THE ANTIQUE
Butler's trays
Autumn is a time for blustery walks, followed by cosy time indoors and some treats to warm us up – hot chocolate, buttered crumpets and cinnamon toast come to mind. A butler's tray is just the job for serving up such goodies, and has never been out of use since the 1700s when it was introduced.
The design is the ultimate in portable furniture comprising either a low, fixed stand or a popular ‘X’ frame folding stand (70cm to 80cm tall), plus a sturdy tray, often with D-shape flaps that fold down to create a small table. These trays were originally used by butlers in big houses to bring drinks and plates of food – elevenses, perhaps, or a light supper – up from the kitchen to the family; some butler's trays have carrying handles just on the long sides of the tray, allowing them to be carried lengthways through narrow servants' corridors leading into the main house. Look out for trays with serpentine edges, legs in ‘bamboo’ form inspired by the Orient, and turned wood legs. Depending on quality, condition and desirability, antique butler's trays range widely
