
The Best Outdoor Serving Trays for Summer Entertaining 2025
July 17, 2025
Overview
Get ready to elevate your summer gatherings with our curated selection of the best outdoor serving trays for 2025! This guide showcases a variety of stylish and durable trays perfect for transporting food and drinks to your patio, deck, or backyard. Whether you're hosting a casual BBQ or an elegant evening soiree, discover trays made from weather-resistant materials, in various sizes, and featuring designs that will complement your outdoor decor and make entertaining effortless all season long. Find your perfect tray and enjoy the summer sunshine with ease.
Our picks
The Most Durable Serving Tray for Outdoor Parties: Galvanized Iron Serving Tray, $26.98
The Most Stylish Tray for Elegant Outdoor Soirees: Marble & Brass Charcuterie Board, $59.50
The Best Wood Serving Tray for a Rustic Look: Tondo Acacia Serving Board, $49.95
The Best Tray with Built-in Drink Holders: TOSCANA 3 Tiered Serving Ladder, $79.95
The Most Budget-Friendly Serving Tray Option: Palm Leaf Tray, $1.25
The Best Metal Serving Tray for Longevity: Galvanized Metal Serving Tray, $10.00
The Perfect Tray for Effortless Outdoor Entertaining: TP Serving Tray Set, $31.49
Durable Serving Trays for Outdoor Parties
Explore trays crafted from weather-resistant materials, perfect for summer entertaining and longevity.
7.5
Listful
Score
Bamboo Tray with Handles
$38.00
For easy transport, the Bamboo Tray with Handles is a lightweight, casual choice perfect for outdoor gatherings. It shines in portability, but our experience shows its thin base might raise concerns regarding durability over time. Not dishwasher safe, this tray asks for a bit more care. While it didn't top our scale, its natural elegance and manageable carrying size offer practical appeal for effortless summer serving.
The Good
• Lightweight design makes it easy to carry and transport.
The Bad
• The tray bottom is thin and may warp or crack over time.
• The tray is not dishwasher safe, requiring hand washing.
Material: Bamboo / Design Style: Casual / Weather Resistant: false / Handles: true
8
Listful
Score
Acacia Serving Tray by Sur La Table
$54.95
Embrace authenticity with the Acacia Serving Tray by Sur La Table, a standout with its natural wood aesthetics and integrated handles for ease of serving. Our experience shows it beautifully complements any setting with its unique grain patterns. However, be prepared for hand washing and periodic maintenance. Despite these needs, its durable construction and rustic appeal make it a reliable choice for summer gatherings, evident in its strong score of 8/10.
The Good
• Crafted from durable acacia wood, offering a natural and elegant appearance.
• Integrated side handles carved from a single piece of wood for easy transport.
• Each tray features unique grain patterns, making every piece one of a kind.
The Bad
• Hand wash only, which may be less convenient for some users.
• Requires periodic maintenance with food-safe oil to maintain its original condition.
• Not dishwasher safe, limiting cleaning options.
Material: Wood / Design Style: Rustic / Weather Resistant: false / Handles: true
Large Serving Trays: Perfect for BBQs
Discover spacious trays ideal for carrying plates, drinks, and snacks to your outdoor gathering.
6
Listful
Score
Galvanized Iron Serving Tray
$26.98
This Galvanized Iron Serving Tray infuses rustic charm into your outdoor gatherings with its stylish farmhouse design. During our review, it stood out for its durability, thanks to the galvanized metal construction. However, users noted that its somewhat flimsy feel and smaller size can be a drawback for larger gatherings. Despite these considerations, it remains a versatile piece for light snacks and beverages, adding a touch of vintage elegance to your setting.
The Good
• Stylish and rustic farmhouse design.
• Durable galvanized metal construction.
• Versatile for various uses.
The Bad
• Some users find it flimsy and smaller than expected.
• Made from lighter weight metal.
• Not as sturdy for carrying heavy items.
Material: Metal / Design Style: Rustic / Weather Resistant: true / Handles: true
9.5
Listful
Score
TP Serving Tray Set
$31.49
Scoring high in our ranking, the TP Serving Tray Set impresses with its practical design and modern aesthetics. Crafted from lightweight yet durable melamine, these trays offer the look of porcelain without fragility. Suitable for expansive servings with a spacious 19” x 12” dimension and dishwasher-safe convenience, it hits most marks for summer entertaining. Its only caveat lies in its incompatibility with the microwave, yet it remains a top-rated choice for durability and elegance.
