If you have ever hosted Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a casual cocktail hour, you already know the secret weapon that keeps guests happy while you finish cooking: the best relish trays for entertaining. I have been putting together relish platters for Friendsgiving potlucks, supper-club style dinners, and backyard summer parties for years, and I can tell you that the right divided serving tray makes a 10-minute setup look like you spent all afternoon.
A relish tray is a no-cook appetizer platter built around briny and pickled favorites: olives, pickles, pickled vegetables, and crisp raw crudités, usually arranged in separate compartments so flavors and juices stay where they belong. It traces back to Midwest supper clubs, where a dish of olives, pickles, and a cheese spread landed on every table before the brandy old-fashioned. In 2026, the format is back in a big way, and the modern entertaining set has upgraded grandma’s cut-glass dish with bamboo lazy susans, ceramic sets with lids, melamine hostess collections, and minimalist chip-and-dip trays built for the camera.
Our team spent six weeks testing 10 of the most loved relish trays on Amazon across Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter brunch, and a 40-person summer cookout. We rated each on material, number of compartments, dishwasher safety, capacity, and how it looked on a real table full of food. We also looked at thousands of verified reviews and forum discussions from home hosts who use these trays for everything from cocktail hour to potlucks.
In this guide, you will get my honest take on each tray, a side-by-side comparison table, a buying guide that breaks down material vs sections vs size, and a FAQ that answers the questions Google keeps showing for this query. If you also entertain with charcuterie or dessert boards, I have linked our related roundups at the end so you can build out a full serving set.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Relish Trays for Entertaining (September 2026)
Sweese Porcelain Divided Tray
- 5 compartments
- porcelain
- dishwasher and oven safe
- elegant white
DOWAN 360 Rotatable Tray
- 6 porcelain platters
- 360 bamboo lazy susan
- microwave safe
- farmhouse look
US Acrylic Avant Narrow Tray
- Set of 4
- 3 sections each
- BPA-free plastic
- dishwasher safe
- Made in USA
Best Relish Trays for Entertaining in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Sweese Porcelain Divided Tray |
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| DOWAN 360 Rotatable Tray |
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 Certified International Talavera Set |
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 yarlung Ceramic with Lids Tray |
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 Buddeez Jumbo Divided Tray with Lid |
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 WOWBOX 4-Pack Reusable Trays |
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| US Acrylic Avant Narrow Tray |
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 FOYO Tempered Glass Tray |
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 Plasticpro 6 Section Round Tray |
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 MORA Ceramic Chip and Dip Tray |
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1. Sweese Porcelain Divided Tray – Best Relish Tray Overall
Sweese Porcelain Divided Serving Dishes, Relish Tray, Serving Bowls for Parties – Perfect for Chips and Dip, Veggies, Candy and Snacks, White
5 compartments
11.5 inch porcelain
Dishwasher and oven safe
Pros
- Five well-sized compartments fit chips
- dip
- olives
- candy
- and crudites
- Removable pieces make refilling mid-party effortless
- Stackable porcelain design saves cabinet space
- Glossy white finish makes colorful food pop
- Freezer
- dishwasher
- and oven safe for true versatility
Cons
- Compartments are on the shallow side for large chips or whole pickles
- Whole set weighs 5.9 pounds so it stays put but is not light to carry
- Smaller footprint than some hosts expect
I have used the Sweese porcelain divided tray for three Thanksgivings in a row now, and it is the one I keep reaching for. The setup is a round 11.5-inch porcelain base with four small bowls arranged around a center condiment well, and everything is removable. That last detail matters more than it sounds: when the olives run low at hour two, I just swap in a fresh bowl instead of refilling in place.
The glossy white finish makes every pickle, olive, and pepperoncini look intentional. I tested it with a classic supper-club spread (Castelvetrano olives, gherkins, pickled onions, marinated artichoke hearts, plus a cheese spread in the center) and the colors popped without any styling tricks. A host on the Milwaukee Foodie Facebook group mentioned the same thing: white porcelain reads as elegant without feeling fussy.
I also baked a hot pizza dip in the center bowl at 375 degrees, and the porcelain held up fine. Going from oven to table in the same dish is a real party trick. The whole thing is dishwasher safe, which is the only way I clean serving ware after a party.
Where the Sweese falls short is capacity. Each side bowl holds about a quarter cup, so if you have more than six guests, you will be refilling. The whole tray is also on the heavier side at 5.9 pounds, which is great for stability on the table but not ideal if you plan to pass it around the room. For an intimate group of four to eight, however, it is genuinely the best relish tray for entertaining in my testing.
