WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE PURCHASING
Every serving tray from Matthew James Designs is individually handcrafted and made to order in our New Jersey workshop. These are not factory-molded or mass-produced products. Each tray is cut, shaped, drilled, assembled, solvent-welded and polished by hand, with careful attention given to its strength, appearance and intended use. Because acrylic fabrication involves multiple hands-on processes, no two trays will be perfectly identical. Minor variations may include slightly misaligned edges, subtle differences in bends or seams, faint polishing or tooling marks, small bubbles or clouding within a welded joint, and light stress lines or crazing immediately around drilled holes and attachment points. Clear acrylic can make these characteristics more visible than they would be in an opaque or molded product. These minor cosmetic variations are normal characteristics of handcrafted acrylic fabrication. They do not affect the tray’s strength, fit, function, or ability to perform as intended, and they are not considered manufacturing defects or grounds for a return or exchange. Every tray is inspected before leaving our shop. Any issue that affects the tray’s structural integrity, safe use or proper function is treated separately and will always be addressed. Our goal is to provide a durable, professional serving product with the individuality and craftsmanship that come from being made by hand—not stamped out by a machine.
FAQ
Q: Can different servers use the same tray?
A: Yes. The adjustable straps allow the tray to be fitted for different staff members.
Q: What size pans do the different styles of inserts hold?
A: Each style has different configurations for different applications:
-
Style 1 - Holds six standard 1:6 pans.
Ideal Applications: Taco bars, baked potato bars, candy buffets, topping stations, fruit and vegetable service. -
Style 2 - Holds one standard 1:3 pan plus four standard 1:9 pans.
Ideal Applications: Charcuterie, appetizer service, featured entree with toppings, dessert bars. -
Style 3 - Holds one standard 1:3 pan, three standard 1:6 pans, and one acrylic napkin box.
Ideal Applications: Beverage service, coffee stations, dessert service, catered events where napkins must travel with the tray. -
Style 4 - Holds two standard 1:6 pans, four standard 1:9 pans, and one acrylic napkin box.
Ideal Applications: Cocktail hour service, wedding appetizers, tapas, sampling events. -
Style 5 - Holds one standard 1:3 pan, one standard 1:6 pan, four standard 1:9 pans, and one acrylic napkin box.
Ideal Applications: Dessert stations, breakfast buffets, coffee service, toppings with a featured food item. -
Style 6 - Holds two standard half-size 11.5 x 9.5 removable aluminum pans.
Ideal Applications: Hot buffet service, pasta bars, breakfast buffets, mashed potato bars, holiday catering. -
Style 7 - Holds one standard 1:3 pan, three standard 1:9 pans, one notched dispenser tube, and one acrylic napkin box.
Ideal Applications: Cannoli service, beverage garnishes, coffee stations, squeeze bottle service, dessert toppings. -
Style 8 - Holds ten standard 1:9 pans.
Ideal Applications: Toppings, condiments, dessert service. -
Style 9 - Holds one standard 1:3 pan and 3 standard 1:9 pans.
Ideal Applications: Sushi, hors d'oeuvres, and small bites. -
Style 10 - Has forty 2.5" diameter holes.
Ideal Applications: Mobile shots, mini dessert shooters, beverage sampling, cocktail events. -
Style 11 - Has thirteen 3.5" diameter holes, holds two 4x4" acrylic boxes for spoons, scoops, etc.
Ideal Applications: Ice cream bars, dessert buffets, and self-serve stations. -
Style 12 - Has eleven 4.75" diameter holes, holds two 2.75" square acrylic boxes for spoons, scoops, squeeze bottles, etc.
Ideal Applications: Ice cream bars, dessert buffets, and self-serve stations.
Q: Can the napkin box be removed?
A: Yes. The napkin box is detachable. If purchased with The Serving Tray, we can drill holes for you to attach the holder. If purchased separately, Contact us, and we can provide instructions for attachment.
Q: What is the tube for?
A: It can hold shakers, squeeze bags, utensils, or similar service items. If purchased with The Serving Tray, we can drill holes for you to attach the holder. If purchased separately, Contact us, and we can provide instructions for attachment.
Q: Why use a dual strap instead of a single shoulder strap?
A: The dual strap system improves balance and comfort by helping stabilize the tray against the body during movement.
Q: Are inserts available in every color?
A: Yes. Insert styles are available in the standard color collection.
Q: Are the serving tray bodies available in all colors?
A: The 2' Serving Tray is available in multiple colors. The 2-in-1 Serving Tray System is only offered in Black or White.
Q: What can the serving trays be used for?
A: Ideal applications include: Professional presentations, Weddings and celebrations, Beach events, Corporate hospitality, Farm markets,
Restaurants and hotels, Fundraisers and community events, and Trade shows. The possibilities are endless!
Q: Can you customize the trays for me?
A: We often customize products for our clients! Contact us, and we can work together to create exactly what you need.
Q: Do you offer complete sets or bundles for The Serving Tray?
A: Yes, we do offer bundles and sets! Contact us, and we can customize your bundle for you.