The Good
• Lightweight and durable melamine construction mimics the elegance of porcelain while being scratch and shatter-resistant.
• Spacious 19” x 12” size accommodates various plate and bowl sizes, making it ideal for serving multiple dishes.
• Dishwasher safe for easy cleaning, adding convenience to post-gathering cleanup.
The Bad
• Not suitable for microwave use, limiting reheating options directly on the tray.
• Some users may find the melamine material less premium compared to ceramic or glass alternatives.
• The textured surface, while adding visual appeal, may not be preferred by all users.
Material: Melamine / Design Style: Modern / Weather Resistant: true / Handles: true
6.5
Listful
Score
Large Acrylic Serving Tray
$33.00
Pacing moderately in our list, the Large Acrylic Serving Tray is celebrated for its sleek, modern aesthetic and practical handles. Crafted from high-quality acrylic, its transparency complements any outdoor setup. Despite the appeal, users highlighted issues with sharp edges and frequent cleaning needs. Though not dishwasher-safe, its visual versatility ensures it functions well across various settings, making it a stylish choice for minimalistic presentations.
The Good
• The tray is made from high-quality acrylic, providing durability and a sleek, modern appearance.
• The tray features built-in handles for easy carrying and serving.
• The tray's clear design allows for versatile use in various settings, complementing different decor styles.
The Bad
• Some users have reported that the edges of the tray are sharp, posing a risk of scratches or cuts.
• The tray may require frequent cleaning as it collects dust quickly.
• Some users have reported that the tray is not dishwasher-safe, requiring hand washing.
Material: Acrylic / Design Style: Modern / Weather Resistant: true / Handles: true
6.5
Listful
Score
Chilled Serving Tray
$34.97
The Chilled Serving Tray offers functionality with its sturdy design perfect for keeping food chilled during gatherings. However, our experience found its smaller size less ideal for large parties, alongside incomplete drainage upon ice thawing. Its modern aesthetic and BPA-free construction offer style and practicality, complemented by dishwasher-safe convenience. While not among the highest scorers, it remains a useful tool for intimate entertaining under the summer sun.
The Good
• The tray is sturdy and holds plenty of food, making it suitable for gatherings.
The Bad
• The tray's size is smaller than expected, limiting its use for larger parties.
• The water chamber does not drain completely after the ice has thawed, which can be inconvenient.
Material: Acrylic / Design Style: Modern / Weather Resistant: true / Handles: false
6.5
Listful
Score
Sorbus Buffet Caddy
$44.99
The Sorbus Buffet Caddy makes summer entertaining seamless with its versatile and customizable design. Our review noted its sturdy construction supports heavy dishware, enhancing your BBQ setup significantly. While its bulkiness may be a concern in limited spaces, and utensils might slip due to wide separations, its aesthetic appeal and organization features still earn it a solid spot for hosting events where space is not a constraint.
The Good
• Versatile and customizable setup for different events.
• Sturdy construction suitable for heavy dishware.
• Aesthetic design that enhances table presentation.
The Bad
• Some users mentioned that the design allows utensils to fall out easily due to wide separations.
• It might be bulkier than other options, potentially taking up more table space when set up.
• Some users noted the potential for utensils to slip out.
Material: Metal / Design Style: Modern / Weather Resistant: false / Handles: true
8
Listful
Score
TOSCANA 3 Tiered Serving Ladder
$79.95
Transform your serving experience with the TOSCANA 3 Tiered Serving Ladder. Its unique design makes hosting a breeze, as noted in our review, offering ample space for various essentials while easily collapsing for storage. However, the acacia wood material requires gentle cleansing, which could be a drawback for some. With its 8/10 score, the ladder promises elegance and practicality, ideal for impressing guests at any summer event.
The Good
• The serving ladder features removable trays on a collapsible ladder, making it easy to set up and store.
• The trays and ladder are made of natural acacia wood, providing a beautiful and classy appearance.
The Bad
• The serving ladder is not dishwasher safe and requires surface washing with a damp cloth.
• The product is not weather-resistant and should not be submerged in water to prevent warping or cracking.
Material: Wood / Design Style: Rustic / Weather Resistant: false / Handles: false
5.5
Listful
Score
Galvanized Metal Serving Tray
$10.00
With its rustic farmhouse charm, the Galvanized Metal Serving Tray is a budget-friendly solution for outdoor entertaining. Although a hit for its style and versatility, our observations pointed out its relatively flimsy construction, which might not handle heavy items well. At a lower score of 5.5/10, it's better suited for lighter snacks and decorations rather than a full BBQ spread.
