Tiered trays have become a staple in modern home decor. Their versatility allows them to effortlessly transition through the seasons, offering a charming way to showcase the unique spirit of each time of year. And what better season to celebrate than summer, a time bursting with sunshine, vibrant colors, and endless possibilities for fun?
This summer, ditch the ordinary and transform your tiered tray into a miniature haven that reflects the joy and energy of the season. Here, we’ll explore 17 delightful summer tiered tray decor ideas, each with detailed suggestions for elements, color schemes, and a touch of greenery to complete the look.
1. Beach Vibes: Sun, Sand, and Seashells
Ah, the beach! Capture the essence of a relaxing day by the ocean with this beach-themed tiered tray. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Decor Elements: Seashells of various shapes and sizes, starfish, miniature sandcastles (ceramic or painted wood), miniature beach pails, miniature flip flops, ocean-themed miniature signs (“Beach Please,” “Vitamin Sea”).
- Color Scheme: Light blues, sandy beiges, whites, with pops of coral for a touch of vibrancy.
- Greenery: Small faux succulents or air plants to add a natural touch.
Creating the Look:
Start by layering a bed of white pebbles (faux or real) on the bottom tier. This will represent the sandy beach. Scatter a variety of seashells and starfish throughout the pebbles, creating a sense of abundance.
On the second tier, place a miniature sandcastle nestled amongst the pebbles spilling over from the first tier. Add a miniature beach pail filled with more seashells or a small, rolled-up beach towel.
For the top tier, introduce pops of color with a miniature sign that reads “Beach Please” or “Vitamin Sea.” You can also place a tiny flip-flop duo or a miniature sailboat.
Greenery: Tuck in a small faux succulent or air plant on one of the tiers to add a touch of life and soften the color scheme.
2. Sunshine & Citrus: A Burst of Summer Flavors
This tiered tray celebrates the bright and refreshing flavors of summer with a citrus theme. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Decor Elements: Bright yellow lemons, limes, oranges (faux or real), miniature mason jars filled with lemonade (faux or real), miniature sunflowers, checkered gingham ribbon.
- Color Scheme: Yellows, greens, whites.
- Greenery: Fresh or faux lemon leaves for added realism.
Creating the Look:
On the bottom tier, create a base using a checkered gingham tablecloth runner cut to size. This adds a touch of whimsy and complements the bright citrus theme.
On the second tier, arrange a variety of lemons, limes, and oranges. You can mix real and faux fruit for a visually appealing and long-lasting display. Place a miniature mason jar filled with “lemonade” (use clear yellow glass beads or a touch of yellow paint on water) beside the fruit.
For the top tier, introduce a pop of sunshine with a miniature sunflower. You can also add a small wicker basket overflowing with faux lemon leaves for a touch of texture.
Greenery: Tuck in a few fresh or faux lemon leaves among the fruit on the second tier for added realism and a burst of green.
3. All About Watermelon: A Slice of Summer Fun
Watermelons are a quintessential summer treat. Let’s celebrate their refreshing sweetness with a watermelon-themed tiered tray. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Decor elements: Slices of faux watermelon (or painted wood), miniature picnic basket overflowing with red and pink fabric scraps, miniature watermelon seeds (black beads), miniature watermelon wedge plates.
- Color Scheme: Red, pink, green, white.
- Greenery: Fresh mint sprigs for an extra touch of summer freshness.
Creating the Look:
On the bottom tier, use a white placemat cut to size to create a clean base.
On the second tier, place a miniature picnic basket overflowing with red and pink fabric scraps to mimic a spilled watermelon. Scatter a few miniature watermelon seeds (black beads) around the basket for a playful touch.
For the top tier, arrange a couple of slices of faux watermelon (painted wood slices work well) or stack a few miniature watermelon wedge plates.
Greenery: Add a sprig or two of fresh mint for a touch of summer freshness and a delightful scent.
4. Patriotic Party: Celebrate Summer Holidays
Summer is a time for barbecues and celebrating holidays like Independence Day. Let’s create a festive tiered tray with a patriotic theme. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Decor elements: Miniature American flags, painted mason jars with red and blue stripes, miniature Uncle Sam hat, miniature white stars, pinwheels with red, white, and blue stripes.
