Using Decorative Trays for Easy, Pretty Fall Vignettes | Thrifty Decor Chick

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I’m a lover of using trays while decorating — they corral decor making it look collected instead of messy. They’re also an ideal way to organize smaller items that look out of place by themselves.

The fall season is the perfect time to pull them out! Whether you prefer traditional colors and pumpkins or a more unique take on your autumn displays, trays are such a great base and will ground all of the decor.

I’ve gathered a few ways I’ve used decorative trays (of all types!) during the fall season for you!

What to put on a fall tray?

This all depends on what room you’re decorating. Do you want it to be functional or more decorative? In a powder room, a simple display with fall-scented soap and a candle are more than enough.

In our kitchen, I try to mix in some autumn-themed touches with our regular go-to items like salt and pepper, toothpicks and the butter dish:

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I’ve been collecting vintage salt and pepper shakers for years, and was thrilled when I found that cute owl set. 🙂

For a decorative display, there’s a simple method I like to use — something tall, like a plant or a vase with flowers, a candle (real or LED) and then smaller decorative objects:

I like to hide my glass candles inside prettier containers. I found that gray planter at craft store and plopped the candle inside.

This vintage bamboo tray sits on our dining console table with some warm fall touches:

Don’t be afraid to change up what you already have! That brown vase was a matte white color and I painted it with some craft paint.

You can spray paint almost any second hand tray to fit into your decor as well. I haven’t had as much luck painting shiny ceramic, but natural fibers and wood are easily transformed.

Think outside the box when it comes to displaying flowers — this decorative wood pot wasn’t made to hold water. I used a small vase inside for the flowers and you can’t even see it.

What can I use if I don’t have pretty trays?

I’ve used them in all forms — woven, wicker, wood in all shapes and sizes. But if you don’t have many to work with, take a look in your kitchen cabinets!

Oh, and you have to have some “glow” in fall displays! It’s pretty much required. 😂

A low and wide bowl will work similarly too — try adding a candle to the middle and scatter pinecones or acorns around it. Or place cut flowers into the bowl for an easy display:

I like using trays on a coffee table to organize remotes, coasters and more:

But as you’ll see, even the large coffee table books act as “trays” in a way. Gathering smaller decor like candles on books will give you a pretty, collected look.