How to put together a winter tiered tray

Everything Christmas has finally been packed away! However, I’ve kept out several elements to use for my winter home. Trees, greenery, and anything with a snowflake on it will do nicely! With that in mind, I’m using some of my favorites to bring a little bit of the winter season inside. Today’s post is all about how to put together a winter tiered tray.

Writing a “how to” on tiered trays is a little bit tough. The reason is simple. Literally anything goes! You can fill them with useful items that you need to be easily accessible. Another way to go is to use a tray to display treasured collectibles all in one place. Still, another is to use your tray as seasonal decor. That is my focus today!

It’s true… literally anything goes with tiered trays! But there are still a few simple guidelines to follow. First, have a plan. Decide the type of tray you want to design. Second, gather all the items you will be using. This gives you the opportunity to try different ideas. Third, make it interesting! It’s always best to use items of varying heights, depths, and shapes.

Christmas Trays

I’ve always considered my tiered trays to be essential decorating tools for a seasonal home. I can use them all year long and can easily transition them from one season to the next. For Christmas one held all the makings for hot chocolate and the other was decked out with several of my favorite Christmas decorations.

• 

• 

The Transition to Winter

Other than the pine cones and a tree or two, we will be starting from scratch. We are still in the hot chocolate season, so I will move the flavored spoons right inside the coffee bar cabinet. I will pack away all the cups and crocks for next year. Anything I use today will go in a bin marked Christmas/Winter when spring arrives.

Trees, Trees, Trees!

If you’ve seen the post on my miniature Christmas village, then you know I have no shortage of trees to use today! We will start with those. During the winter months, trees add so much to any display. The tree on the top tier also has some battery operated lights with a timer set for dusk.

• 

White Elements for Winter

Adding some white elements to my winter tiered tray is essential. A tea light holder in a white ceramic house works perfectly. I also simply could not part with my Christmas mouse yet. He’s one of my favorites so putting him in to a pretty white cup will keep him happy through winter.

• 

• 

A few more white elements are in order and I have just what I need. A little knitted hat and some mittens that I had on hand will be perfect. I bought them from Walmart this year to dress up my Christmas packages. I’ll add some snow covered pinecones for an additional winter feel.

• 

• 

• 

• 

Kitchen Elements

Since my tray is a part of my kitchen decor, I was thrilled to find these mini rolling pins. The colors are perfect for my kitchen and take up little room in the tray. I added a little snowflake sign because…well you know… signs!

• 

• 

• 

With the back of the tray not seen very often, I still added a couple of elements there as well. A pine cone elf I made years ago and a chalkboard tree is really all it needs.

This tray brings a winter feel to the kitchen and I’m so happy with the end result!

Sprucing up the Coffee Bar

I loved having a hot chocolate bar for the Christmas season! While we will still enjoy a cup through the winter months, I am ready to have my coffee bar back.

So while I’m thinking about how to put together a winter tiered tray for my coffee bar, I am also thinking of convenience. Making sure some mugs are readily available is also an important aspect of this one. But… convenience can also be pretty. These snowflake mugs were bought with that in mind.

I purchased this tray specifically for the bar. It swivels which allows me to have a cute decoration when I’m not making coffee. But… a quick turn brings everything I need to the front.

A Useful Tray Made Pretty

Just because this tray has a purpose, it can still be pretty! I’ve gathered together a few things that will help me make sure that it is.

Once again, my trees are the starting point!

A Quote to Start My Day

One of the things that I’m excited to put on my tray is my favorite Brooke Hampton quote. This one, like so many others, really resonates with me. Although the point of this quote is not the coffee, I think it will be great on the coffee bar. I printed this one years ago but I have added my own copy to the printable library. It’s there if it resonates with you too!

Winter Touches Here and There

Front and center on this tray is an adorable little snowman and a fuzzy squirrel! How cute are they???

• 

• 

A little bit of greenery is all that’s left to add to this one!

So… when you’re wondering how to put together a winter tiered tray, remember that useful can be pretty too!

I know both trays will be favorites of the season this year at our house!

Be sure to check out the new Create the Look section on the blog. You will find several fun ideas for winter decor and links to help you design your own look for the season!

I’ve added several new winter printables to the Library this week so make sure to stop by there as well. You can find your password to print in your latest newsletter. If you haven’t yet subscribed, the link below is all you need to do so! Simply enter your email, confirm your subscription, and an email will be in your inbox in minutes.

I’m so excited to share the winter season with all of you! We are just getting started!