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The serving tray has fallen out of favour in recent years, but a suite of stylish new takes on the crafty kitchen tool may just convince you to start your own collection – whether you’re using one to balance cocktails while entertaining, or indulging in some self-care with an upgraded breakfast in bed.

Royal Doulton Pacific Dots Serving Tray, $119, Myer

Luxury takes on the serving tray are plentiful – like this sea-inspired offering from porcelain house Royal Doulton. Celebrating the timeless combination of white and blue (a favourite offering in the coastal grandmother trend), this refined take on the serving tray belongs at your next dinner party.

Couchmate Bamboo Bath Caddy Shelf, $79.95, Myer

Forget all about breakfast in bed – the new luxury is breakfast (or dinner) in the bath. This bath caddy will help you to achieve the ultimate in self-care, securely straddling the bath and hosting your laptop or phone (for podcast listening and movie watching), plus your snacks of choice.

Morgan & Finch Lonsdale Serving Tray, $69.95, Bed Bath n Table

One for the entertainer – this sleek serving offering crafted in the warm tones of Acacia Wood can be used to pile up heaped plates of salad (or pasta if you’re carb-inclined). A must for your next feast with friends.

Tempa Aurora Gold Serving Tray 2 Pack, $49.95, Harris Scarfe

Tempa’s serving trays have the midas touch, quite literally. This shiny gold duo consists of two circular trays in a small and large size, making them well-suited to any and every kind of entertaining requirement, from carrying jugs of cocktails to pure decoration.

Ecology Punch Large Oval Platter 40.5 x 28.5 x 2.5 cm Fig, $44.95, Harris Scarfe

Bring an Italian edge to your dining accessories with this Ecology platter, a generously-sized serving piece adorned with figs. The illustrations have been painted onto the stoneware by Elana Vanlier, and feature a cluster of juicy figs nestled among leaves.

Tango Bamboo Folding Lap Tray $39.99, Harris Scarfe

Or stick to the classics with this folding lap tray, crafted out of bamboo. Intended for hosting breakfast in bed, or as a standing laptop desk (when your office is the couch), the fold-up style means you can port it anywhere for easy use, as well as store it away quickly.

Luxury Floating Serving Tray Table and Bar, $169, Amazon

Serving trays can be the perfect addition to your pool area, as proven by this Wahoo Living design. Woven in Bali from rattan, these floats integrate a custom foam for stability in the water, whether you’re using them to hold on to your bar snacks or your beers.

Related story: 7 stylish bar carts for the design-savvy