I do love a good tray. They are quite hard to come by too. I know there are plenty of modern ones about but, for some reason, when it comes to trays I prefer an antique.
It’s probably to do with my Grandmother who served afternoon tea at 4.30 sharp every afternoon. (When my mother once suggested a cup of tea at 4pm, there were pursed lips. When she defiantly threw a teabag in a mug and poured the milk From The Bottle, I thought there was going to be a fight. Or at the very least a death in the family.) During the week, tea was carried in on a large, round wooden tray filled with homemade cake and biscuits, the best china and, naturally, a teapot of lapsang suchong.
At weekends, when there might be guests, a trolley was wheeled into service. And quite often the antique gold velvet covered folding card table was needed as well.
Anyway, this is a gorgeous antique mahogany tray. With legs. I know, isn’t that brilliant? The legs also speak to another wish of mine, which is for an old fashioned luggage rack – the type you used to find in hotels – for my spare room.
This was discovered by Louisa Blackmore of Westegg Interiors. She said: “I found this gem tucked away behind a dresser at the very end of an antique dealer’s rabbit warren of rooms.
“I haven’t come across many butler’s trays that are in such amazing condition as this one, and actually on this occasionally it wasn’t my eagle eye but a book failing off the dresser that caused me to look around in a startled manner.
“Anyway, I fished it out and promptly fell in love. I love these butler trays as they remind me of the Downton Abbey era when everyone had a sherry before going into dinner. So charming and civilised. And also, I really don’t think there are many things more lovely than someone else doing the cooking.
“This particular butler’s tray is Victorian and has a beautiful honey patina. I’d be tempted to keep it for myself if I had anywhere to put it. Perfect for serving Christmas drinks of mulled wine and chilled champagne…”
The Details:
Height 78cm / Width 75cm / Depth 49cm
