In decluttering your home
Use smaller bowls or pretty containers you can display on the tray that can also double as storage for some of the clutter. Some other examples are a funky bowl specifically for the keys in the hallway or a jar for your cotton buds in your bathroom.
Create a focal point on a bare surface. We all have those little treasures or random ornaments we love, but we’re just not sure where to display them. Perhaps it’s even some beautiful shells you’ve pick up on a beach or pine cones from a bush walk.
Look around your house and gather things that are varying heights, shapes and sizes.
How
You want to have varying heights on your tray.
This keeps the display interesting and the eye moving from one object to the next. I usually think of about three or four different heights, depending on the size of the tray.
Start with your tallest item, you might want to use a vase, perhaps a beautifully shaped bottle you’ve saved or some candlestick holders. If it’s a vase or bottle, think about picking some fresh flowers or even grasses from your garden.
Secondly, you might have a small basket or interesting ornament that is shorter than the first object, but not too small. I find baskets, containers or perhaps an interesting tin a good option, as they can double as storage.
If you can’t find the right height combination, use books or other objects for your decor to sit on and create height.
Then you want to think about some smaller objects – they could be treasures you have somewhere that you’d love to display but are not sure where or how. Some beads, candles, shells, or other interesting objects.
Also consider the theory of grouping in threes, to create balance for some of the smaller objects.
Depending on where you are placing your tray, keep in mind what it looks like from all angles. If the tray is on a coffee table, you will view it from all sides.