Thomas Ebonized Tray

A black lacquer field inside a pierced silver fence, ready for the evening's glasses.

The Thomas ebonized tray is by Ralph Lauren, in nickel-plated brass. Gallery trays, with a raised pierced rim to keep glasses from sliding, have been a standard of the bar cart and sideboard since the 18th century. This one is a broad rectangle with softly rounded corners. The dark ebonized surface is smooth and glossy, reflecting the rim along its edges. The low gallery is pierced with a repeating row of small openings and sits on a plain silver band. It is 26.5 inches long and 19.5 deep.

Built for a tray of drinks, and a little smug about it.