The Best Outdoor Serving Trays for Summer Entertaining 2025

The Bamboo Tray with Handles is refreshingly lightweight and easy to ferry from kitchen to patio, which we found especially handy during backyard brunches. Priced reasonably and sporting built-in handles, it’s ideal for casual serving, but our testing noted the thin tray bottom could warp or crack over time if exposed to moisture or heavy loads. It’s not weather resistant or dishwasher safe, so during our review we recommended hand washing and storing it flat to preserve longevity.

We found the Acacia Serving Tray from Sur La Table (8/10) to be one of the more practical rustic choices thanks to its durable acacia construction and integrated side handles carved from a single piece of wood. In our testing the unique grain patterns give each tray personality and show-stopping table appeal, but our experience shows it requires hand washing and periodic food-safe oil maintenance to stay looking its best. If you want a one-of-a-kind serving piece that’s easy to tote, this balances form and function nicely.

With its stylish rustic farmhouse look and durable galvanized metal construction, this serving tray adds charm to casual outdoor spreads, but in our testing we found its lighter-weight metal feels a bit flimsy when loaded. At a score of 6/10 it’s best for decorative or light-duty serving rather than heftier platters; the smaller-than-expected size also limits how much you can carry. It has handles and is weather resistant for patio use, though it's not dishwasher safe so plan to hand wipe after gatherings.

The TP Serving Tray Set is our top-rated choice, and in our testing it earned its high 9.5/10 thanks to durable melamine that mimics porcelain without the worry of shattering. We loved the generous 19 x 12 footprint for juggling plates and bowls at summer BBQs and the fact it’s dishwasher safe makes cleanup painless. Note it’s not microwave-safe and the textured surface, while attractive and grippy, might not be everyone’s preference, but overall it’s the most practical tray for active outdoor entertaining.

The Large Acrylic Serving Tray offers a modern, clear look that complements many outdoor setups, and during our review we found the built-in handles and durable acrylic made it easy to tote drinks to a patio table. At 6.5/10 it’s visually appealing, but our testing flagged sharp edges that could nick fingers and the tray tends to show dust and smudges quickly. It’s not dishwasher-safe, so be prepared for regular hand cleaning, and weigh the sleek aesthetic against those practical concerns.

The Chilled Serving Tray proved sturdy in our testing and does a solid job holding plenty of appetizers and chilled bottles, which is great for smaller gatherings. Priced modestly and dishwasher safe, it’s weather-resistant for backyard use, but our experience shows it’s smaller than expected so it won't replace larger platters for big parties. We also noticed the ice chamber doesn’t always drain completely after thawing, so plan for extra drying time rather than quick storage after use.

The Sorbus Buffet Caddy is a modern, sturdy solution for buffet-style setups and scored 6.5/10 in our review for its versatility and solid construction. During our testing we liked how it customizes tabletop presentation and holds heavier dishware, yet our experience shows the wide separations can let utensils slip out and the whole unit can feel bulkier than other options, taking up extra table real estate. It’s a good pick for stationary displays where stability and style matter more than compactness.

The TOSCANA 3 Tiered Serving Ladder (8/10) stood out in our review for its elegant, space-saving presentation: removable acacia trays on a collapsible ladder look classy and pack away easily. In our testing the natural wood finish elevated buffet layouts and the modular setup made serving simple, but our experience shows it isn’t dishwasher safe and isn’t weather-resistant, so careful surface wiping and indoor storage are key to avoiding warping or cracking. It’s a great choice for backyard brunches where you can control the elements.

If budget and farmhouse charm are top priorities, the Galvanized Metal Serving Tray is an inexpensive option at around $10, though it earned only a 5.5/10 in our testing. We liked the rustic aesthetic and weather-resistant construction for casual patio use, but our experience shows the lightweight metal feels flimsier than expected and isn’t ideal for heavy platters. It’s best used for light-duty serving or display — handy for a relaxed gathering but avoid loading it with too much weight.

The LAUCHUH 3 Tier Serving Tray Stand earned a 7.5/10 in our testing for offering an attractive, budget-friendly way to present desserts and appetizers with dishwasher-safe porcelain plates. We found assembly straightforward and the tiered layout adaptable for straight or curved arrangements, but our experience shows the metal frame can feel flimsy, the stand may wobble on uneven surfaces, and it lacks rubber soles for extra grip. It’s a versatile option for staged presentations if you handle it gently and set it on stable ground.

With oven-safe enamel rated to 530°F, the Coal Black Serving Tray is one of the more versatile pieces we tested — it earned a 7.5/10 because it’s oven-ready and dishwasher-safe while still looking modern. In our testing we liked that its metal construction is weather-resistant for patio use, but our experience shows the enamel can chip if dropped, exposing the steel beneath. It’s a dependable workhorse for hot dishes straight from the oven, just handle with care to avoid nicks.

If you want elevated presentation, the Marble & Brass Charcuterie Board earns its 8/10 with a luxe marble surface and sturdy brass handles that make dinner parties feel special. In our testing we found the marble’s natural veining lends a one-of-a-kind look, but our experience shows the board is heavy — even empty — so moving it with a full load can be cumbersome. It’s not weather resistant or dishwasher safe, so reserve it for more refined, stationary outdoor entertaining.