- Color Scheme: Red, white, blue.
- Greenery: None (optional: small faux blueberry branches for a subtle nod to summer fruits).
Creating the Look:
On the bottom tier, use a red bandana or a piece of red fabric cut to size as a base. This adds a festive touch and anchors the patriotic theme.
On the second tier, arrange a cluster of miniature American flags. You can secure them in a small styrofoam block hidden beneath the flags for stability. Add a couple of painted mason jars with red and blue stripes for a pop of color.
For the top tier, place a miniature Uncle Sam hat as the centerpiece. Surround it with a scattering of miniature white stars and miniature pinwheels with red, white, and blue stripes.
Greenery: While greenery isn’t essential for this theme, you can add a couple of small faux blueberry branches for a subtle nod to summer fruits.
5. Backyard Barbecue: A Feast for the Eyes (and Maybe the Stomach)
Summer screams barbecues! Capture the spirit of an outdoor feast with this fun and whimsical tiered tray. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Decor elements: Miniature grill (painted terracotta pot or mini metal), miniature burgers and hotdogs (felt or wood), miniature ketchup and mustard bottles, miniature picnic basket overflowing with red gingham fabric, miniature bottle caps.
- Color Scheme: Red, yellow, brown, white.
- Greenery: Small faux herb sprigs (rosemary, thyme) for a realistic touch.
Creating the Look:
On the bottom tier, use a brown placemat cut to size to represent a rustic picnic table.
On the second tier, create a miniature barbecue by painting a small terracotta pot black or using a mini metal grill. Place miniature burgers and hotdogs (made from felt or painted wood) around the grill. Add miniature ketchup and mustard bottles for an extra touch of detail.
For the top tier, introduce a miniature picnic basket overflowing with red gingham fabric scraps, mimicking a spilled picnic blanket. Scatter a few miniature bottle caps around the basket for a playful touch.
Greenery: Tuck in a couple of small faux herb sprigs like rosemary or thyme on the second tier near the miniature grill to add a touch of realism and a hint of green.
6. Mason Jar Fun: A Rustic Charm with Endless Possibilities
Mason jars are a versatile and budget-friendly way to create a unique tiered tray display. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Decor elements: Mini mason jars filled with colorful candies, seashells, or painted sand, miniature mason jar lanterns with fairy lights, twine or raffia for a rustic touch.
- Color Scheme: Any combination based on jar fillers (consider a rainbow theme or pastel palette).
- Greenery: None (optional: small sprigs of lavender for a touch of fragrance).
Creating the Look:
This theme allows for a lot of customization. You can use different sizes and shapes of mini mason jars. Here are a few ideas for jar fillers:
- Fill some jars with colorful candies for a playful and vibrant touch.
- Create a miniature beach scene by filling jars with sand and adding tiny seashells.
- Paint sand in different pastel colors and layer them in a jar for a soft and whimsical look.
On the bottom tier, use a piece of burlap cut to size as a base for a rustic feel. Arrange the filled mason jars on the different tiers, creating a visually interesting display by varying the heights and sizes.
Adding Ambiance: Transform some of your mason jars into miniature lanterns by adding fairy lights inside. This creates a magical touch, especially at night. Secure the fairy lights with a small piece of floral wire at the jar’s mouth.
Finishing Touches: Wrap some twine or raffia around the necks of some jars for a rustic touch. You can also tie a small tag with a summer-themed word like “Sunshine” or “Relax” for an extra personal touch.
Greenery: While not essential, a few small sprigs of lavender tucked into one of the jars add a touch of fragrance and a subtle pop of color.
7. Ice Cream Sundae Extravaganza: A Sweet Treat for the Eyes
Who doesn’t love ice cream on a hot summer day? Let’s create a delightful tiered tray that celebrates this quintessential summer treat. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Decor elements: Miniature ice cream cones (painted wood or felt), miniature scoops in various colors, miniature sprinkles (tiny beads), miniature bowls with syrup dispensers, miniature cherries.
- Color Scheme: Bright and playful colors (think pink, yellow, blue, brown).