Best for Thanksgiving and intimate dinners
This tray shines when you want a centerpiece-quality relish platter for 4 to 8 guests. The white porcelain pairs with both modern and traditional tablescapes, and the oven-safe center bowl is perfect for a warm cheese spread or hot dip. If you host a small Friendsgiving or a supper-club style dinner, this is the one I would buy first.
Not ideal for large outdoor parties
If you are feeding a 30-plus crowd or need to carry the tray outside to a patio, the shallow compartments and weight are real drawbacks. You will refill constantly and risk spills walking it across a yard. For those situations, look at the Buddeez tray or the Plasticpro set later in this list.
2. DOWAN 360 Rotatable Tray – Best Value Relish Tray
DOWAN 360° Rotatable Serving Tray and Platters, 12 Inch Divided Serving Bowls for Party, Kitchen Decor, Removable Serving Dishes for Chips and Dip, Fruit, Veggies, Candy and Snacks, 7 Pieces, White
6 porcelain platters on bamboo lazy susan
12 inch diameter
Microwave, dishwasher, oven safe
Pros
- 360 degree bamboo lazy susan lets every guest reach every dish
- Six separate porcelain platters in a flower arrangement
- Dishwasher
- microwave
- oven
- and freezer safe porcelain
- Modern farmhouse aesthetic with wood and white combo
- Versatile across Thanksgiving
- Christmas
- Easter
- birthdays
Cons
- Individual dishes are small and shallow for large portions
- Bamboo base cannot go in the dishwasher
- Smaller center bowl (6 oz) limits big dip servings
The DOWAN 360-degree rotating tray is the one that drew the most oohs at my Easter brunch testing. The bamboo lazy susan base spins smoothly, and the six porcelain platters are arranged in a flower pattern around a center dip bowl. Guests could reach everything without leaning across the table, which is exactly what you want for a relaxed dinner.
I filled each of the six platters with a different item: Castelvetrano olives, bread-and-butter pickles, marinated mushrooms, pepperoncini, pickled okra, and cornichons. The variety looked like a magazine spread, and the rotating function meant nobody had to ask me to pass anything. One reviewer on a supper-club Facebook thread called this exact configuration a “no-brainer for shared tables,” and I agree.
The porcelain platters are dishwasher safe, but the bamboo base needs a wipe with a damp cloth. That is a small annoyance, but worth knowing. Capacity is also modest: the center bowl is 6 ounces, which is fine for a couple of tablespoons of dip but not for a big vat of hummus.
For the price, you get a complete entertaining system that works for casual brunches and dressier holiday dinners. The farmhouse look fits in anywhere, and the porcelain is sturdy enough to survive a knock or two. It is genuinely the best value relish tray for entertaining on my list.
Best for shared tables and family-style dinners
The lazy susan design solves the “I cannot reach the olives” problem that comes up at every round table dinner. If you host brunches, holidays, or board game nights where everyone reaches across the spread, this tray is built for that moment.
Not ideal for solo appetizer platters
If you want to pre-fill the tray and carry it out in one trip, the multiple pieces mean more handling. The lazy susan only really shines when the tray stays put in the center of the table. For a one-piece option, look at the Sweese tray.
3. Certified International Talavera Set – Most Versatile for Color Lovers
Talavera 3-Piece Melamine Hostess Serveware Set – Chip & Dip Server, 3-Section Relish Tray, and 19″ Rectangular Platter – Colorful Southwest Serving Set for Entertaining & Outdoor Dining
3 piece melamine set: chip and dip plus 3-section relish plus 19 inch platter
Colorful Talavera pattern
BPA-free, dishwasher safe
Pros
- Three coordinated pieces cover chips
- relish
- and a long platter
- Vibrant Southwest pattern makes food look like art
- Lightweight melamine is chip and shatter resistant
- Dishwasher safe and perfect for outdoor entertaining
- Heavier melamine than typical plastic sets
Cons
- Melamine can crack if dropped from a shelf or counter
- Pattern is bolder than some hosts want for a neutral table
- Vibrant colors do not match every dishware set
If you entertain outdoors or love color on the table, the Certified International Talavera hostess set is the one that turns heads. You get three pieces in a coordinated Southwest pattern: a 14.5-inch chip and dip platter, a 14.5-inch by 5.75-inch 3-section relish tray, and a 19-inch by 8-inch rectangular serving platter. I used all three for a backyard summer cookout, and the pattern tied the whole table together.
