Looking for nautical serving tray ideas? Discover how to style a coastal serving tray with vintage dishes and hydrangeas for cozy mornings and seaside charm.
Summer mornings call for a touch of coastal charm, and nothing inspires me more than fresh nautical serving tray ideas to brighten the start of my day.
Handmade by Nautical Boards, this stunning tray crafted from rich sapele and mahogany brings seaside elegance right into your bedroom.
Today, I’m sharing how I styled mine with blue and white vintage dishes for a cozy breakfast in bed, perfect for relaxing after a busy weekend or treating yourself to a serene coastal morning.

What is Sapele?
Sapele is a large tropical African hardwood tree known for its rich, reddish-brown timber that closely resembles mahogany. Its striking color and natural luster make it a popular choice for high-quality, decorative wood pieces.
These decorative serving trays, handcrafted by Nautical Boards, are available in both sapele and mahogany, each adding a luxurious coastal touch to your home decor.

Oh my, these nautical serving trays are absolutely gorgeous!
I was thrilled when Nautical Boards reached out to me and asked if I would review one of their stunning nautical serving trays.
After a long stretch of rainy days and entertaining friends here at our coastal Maine home, I was exhausted and ready for a little TLC.
So what did I do?
THIS!


In My Mother’s Maine Home
Step inside our inherited coastal Maine home where antiques, thrifted treasures, and family memories come together. Explore the full series for room-by-room decorating ideas, restoration updates, and the story behind this special place.
Styling Ideas for Your Nautical Serving Tray
For a cozy coastal morning, I styled my nautical serving tray with soft blue and white clothesline sheets from the Vermont Country Store, comfy pajamas, and fluffy white hydrangeas in a vintage pewter pitcher. I added a steaming mug of coffee in my mother’s old “Low Tide” mugs, my favorite nod to our seaside roots, and, of course, a bowl of fresh Maine blueberries for a sweet, local touch.
This simple setup creates a relaxing breakfast in bed that’s both beautiful and meaningful, bringing together vintage pieces, coastal colors, and a few personal heirlooms.

This nautical serving tray is just one of my favorite cozy ideas from my Styling Tips series. If you’re looking for more creative ways to decorate with vintage, coastal, and thrifted finds, be sure to check out all my styling tips below and get inspired for your own home!

Try a Styling Tip!
Looking for simple, vintage-inspired decorating ideas you can try in an afternoon? Explore all my Styling Tips for easy seasonal projects, quick DIYs, and creative ways to style your home with charm.
My favorite coffee? Blueberry, of course! How about you, what’s your go-to morning brew?


Recommended Reading
You may also find more unique coastal decorations in this Coastal Wall Decor Ideas: 1920s Women’s Bathing Suit post.
In bed, with the most elegant sapele serving tray, fresh blueberries, and my favorite blueberry coffee, this is my kind of self-pampering.
What’s your favorite way to relax when you need a little “me time”?
I also love getting lost in a good book on the beach. And wouldn’t this nautical serving tray be just perfect for a beach picnic or even breakfast on a boat?

My favorite nautical serving tray can even be engraved, making it perfect for gifts, company retreats, awards, housewarmings, weddings, and so much more.
I truly can’t recommend these beautiful nautical serving trays enough. They’re the perfect blend of coastal charm and timeless quality!

Our hydrangeas are just starting to bloom here in Maine, but I picked up these beauties from Trader Joe’s over a week ago, and they still look fresh and gorgeous.
Want to keep your cut hydrangeas looking their best? Here’s my secret: add hot water to the vase every morning, and trim the stems every 3–4 days for long-lasting blooms.


Explore Vintage Bedroom Decor Guide
Ready to give your bedroom timeless character and charm? Explore my Vintage Bedroom Décor Guide featuring 50+ cozy styling ideas using antique furniture, vintage linens, and heirloom accents—all inspired by our Vermont and Maine homes.
There’s nothing quite like starting your day with cozy coastal charm, and this nautical serving tray is the perfect piece to make every morning feel special. Whether you’re enjoying breakfast in bed, setting up a seaside picnic, or adding a touch of nautical decor to your home, these serving trays bring elegance and timeless style wherever they go.

Have you tried styling a nautical serving tray in your own home? Share your ideas and favorite ways to use a coastal serving tray in the comments below, I’d love to hear how you bring coastal comfort into your mornings!

Recommended Reading
You may also enjoy reading this Coastal Bedding Ideas For Your Beach House post for more inspiration.
And if you’re looking for more coastal styling ideas, be sure to explore my blog for inspiration on vintage decor, thrifting finds, and cozy coastal living.


Top Vintage Decor Ideas & Thrifted Finds You’ll Love
Explore my most popular vintage decorating posts filled with personal stories, styling tips, and lessons learned from years of thrifting across New England and beyond.
7 Thrifted Finds I Regret Not Buying (And What I Learned)
9 Thrift Store Finds I Always Buy for Vintage Styling
9 Vintage Decor Pieces I’ll Never Part With
10 Vintage Decor Ideas I Spotted at Vintage Market Days Vermont
So head on over to Nautical Boards and check out their stunning nautical serving trays, you’re going to love them! My girlfriend loved mine so much, she bought one for her boat, which she sails right here along the coast of Maine and takes with her when she winters in the Caribbean. Talk about taking cozy nautical serving tray ideas on an adventure!
Frequently Asked Questions About Nautical Serving Tray Ideas
What are some easy nautical serving tray ideas for summer?
Try styling your nautical serving tray with blue and white vintage dishes, fresh hydrangeas, and seasonal fruits like Maine blueberries for a cozy coastal breakfast. You can also use it on a porch or patio with candles and seashells for easy summer entertaining.
Can a nautical serving tray be used for outdoor gatherings?
Yes! Nautical serving trays are perfect for outdoor spaces like decks, patios, or even boats. They add a touch of coastal charm while keeping drinks and snacks stylishly contained.
What materials are best for high-quality nautical serving trays?
Look for trays made from durable, elegant woods like sapele or mahogany with stainless steel handles. These materials not only look stunning but also hold up beautifully in coastal environments.
Can nautical serving trays be engraved for gifts?
Absolutely—many high-end nautical serving trays, like the ones from Nautical Boards, offer engraving options, making them perfect for weddings, housewarmings, company events, or special coastal gifts.
How do I keep cut hydrangeas looking fresh on my serving tray?
To keep hydrangeas vibrant, add hot water to the vase each morning and trim the stems every 3–4 days. This trick helps your floral centerpiece stay beautiful longer, adding lasting charm to your nautical serving tray ideas.
Your Guide to Embracing Eclectic Style, Vintage Finds, and Thrifted Home Inspiration~
Love decorating with vintage finds, thrifted treasures, and eclectic charm? I’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below, share this post with a vintage-loving friend, or join our Reader’s Showcase Series — where we feature your favorite thrifted and antique finds. Email me at [email protected] to be part of it!
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I love this Ann! I got one of these too and I’ve used it so much.
They are definitely beautiful 🙌🏻
Ann,
I love that tray. Perfect for a coastal party. Thanks for sharing my charcuterie board.
The new tray is glorious! For my relaxation, I would have everything you pictured, pj’s, sheets, mugs, coffee, flowers, blueberries, plus one more thing – a book! The light in your room is lovely too. Off to your link of those amazing trays!
Aren’t they beautiful Beth? Yes a good book too💁🏼♀️
Love the tray and you look like you were having a great relaxing time.
I was thank you Marlene💯
Loving the new serving tray! I think I may need to get myself one of those!!
It would be perfect on your boat🛥