- Greenery: None (optional: small faux mint leaves for a finishing touch).
Creating the Look:
On the bottom tier, use a light blue placemat cut to size to represent a clear summer sky.
On the second tier, arrange a variety of miniature ice cream cones (painted wood or felt) in different colors. Stand some cones upright and lay others on their sides for a dynamic display. Place miniature scoops in various colors overflowing from the cones for a tempting visual. Scatter some miniature sprinkles (tiny beads) around the base of the cones for added detail.
For the top tier, introduce miniature bowls with syrup dispensers attached (painted miniature spoons can be tucked into the bowls). Add a miniature cherry on top of each sundae bowl for the perfect finishing touch.
Color Scheme: Let your creativity run wild! Use a variety of bright and playful colors for the ice cream cones, scoops, and sprinkles. Think pink, yellow, blue, brown (for the waffle cones), and any other colors that evoke the joy of summer.
Greenery: While not required, a few small faux mint leaves tucked beside the sundae bowls can add a touch of realism and a refreshing pop of green.
8. Seashell Serenade: A Symphony of the Sea
Embrace the calming melody of the ocean with this elegant seashell-themed tiered tray. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Decor Elements: Large, beautiful seashells (natural or painted), white polished pebbles, starfish, miniature glass bottles with sand and tiny seashells inside, miniature lighthouse figurine.
- Color Scheme: Cream, white, with subtle pops of turquoise or coral.
- Greenery: None (optional: a single preserved starfish branch for a touch of natural texture).
Creating the Look:
On the bottom tier, create a bed of white polished pebbles, representing a smooth, sandy beach. Scatter larger, beautiful seashells amongst the pebbles for a natural and elegant look.
On the second tier, arrange a miniature lighthouse figurine as the centerpiece. Surround it with a cluster of starfish and miniature glass bottles filled with sand and tiny seashells. These bottles add a touch of whimsy and intrigue.
For the top tier, place a single, particularly striking seashell as the focal point.
Color Scheme: Maintain a calming and sophisticated feel with a cream and white color palette. You can introduce subtle pops of turquoise or coral with a miniature starfish or a small decorative piece for a touch of vibrancy.
Greenery: While not essential, a single preserved starfish branch tucked beside the lighthouse can add a touch of natural texture and a subtle nod to the ocean’s life.
9. Butterfly Bonanza: A Flutter of Summer Joy
Butterflies symbolize joy, transformation, and summer’s vibrant spirit. Celebrate their delicate beauty with this delightful tiered tray. Here’s what you’ need:
- Decor elements: Artificial butterflies in various colors and sizes, miniature potted faux succulents, silk flowers in summery colors, decorative butterfly cutouts made from wood or cardstock.
- Color Scheme: A vibrant mix of summer colors like yellow, orange, pink, purple, and blue.
- Greenery: Small faux succulent plants in miniature pots.
Creating the Look:
On the bottom tier, use a piece of light green fabric cut to size to represent a grassy meadow. Arrange a few miniature potted faux succulents for a touch of greenery.
On the second tier, create a flutter of colorful butterflies! Arrange a mix of artificial butterflies in various sizes and colors, letting them “flutter” around the tier. You can also add decorative butterfly cutouts made from wood or cardstock for a dimensional effect.
For the top tier, introduce a couple of silk flowers in vibrant summer colors to balance the look.
Color Scheme: Embrace the joy of summer with a vibrant mix of colors. Use a combination of yellow, orange, pink, purple, and blue for the butterflies, flowers, and decorative cutouts.
Greenery: The miniature faux succulents in their pots on the bottom tier add a touch of natural green and complement the vibrant colors of the butterflies and flowers.
10. Lemonade Stand Delight: A Refreshing Summer Treat
Who doesn’t love a cool glass of lemonade on a hot summer day? Capture the refreshing essence of a lemonade stand with this cheerful tiered tray. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Decor elements: Miniature lemonade pitcher filled with yellow beads or faux lemons, miniature mason jars filled with “lemonade” (clear yellow glass beads or a touch of yellow paint on water), miniature striped paper straws, miniature lemons and limes (faux or real), checkered gingham ribbon.
- Color Scheme: Yellow, white, with green accents.
