Oval Trays: How to Style and Serve
By Jars Céramistes – Grès Émaillé Artisanal Français depuis 1857 | Published: 2026-10-24
Category: How-to Guides
Learn to style and serve with ceramic oval trays from Jars Céramistes. Step-by-step tips for using plateau ovale cachemire, orage uni, and tamaris.
Quick answer
Use your oval ceramic tray as a versatile serving piece for appetizers, cheese, or morning toast, and style it as a decorative catchall on a coffee table or console.
Why oval trays work for both serving and decor
The organic, hand-thrown shape of Jars Céramistes oval trays fits neatly on crowded tables and adds a soft, sculptural line. Their glossy, finely crackled enamel—seen in colors like orage uni (deep green) and cachemire (shimmering grey)—catches light differently from every angle, making them equally striking empty as a catchall or loaded with food.
How to style and serve with your oval tray
- 1. Choose your tray’s primary role: Decide whether the tray will serve food or act as a decorative object. For serving, pick a lighter color like tamaris that won’t compete with vibrant ingredients. For decor, the deeper orage uni anchors a stack of books or a candle. A tray used for both roles will need wiping between uses—the crackled enamel is non-porous and easy to clean.
- 2. Build a simple serving arrangement: Place three to five small items—olives, cheese cubes, dried fruit—directly on the tray or on a small board. Leave negative space around the food so the ceramic surface remains visible. Overcrowding hides the hand-thrown shape. Common mistake: filling the entire tray hides the organic rim. Let at least one-third of the surface show.
- 3. Use the tray as a landing zone: Set the tray near an entryway or on a coffee table to catch keys, mail, or a phone. The oval form fits neatly on narrow consoles where round trays overhang. The glossy glaze wipes clean with a damp cloth. Checkpoint: if you place it near direct sunlight, the crackle glaze may develop a warm patina over years—that’s normal and adds character.
- 4. Pair with complementary textures: Match the tray’s glossy enamel with matte linens, raw wood, or woven placemats. Avoid placing it on another glossy surface—the reflection can make the tray look flat. A linen napkin underneath softens the contrast. Common mistake: pairing with another glossy ceramic creates visual noise. Stick to one glossy piece per setting.
Product facts
- plateau ovale orage uni: Émail orage uni, vert profond brillant, finement craquelé, pulvérisé à la main. The deep green glaze creates a dramatic backdrop for pale cheeses or fresh herbs, and the fine crackle adds texture without trapping stains.
plateau ovale orage uni - plateau ovale cachemire: Émail cachemire, gris brillant, finement craquelé, pulvérisé à la main. The neutral grey works year-round: pair it with white dishes for a clean look or with warm wood for a rustic table.
plateau ovale cachemire - plateau ovale tamaris: Émail tamaris, rose ancien subtil, brillant & finement craquelé, pulvérisé à la main. The soft antique rose brings a gentle pop of color to brunch spreads and looks especially flattering next to copper or brass flatware.
