When I ordered several of West Elm’s lacquer trays for myself in addition to recommending them to clients, I knew it was time to spread the word.
These trays rock.
Useful, versatile, inexpensive, attractive, varied (they come in 3 sizes)…these trays are a decorator’s dream.
My professional organizer friend, Nicole Anzia of Neatnik, taught me that if you put a bowl or tray on that table inside your front door – you know, where you throw your mail and your keys? – to contain the clutter, you come off looking organized and in control of your life.
(Only you and I will know the truth. And I won’t tell anyone.)
Soon, I will have two of the square trays in green on our front hall table for mail and catalogues, and a larger yellow rectangular tray on the dining room table for salt and pepper, candlesticks, napkins, etc. I can’t wait.
Other suggestions:
- The white tray in your office to corral tape, stapler, pencil cup, etc.
- The silver tray on your dresser for perfume and makeup
- The black tray on an ottoman for drinks
Who has another idea? I’m telling you, these things are GOOD.
Annie Elliott – aka bossy color – is an interior decorator and design blogger in Washington, D.C. She has been quoted in publications from The Washington Post to Real Simple and is considered an expert on color, residential space planning, and telling people what to do in the nicest way possible.