- Greenery: Fresh mint sprigs for a refreshing touch and scent.
Creating the Look:
On the bottom tier, use a checkered gingham tablecloth runner cut to size as a base. This immediately evokes the image of a classic lemonade stand.
On the second tier, place a miniature lemonade pitcher filled with yellow beads or faux lemons as the centerpiece. Surround it with miniature mason jars filled with “lemonade.” Tuck a miniature striped paper straw into each jar for a playful touch.
For the top tier, arrange a few miniature lemons and limes (faux or real) to add a pop of color and realism.
Color Scheme: Keep it bright and cheerful with yellow as the dominant color. Add white accents with the mason jars and gingham ribbon, and introduce a touch of green with the faux or real limes.
Greenery: Fresh mint sprigs tucked amongst the lemons and limes on the top tier add a refreshing touch of green and a delightful scent.
11. Fireflies at Night: A Magical Summer Glow
Capture the enchanting magic of fireflies on a summer night with this whimsical tiered tray. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Decor elements: Miniature lanterns with fairy lights inside, frosted glass pebbles or marbles with glow-in-the-dark paint, artificial fireflies with glow-in-the-dark features, miniature mason jars filled with fairy lights and blue glass beads (representing fireflies in a jar), miniature branches with tiny leaves cut from green felt.
- Color Scheme: Dark blue, black, with hints of white and green.
- Greenery: Miniature branches with tiny green felt leaves.
Creating the Look:
On the bottom tier, use a piece of dark blue fabric cut to size as a base, representing the night sky. Scatter frosted glass pebbles or marbles painted with glow-in-the-dark paint to create a starry effect.
For the second tier, arrange a cluster of miniature lanterns with fairy lights inside. These will add a warm glow and a touch of magic. Scatter some artificial fireflies with glow-in-the-dark features around the lanterns, mimicking the twinkling fireflies.
On the top tier, introduce a miniature mason jar filled with fairy lights and blue glass beads (representing fireflies captured in a jar). Add a couple of miniature branches with tiny green felt leaves for a touch of whimsy and a nod to the natural world.
Color Scheme: Maintain a nighttime ambiance with a dark blue and black color palette. Introduce subtle hints of white with the fairy lights and green with the felt leaves for a touch of contrast.
Greenery: The miniature branches with tiny green felt leaves on the top tier add a touch of color and represent the natural environment where fireflies thrive.
12. Flip Flop Fun: A Celebration of Summer Relaxation
Summer is synonymous with relaxation and carefree days spent at the beach. Capture this spirit with a playful flip-flop themed tiered tray. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Decor elements: Assorted miniature flip flops in various colors and patterns, miniature beach pail filled with colorful pebbles or sand, miniature beach umbrella, miniature sunglasses, a small sign that reads “Beach Vibes” or “Flip Flop Season.”
- Color Scheme: A vibrant mix of summer colors like yellow, pink, blue, orange, and green.
- Greenery: None (optional: a small seashell or two for a subtle beach connection).
Creating the Look:
On the bottom tier, use a piece of light blue fabric cut to size to represent a clear summer sky. Scatter a few colorful pebbles or a sprinkle of sand (optional) for a beachy touch.
On the second tier, arrange a miniature beach pail overflowing with the colorful pebbles or sand (if using). Place a variety of miniature flip flops in different colors and patterns around the pail, creating a playful and vibrant display.
For the top tier, introduce a miniature beach umbrella as the centerpiece. Add a small sign that reads “Beach Vibes” or “Flip Flop Season” for a touch of whimsy. Tuck in a pair of miniature sunglasses beside the sign for an extra playful detail.
Color Scheme: Embrace the vibrancy of summer with a mix of bright and cheerful colors. Use a variety of colors for the miniature flip flops and consider adding a colorful beach umbrella to complement the overall look.
Greenery: While not essential, a small seashell or two tucked beside the beach pail on the second tier can add a subtle connection to the beach theme.