The Good
• The tray features a stylish and rustic farmhouse design.
• The tray is versatile for various uses, including serving and displaying items.
The Bad
• Some users find the tray to be flimsier than expected.
• It is made from lighter weight metal, which may not be suitable for carrying heavy items.
Material: Metal / Design Style: Rustic / Weather Resistant: true / Handles: true
7.5
Listful
Score
LAUCHUH 3 Tier Serving Tray Stand
$22.49
The LAUCHUH 3 Tier Serving Tray Stand makes a charming statement for your BBQ, featuring stunning porcelain plates and easy assembly. While its elegant design elevates your presentation, our tests revealed potential stability issues if assembled incorrectly. Its 7.5/10 score reflects its value and ease of cleaning, although set up on a stable surface for optimal use, with careful selection of display items to avoid wobbling.
The Good
• The stand is easy to assemble and disassemble, making it convenient for storage and setup.
• The porcelain plates are dishwasher safe, simplifying the cleaning process.
• The stand's design allows for versatile presentation, accommodating both straight and curved arrangements.
The Bad
• The stand may be wobbly if not assembled correctly or if placed on an uneven surface.
• The metal parts of the stand can feel flimsy and may not support heavy items securely.
• The stand does not come with rubber soles, which could lead to slipping on smooth surfaces.
Material: Porcelain / Design Style: Elegant / Weather Resistant: false / Handles: false
7.5
Listful
Score
Coal Black Serving Tray
$41.00
With a rating of 7.5/10, the Coal Black Serving Tray combines style and functionality, making it a versatile choice for summer entertaining. Its oven-safe capability up to 530°F allows for creative serving options, while the modern design adds a sleek touch to any setting. Our experience shows that its metal construction is durable yet may chip if dropped, so handle with care. Overall, this tray offers an appealing balance of practicality and elegance.
The Good
• The tray is oven-safe up to 530°F (270°C), allowing for versatile use in cooking and serving.
The Bad
• The enamel coating can chip if dropped, potentially exposing the steel beneath.
Material: Metal / Design Style: Modern / Weather Resistant: true / Handles: false
Stylish Trays for Elegant Outdoor Soirees
Find trays featuring sophisticated designs and materials to elevate your evening events.
8
Listful
Score
Marble & Brass Charcuterie Board
$59.50
The Marble & Brass Charcuterie Board earns high marks in our review, thanks to its sophisticated materials and elegant aesthetic. The high-quality marble offers both durability and a chic serving surface, while the brass handles enhance portability. That said, its heft can make movement challenging. Despite requiring hand washing, its striking appearance makes it a worthwhile addition for upscale occasions, offering a one-of-a-kind statement piece.
The Good
• High-quality marble construction provides a durable and elegant serving surface.
• Brass handles facilitate easy transportation of the board.
The Bad
• The board's substantial weight can make it challenging to move, even when empty.
• Natural variations in marble veining may result in a different appearance than expected.
• The board requires hand washing, as it is not dishwasher safe.
Material: Marble / Design Style: Elegant / Weather Resistant: false / Handles: true
7
Listful
Score
Botanica Platter
$68.00
The Botanica Platter offers a sophisticated touch for your outdoor dining, crafted from shatterproof melamine and sporting dishwasher-safe convenience. While not suitable for microwave use, limiting its functionality in reheating, its durable build ensures it's a reliable choice for stylish entertaining. Our experience shows it's perfect for adding a traditional elegance to any spread, whether you're serving appetizers or cocktails in the open air, making it a notable choice for versatile use.
The Good
• The platter is made from durable melamine, making it shatterproof and suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
• The platter is dishwasher safe, allowing for easy cleaning after use.
The Bad
• The platter is not recommended for use in the microwave, limiting its versatility for reheating food.
Material: Melamine / Design Style: Traditional / Weather Resistant: true / Handles: false
6.5
Listful
Score
Fokus
$105.00
During our review, the Fokus tray provided a stylish option with its modern design and lightweight frame. Easily transportable, it’s ideal for casual gatherings where easy serving is a priority. Its relatively higher price and lack of microwave safety may not meet all needs, somewhat lowering its cost-value ratio. Dishwasher-safe and weather-resistant, it remains a solid contender for those appreciating straightforward elegance in a sturdy serving piece.
