If you’re planning a family party, a Ramadan gathering, welcoming guests for a special occasion, or even a calm coffee session with friends—your hospitality tray isn’t just “a tray and some serving items.” It’s a key element that creates the first impression and reflects your taste and elegance. In 2026, Saudis are paying more attention to hospitality details than ever: from table setup to trays and even their colors. In this article, we’ll cover the criteria for choosing the best hospitality trays, the top 2026 trends, smart buying tips, and why a store like Dyafat Rateel is a truly smart choice ✨
A tip before any purchase decision: Think about the type of hospitality (family, formal, heritage), your usual guest count, ease of cleaning, and design elegance—so you choose a tray that completes your majlis with style.
Why does choosing trays matter?
- First impression: The moment guests arrive, a neat, elegant tray sends a message of refined hospitality—as if saying, “You’re truly welcome here.”
- Practical function: A sturdy tray can hold many cups, dates, Arabic coffee, Zamzam water, beverages, and more—without making cleaning a headache or getting damaged easily.
- Matching your home/majlis décor: The tray’s color and design can complement your dining table or majlis style—modern, classic, or heritage.
- Multi-purpose use: Not only for big invitations—you can use it for morning coffee, afternoon tea, or even presenting small gifts for special occasions.
Criteria for choosing the best hospitality trays in 2026
1) Material & build quality
- Oak or solid woods: A warm heritage feel—ideal for family majlis hospitality or special occasions. Easy to clean if sealed with a water-resistant coating.
- MDF coated with PVC or resin: A lightweight, budget-friendly option—great for daily use or easy carrying. Just make sure it’s moisture-resistant.
- Stainless steel (silver or gold): Very practical, rust-resistant, handles hot coffee/tea—excellent for formal occasions or large gatherings.
- Glass + metal: Elegant and luxurious, but needs more careful cleaning.
✅ Tip: If you host often or usually have many guests—go for metal or stainless steel trays. For special occasions or calm sessions—wood or glass creates a softer, more heartfelt vibe.
2) Size & capacity
- Small trays: Perfect for coffee and dates or a light session (usually 4–6 people).
- Medium and large trays: Strong handles and a wide surface—best for big gatherings, Eid, special occasions, or serving a mix of foods and drinks.
- Most important: Make sure the handles are comfortable and can carry the tray fully loaded.
3) Design & style
- Modern / contemporary: Smooth lines, neutral colors (gray, black, white, matte gold). Fits contemporary décor.
- Classic / heritage: Arabic patterns, natural wood, or gold/copper tones—ideal for heritage sessions or authentic Saudi hospitality.
- A mix of old and new: A major 2026 trend—heritage touch with a modern base.
4) Easy cleaning & care
- Metal and stainless steel are easy to clean and dishwasher-friendly.
- Wood or resin-coated trays: Wipe with a damp cloth and dry quickly—don’t soak in water.
- Avoid delicate fabrics or thin paint finishes if you’ll use the tray daily.
5) Delivery in Saudi Arabia & after-sales service
The key is knowing the store delivers to all cities (Jeddah, Riyadh, Dammam, Makkah, etc.) with safe packaging to avoid damage.
Also, return/exchange options in case of manufacturing defects give peace of mind—especially when buying a premium tray.
2026 hospitality tray trends — favorite styles and types
In 2026, there are 4 strong trends in the Saudi market:
Style / Type — Key features — Best for
- Heritage wood with Arabic patterns — Warmth + authenticity — Family sessions, welcoming elders, Ramadan/Eid hospitality
- Gold/silver stainless steel with soft shine — Practical + heat-resistant + modern — Formal occasions, banquets, many guests
- Modern glass + metal / resin — Elegant, luxurious, delicate look — Special occasions, premium hosting tables
- Stackable service trays — Lightweight, easy storage — Daily coffee, morning sessions, friends
👑 2026 trend: Many Saudis are leaning toward blending modern and heritage—like a wooden base with a gold metal frame, or natural wood with a clear glass layer. It keeps the Arabic hospitality soul while matching a modern home décor.
Why choose a store like Dyafat Rateel?
If you ask me why I recommend browsing hospitality trays at Dyafat Rateel, here are the reasons that make “Rateel” one of the best choices:
- A wide variety of trays—wood, stainless steel, glass—with heritage and modern designs.
- Clear specifications: size, weight, material—so you know exactly what you’re buying before it arrives.
- Fast delivery inside Saudi Arabia + safe packaging to protect against breakage.
- Competitive pricing with high quality—especially important if you’re buying multiple trays for occasions or gifts.
- Helpful customer service—answers questions and recommends what fits (for example: what size works for a 12–15 guest gathering).
💡 Final tip: After choosing a tray, do a quick “test setup” at home: place coffee cups, dates, and water on it—see if handles are comfortable and if the weight feels balanced. This helps confirm it’s truly the “perfect hospitality tray” before guests arrive.
Practical tips before buying
- Define your usual guest count—small family, a gathering, or a big group? This directly affects tray size.
- Think about the occasion type—Ramadan iftar? Eid gathering? Business guests? Each needs a different style.
- Check materials carefully—especially wood and resin—make sure they’re moisture-resistant and easy to clean.
- Pick a color/design that matches your décor—white or gold suits luxury majlis settings; natural wood suits heritage spaces.
- Confirm delivery and packaging quality—so the tray arrives safely, especially if it’s a gift.
In the end, in 2026 the “hospitality tray” has become more than a tool—it’s a symbol of taste and elegance that completes authentic Saudi hospitality. By focusing on material, size, design, and cleaning ease, you can choose the ideal tray for your occasion.
If you’re looking for a balanced mix of quality, elegance, and a fair price—browse Dyafat Rateel. Your majlis deserves the best!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What’s the right tray size for hosting 10–15 guests?
Usually a medium-to-large tray—about 60–70 cm wide and 45–55 cm long—is enough to serve coffee, dates, drinks, and juices comfortably.
Are wooden trays suitable for daily use?
Yes—if they’re treated with moisture-resistant coating or resin. But they need quick hand cleaning and immediate drying to avoid cracking or damage.
What’s the difference between modern and heritage trays for hospitality?
Modern trays reflect a sleek contemporary vibe and suit gatherings and banquets, while heritage trays add warmth and authenticity and highlight the cultural spirit of hospitality—each fits different occasions.
Do handles need to be strong?
Yes, especially if you carry the tray loaded with cups and items—strong handles ensure comfort and safety during serving.
How do I keep trays looking new for as long as possible?
- Clean them immediately after hosting.
- Avoid soaking wood in water.
- For metal trays: dry with a soft cloth to prevent spots that may ruin the finish.
- Store in a dry place away from humidity and high heat.
The key to elegant hospitality is choosing a tray that expresses your taste and shows respect to your guests. Think about your hosting style, take your time browsing options from a trusted store like Dyafat Rateel, and ensure your majlis becomes a memory your guests won’t forget.