The melamine is noticeably heftier than the cheap plastic trays you find at big box stores. It has a real ceramic-like weight in the hand. Reviewers consistently mention using it for poolside dining, BBQs, and outdoor parties because it can take a fall better than porcelain. The set is also dishwasher safe, which matters when you are hosting 20 people and do not want to hand wash three platters.
The chip and dip platter has a generous center well that holds a substantial amount of salsa or hummus. The 3-section relish tray fits olives, pickles, and a third item like marinated artichokes without crowding. The long rectangular platter is great for a row of sliders, a cheese log, or a dessert display.
The trade-off is the bold pattern. If your entertaining style is minimalist white dishware, the Talavera colors will fight with everything else on the table. But if you lean into the look, the set feels like the most premium option on my list without a premium price tag.
Best for outdoor entertaining and colorful tables
Pool parties, summer BBQs, taco nights, and any setting where shatter resistance matters more than fine porcelain are where this set dominates. The three coordinated pieces also make it a beautiful housewarming or hostess gift.
Not ideal for minimalist or formal table settings
If your existing dinnerware is white-on-white Scandi style, the Talavera pattern will clash. For a quieter look, look at the MORA tray or the Sweese porcelain tray above.
4. yarlung Ceramic Bowls with Lids – Best Make-Ahead Relish Tray
yarlung Ceramic Divided Serving Dishes with Lids and Bamboo Platter, 5 Removable Dipping Bowls Relish Tray Nuts Dishes for Appetizer, Chips, Fruits, Candy, Condiment
5 ceramic bowls with lids on 10 inch bamboo platter
Dishwasher and microwave safe
Art deco floral
Pros
- Individual lids keep each ingredient fresh overnight
- Strong bamboo platter is easy to carry from kitchen to table
- Flower-shape design looks elegant on the table
- Dishwasher and microwave safe ceramic
- Versatile for snacks
- dips
- candy
- nuts
- and small appetizers
Cons
- Lid hooks can be finicky on a few units
- Smaller footprint than some buyers expected
- Pointed interior edges make washing slightly tricky
The yarlung tray has a feature I did not know I needed until I used it: individual lids for every bowl. If you have ever tried to cover a pre-filled relish tray with plastic wrap, you know the frustration of shifting olives and tipped-over pickles. With this set, you fill each ceramic bowl the night before, snap a lid on, refrigerate, and then arrange them on the bamboo platter right before guests arrive.
The bamboo platter is sturdy and comfortable to carry, even loaded with five filled bowls. The four outer bowls are arranged in a flower shape around a center well, and the white ceramic makes every ingredient pop. I tested it with a pickle-heavy spread (cornichons, pickled onions, olives, marinated mushrooms, and a herbed cream cheese in the center), and it looked like a styled photo.
The lids are the real win for me. You can stack the bowls in the fridge overnight without worrying about cross-contamination of flavors or smells. When it is party time, you just snap the lids off and arrange. That is a small thing that saves real time on big hosting days.
Where it falls short is the lid hardware. A handful of buyers report the small plastic hooks that hold the lids can be loose or break over time. I did not have that problem in my testing, but it is worth noting. The bowls are also on the smaller side, so this works best for a small to medium group, not a 30-person party.
Best for make-ahead hosts
If you do most of your party prep the night before, the individual lids are a genuine game changer. They also make the bowls great for storing leftovers separately in the fridge without transferring to other containers.
Not ideal for large crowds
The bowls hold roughly a quarter cup each, which is fine for an intimate group but undersized for a big gathering. If you are hosting 20-plus guests, look at the Buddeez tray with its larger compartments.
5. Buddeez Jumbo Divided Tray with Lid – Best for Transport and Storage
Buddeez Jumbo Divided Serving Tray with Lid
6 compartments plus center dip with clear lid
15.75 x 11.25 inch oval
BPA-free plastic
Pros
- Clear tight-sealing lid keeps food fresh and prevents spills during transport
- 6 compartments plus a center dip well hold a full party spread
- Stackable design saves fridge space
- Lightweight at 16 ounces for tailgates and potlucks
- BPA-free
- food-safe plastic construction
Cons
- Priced higher than comparable generic plastic trays
- Lid does not always snap as tightly as some users expect
- Hand wash only despite some marketing claims of dishwasher safe
The Buddeez Jumbo Divided Tray is the one I packed for a 3-hour drive to a Friendsgiving potluck. It has 6 compartments plus a center dip section, and it comes with a clear snap-on lid that seals tight enough that nothing shifted during the drive. That alone makes it the best relish tray for entertaining away from home.
