Winter Decorating: Four Simple Tray Designs

Winter naturally urges us to slow down, gather close, and surround ourselves with small touches of beauty. One of my favorite ways to bring that seasonal magic into the home is by styling decorative trays. They’re simple, versatile, and the perfect canvas for handmade creations, winter foliage, and glowing accents that make a space feel festive and welcoming. This year, I’ve been experimenting with both a round tray and a rectangular red tray, layering in pieces I’ve crafted myself along with seasonal greenery and charming winter décor. Each tray tells its own story—whether it’s a cozy village scene, a golden floral display, or a mix of berries and light-up houses—and together they create a collection that feels personal, creative, and full of holiday spirit.

Winter Decorating Tray Designs

For my winter decorating trays, I used one round tray and one rectangular red tray, incorporating handmade decorations along with winter foliage and other seasonal accents.

For the first tray, I chose my round tray and displayed faux gold flowers in a container I created from a spam can—be sure to check out the tutorial here. To add greenery, I included winter foliage, placed my red bird, a battery-operated gold Christmas tree light, and a bell, leaving the front of the tray empty to allow space for faux snow or perhaps a beaded garland.  

For the second tray, I featured a metal holiday house I had recently made, along with two wooden houses I had decorated and painted—one red and one green—which looked charming when displayed together. I added two battery-operated candles and finished the design with my red bird.

For the third tray, I used my red rectangular tray and arranged foliage with colorful flowers and gold accents, complemented by light-up ceramic white houses, faux red berries, and additional greenery to complete the look. 

For the fourth tray, I returned to my faux gold flowers, which looked beautiful against the tray, and paired them with a clear light-up chapel, battery-operated candles, faux berries, and a touch of greenery to finish the design.

Each tray tells its own little story, blending handmade projects with seasonal touches. Whether it’s upcycled containers, painted houses, or glowing lights, these trays are a reminder that winter decorating doesn’t have to be complicated—it’s about layering pieces you love and letting them shine together.

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