13. Glow-in-the-Dark Galaxy: A Summer Nighttime Adventure
Take your tiered tray on a cosmic adventure with a glow-in-the-dark galaxy theme. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Decor elements: Glow-in-the-dark stars and planets (stickers, cutouts, or small figurines), black painted pebbles with glow-in-the-dark paint accents, miniature rocketship or astronaut figurine, miniature crescent moon, battery-operated fairy lights with a cool white or blue glow.
- Color Scheme: Black, with glow-in-the-dark accents.
- Greenery: None.
Creating the Look:
On the bottom tier, use a piece of black fabric cut to size as a base, representing the vastness of space. Scatter black painted pebbles with glow-in-the-dark paint accents throughout the bottom tier to create a starry effect.
For the second tier, arrange a cluster of glow-in-the-dark stars and planets (stickers, cutouts, or figurines). Tuck in some battery-operated fairy lights with a cool white or blue glow for an extra touch of celestial magic.
On the top tier, introduce a miniature rocketship or astronaut figurine as the centerpiece. Place a miniature crescent moon beside it, creating a scene of exploration and wonder.
Color Scheme: Maintain the mystery of space with a predominantly black color scheme. The glow-in-the-dark accents on the stars, planets, pebbles, and fairy lights will create a magical nighttime effect.
Greenery: This theme doesn’t necessarily require greenery. However, for a touch of whimsy, you could consider adding a tiny, glow-in-the-dark painted leaf cutout to represent a plant from another planet.
14. Seashell Serenade (Alternative Version: A Rustic Coastal Charm
This is a variation of the Seashell Serenade theme but with a more rustic and natural feel. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Decor elements: Natural seashells in various sizes and textures, driftwood pieces in different shapes and sizes, starfish, jute twine, miniature glass terrarium filled with white sand and tiny seashells.
- Color Scheme: Natural tones of beige, brown, and white.
- Greenery: Small preserved moss or dried seaweed for a touch of texture and natural color.
Creating the Look:
On the bottom tier, use a piece of burlap cut to size as a base, adding a rustic touch. Arrange a variety of natural seashells in different sizes and textures to create a natural and organic display. Add a couple of pieces of driftwood in different shapes and sizes for an extra touch of coastal charm.
On the second tier, introduce a miniature glass terrarium filled with white sand and tiny seashells. This terrarium represents a miniature beach scene in a contained environment. Secure the terrarium lid with a small piece of jute twine for a rustic touch.
For the top tier, use a larger, more striking seashell as the focal point. Wrap a piece of jute twine around the base of the seashell for a decorative element.
Color Scheme: Embrace the natural beauty of the coast with a color scheme dominated by beige, brown, and white tones. The natural colors of the seashells, driftwood, and burlap will create a cohesive and calming look.
Greenery: Tuck in a small amount of preserved moss or dried seaweed around the base of the terrarium or beside the seashell on the top tier. This adds a touch of texture and a natural pop of green without overpowering the natural tones of the seashells and driftwood.
15. Patriotic Picnic: A Celebration of Summer Holidays (Alternative Version):
This is an alternative take on the Patriotic Party theme, focusing on a more relaxed picnic setting. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Decor elements: Miniature red gingham tablecloth runner, miniature wicker picnic basket overflowing with red and blue fabric scraps, miniature American flag cupcake toppers stuck into red velvet cupcakes (faux or real), miniature mason jars filled with red and blue candies, miniature pinwheels with red, white, and blue stripes.
- Color Scheme: Red, white, and blue.
- Greenery: None (optional: a small sprig of fresh rosemary for a touch of summer fragrance).
Creating the Look:
On the bottom tier, use a miniature red gingham tablecloth runner as a base, setting the scene for a festive picnic.
On the second tier, place a miniature wicker picnic basket overflowing with red and blue fabric scraps, mimicking a spilled picnic blanket. Arrange miniature mason jars filled with red and blue candies around the basket for a pop of color and a sweet touch.
For the top tier, introduce the miniature American flag cupcake toppers stuck into red velvet cupcakes (faux or real) as the centerpiece. Surround them with a few miniature pinwheels with red, white, and blue stripes for a playful and festive feel.
Color Scheme: Maintain the patriotic spirit with a red, white, and blue color palette.
Greenery: While not essential, a small sprig of fresh rosemary tucked beside the cupcake toppers on the top tier adds a touch of summer fragrance and a subtle pop of green.
