glass and Porcelain

• Glass serving tray – With a frosted glass design, this serving tray is a beautiful way to serve your stemware.
• White porcelain serving tray with pewter handles – With a bright white porcelain bottom and large pewter handles, this tray is gorgeous in its simplistic design.
• Ceramic and metal serving tray - This Fitz and Floyd "Ricamo" serving tray, with a hand-painted ceramic bottom, scrolled metal sides and handles, is great for serving stemware for casual gatherings.
• Blue and white fine bone china serving tray - From Spode's, this traditional blue and white serving tray is a classic design and will make any type of stemware look beautiful and elegant.

Final Words of Advice

• Buy two types of stemware serving trays – Choose an elegant porcelain or metal tray design to use at your next formal dinner party and a simple wood tray for your next cookout.
• Keep the party venue in mind – You will want to steer clear of glass and porcelain stemware serving trays for pool or outdoor parties where the tray can be accidentally dropped. When glass and porcelain breaks, the pieces tend to "jump" and if your partygoers are barefoot, these little pieces can lead to nasty cuts.
• Let your personal tastes dictate your decisions – There is no rule stating that a $20 bottle of cabernet sauvignon can't be served from an expensive ornately designed tray, nor is there a rule stating that a $100 bottle of Barolo can't be served from an inexpensive wooden tray. Let your personal design tastes be your guide when choosing a stemware serving tray, not the price of the wine.