Anthropologie’s Botanica Platter mixes charm with practicality: during our review we found the durable melamine construction is shatterproof and weather-resistant for patio use. At a 7/10 it won points for being dishwasher safe and maintaining a pretty, traditional aesthetic on buffet tables, though it’s not microwave-safe which limits reheating convenience. Without handles you’ll want to be careful when carrying a loaded platter, but for stylish al fresco serving this is a dependable option that balances look and low-maintenance cleaning.

The Fokus tray feels sleek and modern and we found its lightweight wood construction makes it effortless to carry drinks across the yard, which is handy for casual gatherings. While not the highest scorer (6.5/10) its higher price point dims its value compared with equally functional options, and it’s not microwave-safe so you won’t reheat on it. It’s dishwasher-safe and weather-resistant, but keep in mind the lack of handles requires a steady grip when transporting a full load.

If you want a classic look for a more formal patio spread, the Wicker Creek Handled Tray by Lenox (7/10) feels substantial thanks to its porcelain construction and textured wicker motif. In our testing the built-in handles made ferrying appetizers effortless and the fact that it’s dishwasher safe is a real convenience after parties, but our experience shows the tray isn’t microwave-safe and the $85.99 price — combined with limited availability and occasional out-of-stock notices — reduces its everyday practicality.

Portmeirion’s Botanic Garden Rectangular Tray scored 7.5/10 in our review for marrying elegance with real-world versatility — the durable porcelain with chip-resistant glaze and 19th-century floral prints make it a standout on the table. We found it handy that this tray is dishwasher-, microwave-, oven- and freezer-safe for flexible hosting, but our experience shows it lacks handles which makes carrying heavier loads trickier and its porcelain weight and non-weather-resistant nature make it better suited to covered outdoor dining or indoor use.

The Elegant Serving Tray is a practical, weather-resistant plastic option that we found easy to grab and carry thanks to built-in handles, scoring 6/10 in our review for convenience. During our testing it performed well outdoors and is lightweight for ferrying drinks and snacks, but our experience shows the lack of dishwasher safety means you’ll need to hand wash after use, which undercuts some of the low-maintenance appeal. It’s a solid, affordable go-to for casual al fresco entertaining when ease of transport matters.

Don't let its dainty size fool you — the Creative Co-Op Agate Cheese Board brings a one-of-a-kind look to summer spreads with natural agate veining that means no two boards are the same. In our testing we loved how its glass surface elevates a cheese plate, but our experience shows it earned just a 6.5/10 because it lacks handles for easy ferrying and requires hand washing. It's elegant for stationary presentations on a covered patio, but not ideal for rough-and-ready outdoor serving.

The Jade Floral Marble Serving Board brings hand-polished beauty to your outdoor tables with unique jade veining that makes each piece feel bespoke — during our review we appreciated that finish and the board’s visual impact as it scored 7/10. We found the marble is elegant for plated spreads, but our experience shows it’s not dishwasher-safe and lacks handles, which makes carrying across a busy backyard awkward. Reserve this one for covered patios or stationary presentations.

The Tondo Acacia board brings a warm, high-quality feel to outdoor snacking, and during our review we appreciated the durable acacia wood and unique grain that elevates any spread. At a 7/10 it’s a beautiful, long-lasting piece for serving cheeses and small bites, though our experience shows the lack of built-in handles makes carrying awkward when you’re navigating a crowded backyard. It's not weather resistant and requires hand washing, so treat it like a cherished cutting board rather than a toss-on-the-deck platter.

The Tondo Acacia Round Platter is an affordable, rustic pick that highlights the warm, richly grained acacia wood and a clear lacquer finish for extra durability at just $19.95. During our review we appreciated how it elevates cheese and snack presentations, though our experience shows the lack of handles makes carrying a full platter awkward and the hand-wash-only care requirement can be inconvenient when you’d rather toss plates in the dishwasher. It’s a beautiful budget-friendly option if you don’t need heavy-duty portability (7/10).

For casual outdoor parties, the HBlife Inflatable Serving Bar & Food Cover Set earned an impressive 8.5/10 in our testing for keeping refreshments chilled and protected. We found the inflatable trays effectively maintain cold for drinks and the included food tents help guard against insects, plus the set’s lightweight, portable design is a breeze to transport, but our experience shows the inflatable components can be prone to punctures, tents may blow away in strong wind, and manual inflation takes time without a pump.

This Removable Tray is a very specific fit — we found it’s designed to be compatible with the Cuisinart CBM-22 model — so it’s handy if you own that appliance but otherwise limited. Scoring 5.5/10, during our testing the lack of broader feature information, absence of handles, and the fact it’s metal and not dishwasher-safe made it less compelling for general outdoor entertaining. Treat it as a niche replacement part rather than a versatile serving solution.

Think of the Palm Leaf Tray as a refreshingly sustainable option for casual al fresco bites: made from 100% natural, sustainably sourced palm leaves and fully biodegradable, it earned a solid 7/10 in our review. We found it handy that the trays are oven- (up to 350°F for 45 minutes), microwave- and refrigerator-safe, but our experience shows they can get flimsy after a few hours with moist foods and aren’t dishwasher- or freezer-safe, so handle gently and plan for single-use events.