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English table-tray 
HE tray is no longer merely an incidental 
accessory in the household, but has again 
ascended its pedestal of utility and once 
more has come to occupy the same com- 
mendable niche that it did in the estimation 
of our forefathers, before the ‘‘Victorian” 
period discouraged good taste with a surfeit of ugly servers. 
Indeed, there has come to be a lively interest in the old- 
fashioned models of Colonial and earlier trays, and the 
patterns of these earlier specimens are being copied by 
modern tray designers with unusual success. Such trays 
form a welcome adjunct to things of service in our houses 
to-day. 
Among the many patterns of trays now to be had are 
those imitating or following the lines of the old English 
mufhin servers. ‘They are suggested by the old Colonial 
dumbwaiters, and stand about three feet high, being small 
enough to be passed easily. Various viands are placed on the 
shelves. Since everything is passed at one time, these novel- 
ties are very convenient, and they are in high favor for use 
in afternoon teas. Just now there is a fashion for having 
them made of wood to match bedroom furniture. When 
my lady of leisure has her meals in her boudoir, they may 
be brought to her on the server. Muffin servers are chic, 
whether used in the boudoir, dining- 
room, parlor or on the veranda. 
They are inexpensive enough to fit the 
average purse. Wicker ones may be 
had as low as three dollars, and those 
of mahogany range from seven dol- 
lars up. There are several styles in 
these servers, some of them being of 
basket shape. 
Another idea in trays also comes 
to us from our English cousins. It 
takes the form of a teawagon— 
rather a curious name for a waiter. 
However, it really is a tray on wheels. 
It serves the use also of a teatable. 
In the summer season, teawagons 
are in especial demand. They are 
particularly appropriate for veranda 
teas and garden parties. They sim- 
plify serving refreshments on the 
lawn, and with the aid of one of them 
an entire supper may easily be taken 
out under the trees. They are inex- 
AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS 
Wicker-framed porch-tray 
Trays Worth Having 
Something About the Different Sorts of Trays and 
Their Cost, and the Various Uses to 
Which They May be Put 
By Lydia Le Baron Westcott 
The Lazy Susan 
English muffin-tray 
pensive enough to be generally adopted. A very good one 
costs eleven dollars. It is capable of being fitted up most tempt- 
ingly. Utility is the striking characteristic of still another 
salver, known as a revolving tray, or “Lazy Susan.” Such a 
waiter recalls the revolving table in use years ago. These 
dining tables had stationary rims wide enough for service 
plates and accessories. The center revolved. Sometimes 
our enterprising forbears had this portion of the table run 
by water-power. Helping one’s self was an easy matter 
then. All one had to do was to turn the table—a most un- 
ceremonious proceeding. In these modern times of exacting 
formalities this idea is being resorted to, especially for 
breakfast and téte-a-téte luncheons. The waitress may be 
dispensed with, which makes the meal more easy. 
While these ‘Lazy Susans” are enjoying a revival, they 
are not a fad. They always have a certain conservative de- 
mand. ‘Their convenience deserves to make them popular. 
Such salvers, twenty inches in diameter and eight inches 
high, may be had for twelve dollars. They make excellent 
wedding gifts, and are ideal for wooden wedding presents. 
There is also the small two-tiered tray, one of the latest 
contrivances. It is a compromise between an English muffin 
server and a “Lazy Susan,” and is intended for use at 
afternoon teas as well as on the dining table. 
One must also take into account 
the interesting Oriental trays of Per- 
sia, India, China and Japan. Japa- 
nese trays are, perhaps, the most pop- 
ular sort we have, and are things of 
great beauty. The Chinese trays are 
more curious and more “‘vigorous”’ in 
color and pattern, lacking the softer 
hues and more restrained design that 
mark the Japanese tray apart from 
all others; however, they are not the 
less interesting. 
The Chinese curry tray is one of 
the most typical examples of the Chi- 
nese taste. It is composed of a num- 
ber of separate sections of porcelain, 
little dishes all fitting together like a 
puzzle. A set of these, forming the 
curry holders, is set on a tray made to” 
fit it. One form of server—a western 
idea utilizing eastern materials—is 
made of Chinese embroidery covered 
with clear plate glass and framed in 