16. Butterfly Bonanza (Alternative Version): A Rustic Chic Display
This is a version of the Butterfly Bonanza theme with a more rustic and elegant feel. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Decor elements: Faux butterflies in muted and metallic colors, vintage lace doilies, dried flowers in natural tones, decorative butterfly cutouts made from vintage book pages or sheet music.
- Color Scheme: A mix of muted and metallic colors with pops of natural tones from the dried flowers.
- Greenery: Dried ferns or small twigs for a touch of natural texture.
Creating the Look:
On the bottom tier, use a vintage lace doily cut to size as a base, adding a touch of rustic elegance. Scatter a few dried ferns or small twigs for a touch of natural texture.
On the second tier, arrange a mix of faux butterflies in muted and metallic colors. Aim for a more subdued color palette compared to the vibrant version. You can also incorporate decorative butterfly cutouts made from vintage book pages or sheet music. These add a touch of vintage charm and a unique textural element.
For the top tier, introduce a couple of dried flowers in natural tones like beige, ivory, or light lavender. This adds a pop of color and complements the muted and metallic tones of the butterflies.
Color Scheme: Embrace a more sophisticated feel with a mix of muted and metallic colors for the butterflies. The vintage lace doily and dried flowers add pops of natural tones like beige, ivory, or light lavender, creating a cohesive and elegant look.
Greenery: The dried ferns or small twigs scattered on the bottom tier add a touch of natural texture and a subtle hint of green without overpowering the muted color palette.
17. Watermelon Wedge Extravaganza: A Slice of Summer Fun (Alternative Version)
This playful take on the Watermelon theme focuses on a vibrant display of watermelon wedges. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Decor elements: Faux watermelon wedges in various sizes and colors (pink, red, yellow), miniature ice cream cones with scoops in watermelon colors, miniature watermelon seed beads scattered throughout the tiers, miniature watermelon slice plates, miniature picnic basket overflowing with green fabric scraps.
- Color Scheme: A vibrant mix of pink, red, yellow, and green.
- Greenery: Small faux mint leaves or a sprig of fresh mint for a refreshing touch.
Creating the Look:
On the bottom tier, use a piece of light green fabric cut to size as a base, representing a grassy picnic area. Scatter some miniature watermelon seed beads throughout the fabric for a playful touch.
On the second tier, create a vibrant display of faux watermelon wedges in various sizes and colors (pink, red, yellow). Arrange them like slices on a plate, overlapping slightly for a realistic look.
For the top tier, introduce a miniature picnic basket overflowing with green fabric scraps, mimicking a spilled picnic blanket. Place a few miniature watermelon slice plates beside the basket for added detail. Tuck in miniature ice cream cones with scoops in watermelon colors (pink, red, yellow) for a whimsical touch.
Color Scheme: Embrace the vibrancy of summer with a mix of pink, red, yellow, and green. The faux watermelon wedges, ice cream cones, and green fabric scraps create a cheerful and playful display.
Greenery: Add a few small faux mint leaves or a sprig of fresh mint beside the ice cream cones on the top tier. This adds a refreshing touch of green and complements the watermelon theme.
Bonus Tips for Tiered Tray Success
Here are some additional tips to help you create a stunning tiered tray display:
- Balance: Arrange items with varying heights and sizes for visual interest. Don’t overcrowd the tiers; leave some breathing room for each element to shine.
- Focal Point: Choose a central element for each tier to act as a focal point. This could be a larger decoration, a unique jar filling, or a miniature figurine.
- Texture: Combine items with different textures to add depth and intrigue to your display. Use smooth painted elements alongside natural textures like wood, burlap, or raffia.
- Lighting: Consider adding battery-operated fairy lights or small LED candles to your tiered tray for a touch of magic, especially during evenings.
- Seasonal Touches: For a truly dynamic display, swap out elements throughout the summer to reflect different holidays or events. For example, add miniature fireworks for Independence Day or tiny seashells collected on a beach trip.
Let Your Creativity Flow!
These are just a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different themes, colors, and textures to create a tiered tray that reflects your unique style and captures the essence of summer for you. Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process!