The Good
• The tray is lightweight, making it easy to carry food and drinks.
The Bad
• The tray is not microwave safe, limiting its versatility.
Material: Wood / Design Style: Modern / Weather Resistant: true / Handles: false
7
Listful
Score
Wicker Creek Handled Tray by Lenox
$85.99
The Wicker Creek Handled Tray by Lenox stands out in our review with its elegant porcelain design, mimicking the charm of a classic wicker basket. Although its durability and convenient handles make it a premium choice, we found its higher price and limited availability to be potential drawbacks for some buyers. It's ideal for those who love a touch of traditional elegance at summer gatherings, but bear in mind its lack of microwave compatibility and weather resistance.
The Good
• Crafted from durable porcelain with a textured wicker design for a timeless look.
• Includes convenient handles for easy serving without interfering with hosting duties.
• Dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.
The Bad
• Not suitable for microwave use.
• Limited availability; currently out of stock on some platforms.
• Higher price point compared to similar serving trays.
Material: Porcelain / Design Style: Traditional / Weather Resistant: false / Handles: true
7.5
Listful
Score
Portmeirion Botanic Garden Rectangular Tray
$52.89
Add a classic touch to your gatherings with the Portmeirion Botanic Garden Rectangular Tray, featuring a timeless floral design. Our experience found it versatile and dishwasher safe, perfect for elegant presentations. However, lacking handles and heavier porcelain material slightly limit mobility, and it is not specifically for outdoor use. Despite these, its 7.5/10 score indicates it’s a tasteful piece for hosting with sophistication.
The Good
• Made from durable porcelain with a chip-resistant glaze.
• Features an elegant floral design inspired by 19th-century botanical illustrations.
• Versatile functionality: dishwasher, microwave, freezer, and oven safe.
The Bad
• Lacks built-in handles, which may make carrying less convenient.
• Porcelain material may be heavier compared to trays made from other materials.
• Not specifically designed for outdoor use; may not be weather-resistant.
Material: Porcelain / Design Style: Traditional / Weather Resistant: false / Handles: false
6
Listful
Score
Elegant Serving Tray
$29.99
For those seeking convenience, the Elegant Serving Tray with built-in handles offers easy mobility for any event. Despite its elegant plastic design being weather-resistant, hands-on care is necessitated as it is not dishwasher safe. Scoring a moderate 6/10, it fills a niche with portability while requiring a bit more maintenance post-use, making it a middle-ground choice for outdoor entertaining.
The Good
• The tray features built-in handles for easy carrying.
The Bad
• The tray is not dishwasher safe, requiring hand washing.
Material: Plastic / Design Style: Elegant / Weather Resistant: true / Handles: true
6.5
Listful
Score
Creative Co-Op Agate Cheese Board
$48.99
The Creative Co-Op Agate Cheese Board is a visual delight, offering unparalleled uniqueness with its natural agate variations. Ideal for adding a touch of elegant artistry to any gathering, it offers a beautiful surface for serving cheese and snacks. However, our testing found its lack of handles and hand-wash requirement to be less practical for outdoor entertaining, making it score a 6.5/10. While it may not be the top choice for convenience, it certainly elevates presentation.
The Good
• Each board is unique due to natural agate variations, adding a distinctive touch to presentations.
The Bad
• The board lacks handles, making it less convenient to carry and serve.
• Requires hand washing, which may be less convenient for some users.
Material: Glass / Design Style: Elegant / Weather Resistant: false / Handles: false
7
Listful
Score
Jade Floral Marble Serving Board
$63.95
The Jade Floral Marble Serving Board offers exquisite beauty with its hand-polished jade marble finish, perfect for showcasing gourmet offerings. During our review, its elegance was undeniable, though we found it less convenient for frequent use due to lack of handles and hand-wash maintenance, scoring a 7/10. While not ideal for heavy-duty transport, its sophisticated appearance ensures it's a standout piece for intimate and upscale gatherings.
The Good
• The serving board is hand-polished and finished, showcasing unique jade marble with vibrant veining and colors.
The Bad
• The board lacks handles, which may make it less convenient to carry when serving.
• The serving board is not dishwasher safe, requiring hand washing for maintenance.
Material: Marble / Design Style: Elegant / Weather Resistant: false / Handles: false
Best Tray Material: Wood, Metal, or Plastic?
