I've been picking up small lap sized serving trays in thrift stores for the main purpose of cutting back on dish washing. These only need a quick wipe to keep clean, then stacked up on the counter for easy reach. When we just have sandwiches or hamburger and fries or something similar that isn't fluid or runny, we put a clean dish towel on the serving tray with the food on that. We also use a paper towel or napkin if no clean towels are available. It's cut down on the amount of dirty dishes used for lunch and dinner. It's easy to take the meal out to the patio too, or load the tray with condiments and silverware for outdoor dining. I decided to also keep some small ones in my car for times when we have to eat on the run. It's easier to balance fast food on a tray than on a lap with no tray, and when eating at a picnic table it helps keep your food contained within the tray and not being blown about by the wind blowing the wrapper.
Most of these trays have a holiday theme to them, but it would be easy enough to spray paint them to change their design. I leave mine just the way they are, it doesn't bother to use a Christmas tray in July. Some are round, some rectangle, some plastic, some metal. I like metal, they are the ones that can spray painted, and will last a lifetime.
Edey
