30 Winter Tray Decor Ideas to Cozy Up Your Space
Are you looking for winter tray decor ideas to make your home feel instantly cozy and pulled together? I’ve gathered 30 lovely inspirations for how to decorate a tray this winter season.
Here’s the thing: once the holidays are over, things can feel a little bleh.
The tree is gone, the lights are stored, and all of a sudden, your living room looks... kind of bare.
Winter tray decor is when that comes in handy. It is one of those little homework design touches that makes everything feel warm, intentional, and pulled together, with basically no effort to restyle your entire space.
I love that there are so many different ways to use trays, too. One day it’s a pile of candles and pinecones; the next day it’s books, a plant, and a cozy mug.
You can keep it really simple or go full-on seasonal; it always looks great!
The guys at Studio McGee and other designers have also shown that even the most basic trays styled well can turn a simple table into something out of a magazine.
So, I don’t know if you are decorating your coffee table, kitchen island, or nightstand, but these 30 winter tray decor ideas will bring that warm, cozy feeling back for you.
No tree required. Grab a favorite candle and a blanket, and let’s get your winter space ready!
1. White Ceramic House Lanterns
These small ceramic houses add warmth and whimsy in winter. Once you place a tea light inside, it shines warmly and changes your space to feel peaceful and inviting. Add these to your coffee table for a pint–sized winter village!
2. Woven Rattan Tray
A rattan tray has formal warmth and textural appeal to any arrangement. It fits neutrally enough to pull almost any decor together effortlessly.
A rattan tray can be layered with candles, mugs, or a small vase to fit that theme of coziness, but curated.
3. Gold Tree-Shaped Candle Holders
These candle holders feel festive but without competing with Christmas. The gold shine feels elegant but normal enough because of the soft candle glow. They are an easy way to make candle holders feel polished but warm.
4. Silver Duo Reindeers
There is nothing like reindeer figurines as a winter touch. The silver finish on these reindeer makes them chic but not too holiday-themed.
Reindeer figurines look right together with a greenery tray or bright white candle arrangements, which are great for that additional touch of sparkle and holiday charm.
5. Wooden Tiered Tray & String Lights
Tiered trays are a decorator’s best friend. You can mix and match so many small details with a tiered tray.
Once you add fairy lights, pinecones, or mini ornaments for decor, suddenly it looks like a cozy winter display. Truly a rustic and festive combination.
6. White-Painted Tree Ornament & Pinecones
This duo gives that soft, snowy aesthetic, but not overdone. The white paint brightens up the overall look and the white and brown combination adds that touch of coziness together in the evergreen and winter colors.
7. Rustic Metal Lantern & Candle
Something about a metal lantern is timeless. Once you can place that time–honored lantern, you have instant warmth and glow for long winter evenings.
That rustic glamour effect is such a unique way to make any room feel comfortable and inviting.
8. Bottle Brush Trees & Pinecones in a Jar
This is just a fun, easy DIY project. All the little trees tucked into a jar with the little pine cones are charming, interesting, and nostalgic, like a small winter scene. Simple, but has the wow factor of that‘s so cute” every time.
9. White Berries, Pinecones, and Evergreen Branches
This little mix is just the magic of winter. If you would like, you could modify the colors in any number of ways simply to make a little presentation while keeping greenery that has some depth, height, and freshness and enhancing texture with two.
10. Eastern Red Cedar in a Vase
11. Fake snow & a Bird Figurine Wearing a Furry Hat and Scarf
This little vignette will surely make you smile! Bright white faux snow creates a welcoming winter atmosphere, while the cute little bird in its tiny winter hat and scarf adds just the right amount of whimsy!
A fun, cozy, chic decoration to create some character for your tiered tray!
12. White Wooden Tiered Tray
You can’t go wrong with a white tiered tray! It is always bright & clean-looking and is super versatile.
It is easy to layer candles, ornaments, and greenery to create a brighter winter feel. It makes for an easy platform to create unique decor and works which every style from farmhouse to contemporary.
13. Wooden Board Sign
A small wood sign with a winter saying or “let’s get cozy” quote has that human and warm feeling.
A sign gives character to any tray display or simply ties everything in as a cohesive decor. Plus, it’s cute and adds a touch of personality to your tiered tray without it feeling cluttered!
14. LED Candles
If you want the cozy candlelight atmosphere but don’t want to mess with wax and the worry of burning, the LED candles are a great option!
LED candles have a soft flickering and can also display beautifully beside a pinecone, or green, and you can keep your LED candle burning all night, or as long as you want, prolonging the atmosphere!
