Using Decorative Trays for Easy, Pretty Fall Vignettes
October 20, 2025
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Easy fall decorating tips using trays in your home.
I'm a lover of using trays while decorating -- they corral decor making it look collected instead of messy. They're also an ideal way to organize smaller items that look out of place by themselves.
The fall season is the perfect time to pull them out! Whether you prefer traditional colors and pumpkins or a more unique take on your autumn displays, trays are such a great base and will ground all of the decor.
I've gathered a few ways I've used decorative trays (of all types!) during the fall season for you!
What to put on a fall tray?
This all depends on what room you're decorating. Do you want it to be functional or more decorative? In a powder room, a simple display with fall-scented soap and a candle are more than enough.
In our kitchen, I try to mix in some autumn-themed touches with our regular go-to items like salt and pepper, toothpicks and the butter dish: 
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I've been collecting vintage salt and pepper shakers for years, and was thrilled when I found that cute owl set. :)
I like to hide my glass candles inside prettier containers. I found that gray planter at craft store and plopped the candle inside.
This vintage bamboo tray sits on our dining console table with some warm fall touches:
Don't be afraid to change up what you already have! That brown vase was a matte white color and I painted it with some craft paint.
You can spray paint almost any second hand tray to fit into your decor as well. I haven't had as much luck painting shiny ceramic, but natural fibers and wood are easily transformed.
If you have hydrangea bushes at your disposal, they are the perfect addition to a fall display! Either fresh or dried -- they always look lovely:
Think outside the box when it comes to displaying flowers -- this decorative wood pot wasn't made to hold water. I used a small vase inside for the flowers and you can't even see it.
What can I use if I don't have pretty trays?
I've used them in all forms -- woven, wicker, wood in all shapes and sizes. But if you don't have many to work with, take a look in your kitchen cabinets!
This green platter is supposed to be for food, but I knew it would look lovely under this fall display under glass:
Oh, and you have to have some "glow" in fall displays! It's pretty much required. 😂
A low and wide bowl will work similarly too -- try adding a candle to the middle and scatter pinecones or acorns around it. Or place cut flowers into the bowl for an easy display:
I like using trays on a coffee table to organize remotes, coasters and more:
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| See how I built this giant square coffee table! |
But as you'll see, even the large coffee table books act as "trays" in a way. Gathering smaller decor like candles on books will give you a pretty, collected look.
Anything textural will work -- a round woven placemat, a plaid scarf or table runner will give you a beautiful base for fall decor!
My favorite tips for decorating with trays any time of the year:
1. Vary the heights of items -- a vase with flowers or branches is perfect!
2. Use different textures and colors. A woven tray, small plant/container and velvet pumpkins add some interest.
3. Decorate in odd numbers -- items displayed in odd numbers are more appealing to the eye.
4. Adding a warm glow with LED lights or real candles always adds a pretty finishing touch!
These tips go for decorating just about anything...bookshelves, console tables and more.
Do you use decorative trays in your decor? They are a great tool for creating beautiful displays!
You can find the items I used for my fall trays here:
Similar round woven tray with handlesBlush colored eucalyptus stems
Similar small velvet pumpkins
Similar large velvet pumpkins
Similar small velvet pumpkins
Similar large velvet pumpkins
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Thanks for the ideas and I love the softer color palette. Happy Fall and Stay Safe!
ReplyDeleteI want one of each! Your creativity is is inspiring... I was especially taken with your vignette on the fabulous Target round wood tray, what a lovely collection of colors and textures in that vignette. I love using softer, non-traditional autumn colors, they're cozy and welcoming. When I spied this vignette on Pinterest I clicked to your blog hoping for more information. As soon as I read you procured the tray at Target, I clicked the link (thank you) and ordered the tray, I can't wait to get started on a similar (or,would you mind if I copied?) vignette.
ReplyDeleteCompletely inspired, thinking about fall decor now! Totally off topic, your kitchen floors- what brand and color? They are fabulous!
ReplyDeleteThank you! They are from Diamond Living in the color auburn, but unfortunately they were discontinued years ago. :(
DeleteThank for the inspiration. I immediately ran to a wooden Shaker tray and placed my cookie jar, a smaller "dog treat" jar that I use to keep my lens cleaners in (hahaha) and a small sugar jar that I keep a remote for the lamp in. Thanks again. You keep me on my decorating toes.
ReplyDelete