A comparison of different tray materials, considering durability and aesthetic appeal.
7
Listful
Score
Tondo Acacia Serving Board
$49.95
The Tondo Acacia Serving Board is a visually stunning option, crafted from high-quality acacia wood, offering durability and a unique design. Our testing found its major downside to be the lack of handles, which might make transportation more cumbersome. Though not dishwasher safe, those willing to invest a bit more care will find its natural beauty well worth the effort. Perfect for intimate gatherings, its rustic charm elevates any setting.
The Good
• Crafted from high-quality acacia wood, offering durability and a unique, beautiful design.
The Bad
• Lacks built-in handles, which may make carrying less convenient.
• Not dishwasher safe; requires hand washing, which may be less convenient for some users.
Material: Wood / Design Style: Rustic / Weather Resistant: false / Handles: false
7
Listful
Score
Tondo Acacia Round Platter
$19.95
The Tondo Acacia Round Platter impresses with its natural beauty, crafted from richly grained acacia wood. In our testing, its affordable price and rustic appeal were standout features; however, the lack of handles and hand-wash requirement may deter some users. Ideal for casual gatherings, this platter brings warmth and elegance to any outdoor table, though not scoring the highest in convenience due to its maintenance needs.
The Good
• Made from richly grained acacia wood with a clear lacquer finish, enhancing its natural beauty.
The Bad
• Hand wash only, which may be inconvenient for some users.
• Lacks handles, making it less convenient to carry when serving.
Material: Wood / Design Style: Rustic / Weather Resistant: false / Handles: false
Serving Trays with Built-in Features
Explore trays with convenient features such as drink holders or integrated handles.
8.5
Listful
Score
HBlife Inflatable Serving Bar & Food Cover Set
$22.99
For those keen on keeping their food chilled outdoors, the HBlife Inflatable Serving Bar & Food Cover Set is an excellent choice. This set excels in portable convenience and effective cooling, though during our review, we found the inflatable material requires careful handling to prevent punctures. At 8.5/10, it offers peace of mind against insects at summer picnics, but consider an air pump for easier inflation.
The Good
• The inflatable trays effectively keep food and drinks chilled during outdoor events.
• The included food tents protect food from insects and debris.
• The set is lightweight and portable, making it easy to transport and set up.
The Bad
• The inflatable trays may be susceptible to punctures if not handled carefully.
• The food tents can be lightweight and may be blown away by strong winds.
• Inflating the trays manually can be time-consuming without an air pump.
Material: Acrylic / Design Style: Casual / Weather Resistant: true / Handles: false
Budget-Friendly Serving Trays for Summer
Affordable options that don't compromise on style or functionality for your summer events.
5.5
Listful
Score
Removable Tray
$8.50
While not extensively tested, the Removable Tray from Cuisinart is a budget-friendly option fitting specific needs, such as compatibility with the Cuisinart CBM-22 model. With limited data on features, its use is more situational, making it less versatile for general serving needs. Despite its affordable price, its niche utility doesn't fully cater to outdoor entertaining, but it may appeal to users looking for something specific in their existing setups.
The Good
• Compatible with Cuisinart CBM-22 model.
The Bad
• Limited information available about the product's features and specifications.
Material: Metal / Design Style: Modern / Weather Resistant: false / Handles: false
7
Listful
Score
Palm Leaf Tray
$1.25
The Palm Leaf Tray is our eco-friendly pick for sustainable summer serving, crafted from 100% natural palm leaves and earning a solid 7/10. In our reviews, its microwave and oven safety offered great versatility, though we noted that it might become flimsy with moist foods over time. While it's not as durable as some other materials, its biodegradable nature and rustic charm make it a responsible and stylish choice at an unbeatable price.
The Good
• Made from 100% natural, sustainably sourced palm leaves, offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional serving trays.
• Microwave, oven (up to 350°F for 45 minutes), and refrigerator-safe, providing versatility for various serving needs.
• Biodegradable and compostable, ensuring minimal environmental impact after disposal.
The Bad
• Some users report the trays becoming flimsy after a few hours, especially when used with moist foods.
• Not suitable for use in dishwashers or freezers, which may limit their versatility for some users.
• More fragile than plastic or styrofoam plates, so they may be more prone to breaking or chipping if not handled carefully.
Material: Palm Leaf / Design Style: Rustic / Weather Resistant: true / Handles: false
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