15. Frosted Winter Berries
Winter berries are just enough to add winter color and texture to winter-themed decor! The lightly frosted berries look cute and can catch the light beautifully!
They can be used with greens or thin candles and will add a nice touch when added, and create a fun, fresh addition to your tray!
16. All-White Aesthetic
After all the holiday jolly winter fun decor, an all white tray decor feels really fresh and also clean and sophisticated!
Layer white candles, ceramics, or add a little shimmer for an icy glowing snowy winter dried feel, and simple, finish with a pinecone.
An all–white winter aesthetic never hurts, and it is very timeless and classy, a simple decorations aesthetic to achieve!
17. Frosted Pine Spray with Pinecones
This fresh, outdoorsy winter feel is hard to recreate! Frosted pine and pinecones add texture, but in a way that is charming in a fresh, authentic, and natural way, which makes for a neat vignette!
A little piece of a winter scene! Which also could make an easy end when filling a pretty tiered tray!
18. Ceramic Ice Skate Figurine
This nostalgic item creates ‘winter fun‘ and is elegant in a ceramic look while also invoking vintage qua, as a little vignette or part of a vignette.
It displays nicely with candle objects, or items, equally displayed with snow, and natural composition elements!
19. Tree Figurines with Varying Heights
Tree figurines are also a nice, cozy, coziness and balance depth, that is where the height matters, and well.
You can create balance, depth and landscape with a ‘tree figurine focal’ vignette on a tray or table!.
Using branches with different materials and surfaces (wood, glass, ceramic) can make landscapes even prettier.
20. Rustic Farmhouse Tiered Tray Decor
The rustic farmhouse vibe creates warmth, coziness, charm, naturalness, and a homey feel.
For example, think about wood and plaid cozy accents while on the other hand, you can still make room.
Unless you want to display decor with little farmhouse signs, both feel homey, welcoming, and safe, and convey the best simple winter country vibe!
21. Plaid Accent
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Plaid quickly converts any area into a warm, cozy arrangement. A small plaid napkin or piece of fabric tucked underneath your decor provides color and pattern, but doesn‘t dominate, giving your tray that “hot cocoa by the fire“ feel.
22. Wooden Bead Garland with Tassels
Wooden beads are such an easy way to add texture and character while keeping things feeling a bit rustic.
Drape them on or around candles or small figurines, and it brings everything together effortlessly.
The tassels add a soft, handmade hint that makes everything feel cozy and more intentional.
23. Birch Candle Holder
The birch candle holders are everything when you want something that combines nature and warmth just right.
The wood grain and light color blend into any winter theme, modern or farmhouse. A candle burning in them gives you a little slice of glow, like your own little forest in your home.
24. DIY Winter Glass Jar Globe
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This is magic in a jar. Put fake snow, a small tree, or a small figurine, and suddenly you have your own little winter wonderland to display on your tray.
The best part? Aside from how simply charming it is, it is also very simple to create and always garners compliments.
25. Metallic Accents
A touch of metallic – gold or silver – adds a little elegance. They reflect the light and give just the right sparkle to your tray without feeling too extra.
Combined with wood and white decor pieces, you have the perfect cozy meets classy arrangement.
26. Dried Plants
Dried plants add a beautiful earthy texture to your winter design. They add warmth and a natural feel that breaks up all the sparkly pieces for the holidays.
They might not last beyond the season, but they never need water, so you don‘t have to add to the to–do list.
27. Winter-Themed Salt & Pepper Shakers
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Cute and unexpected, tiny snowmen, mini trees, or reindeer salt and pepper shakers are a fun addition to the tray without being overly kitschy.
Small details like these create a fun and personal aspect to your winter design, without becoming too much.
28. Gold Glitter Tree Decoration
Gold glitter trees add that holiday sparkle to everything. Simple, but eye-catching, and dresses up the tray in an instant.
Just enough glam to offset coziness, for those who like a bit of everything for the holiday season.
29. Cotton Wool Fake Snow
Cotton wool fake snow creates a soft, whimsical base for the tray. It adds a winter and magical feel to the display, especially with candles or mini trees.
It is the easiest way to fake snow without dealing with a ton of snow and mess.
30. Minimalist Decor
Sometimes less really is more. A candle, a sprig of green, and a tray can be stunning and look beautiful all on their own.
It can feel fresh, calm, and it feels like a perfect fit to life after shopping and preparing for a busy holiday season.
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