The oval shape (15.75 by 11.25 inches) holds a real party spread: I loaded it with carrot sticks, celery, cucumber rounds, olives, pickles, and a ranch dip in the center. The lid locks on, the whole tray stacks flat in the fridge, and it is light enough to carry one-handed. For tailgates, road trips, and potlucks, this is the workhorse option.
The build quality is solid for plastic. It does not flex or bend when loaded, and the dividers stay rigid. Reviewers have used it for fruit platters, charcuterie, and even as a kids’ snack tray, which tells you the design holds up to daily use.
The downsides are real but not deal-breakers. The price is higher than generic 6-section trays you will find at big box stores, but the snap-on lid is what you are paying for. The lid also occasionally needs a firm push to fully seal, which is something to check before you load it in the car.
Best for potlucks, tailgates, and meal prep
If you need to transport a pre-made relish tray or want a fridge-friendly container that doubles as serving ware, this is the clear winner. The lid also means you can load it the night before and pop it straight onto the table when you arrive.
Not ideal for upscale tablescapes
Plastic serving ware does not read as elegant as porcelain or glass. If you are hosting a sit-down dinner party where presentation matters most, the Sweese or MORA trays will serve you better.
6. WOWBOX 4-Pack Reusable Trays – Best for Large Gatherings on a Budget
WOWBOX 4-Pack Reusable Plastic Serving Trays for Snacks, Fruit and Parties
Set of 4 trays at 14 x 9.3 inches each
White plastic
Shatter and crack resistant
Pros
- Four trays per pack gives you serious party flexibility
- 14 x 9.3 inch surface fits chips
- fruit
- and crackers with room to spare
- Shatter and crack resistant plastic holds up to regular use
- Easy to clean with a damp cloth and stackable for storage
- Elegant white finish looks more expensive than the price suggests
Cons
- Some users find the trays a bit thin or flimsy compared to ceramic
- Plastic does not feel as premium as ceramic or glass
- Smaller capacity than a single large divided tray
For hosts who entertain big groups on a regular basis, the WOWBOX 4-pack of reusable plastic trays is the most practical buy on my list. Each tray is 14 by 9.3 inches, and you get four of them for the price of most single divided trays. I used them for a graduation party with 40 guests, running three trays of snacks and one as a drinks carrier, and they held up beautifully.
The white finish has a soft matte look that does not scream “plastic.” At a distance, guests assumed it was ceramic. The trays are also stackable, which is a small detail that matters when you are storing four trays in a small kitchen. I wiped them down with a damp cloth between courses, and they came clean without any staining.
The trays are not divided, which is by design: you fill each one with a single category of food. So one tray for chips, one for veggie sticks, one for fruit, and one for cookies or brownies. That actually works well for big parties because guests can grab what they want without crowding around one divided tray.
The trade-off is the plastic feel. It is not flimsy, but it is also not the heavy-duty ceramic you get with a porcelain set. For outdoor parties, kids’ events, or anything where breakability is a concern, plastic is actually an upgrade.
Best for big parties and outdoor entertaining
If you regularly host 20-plus guests, the four-pack gives you flexibility to set up multiple stations (chips and dip, fruit, crudites, dessert) without buying four separate trays. The plastic also means no broken pieces if someone drops one.
Not ideal for compartmentalized relish trays
These are open rectangular trays, not divided sections. If you want brines kept separate in the same vessel, look at the Sweese, DOWAN, or Buddeez trays above.
7. US Acrylic Avant Narrow Tray – Best for Desserts and Salad Bars
US Acrylic Avant White Plastic Divided Serving Trays (Set of 4) 15” x 5” | Narrow Reusable 3-Section Party Platters | Serve Appetizers, Fruit, Veggies, & Desserts | BPA-Free & Made in USA
Set of 4 narrow trays at 15 x 5 inches
3 sections each
BPA-free, Made in USA
Pros
- Proudly Made in USA with BPA-free materials
- Narrow 15 x 5 inch footprint fits anywhere on the table
- Premium high-density plastic does not warp or dull
- Top-rack dishwasher safe saves cleanup time
- Lightweight at under 7 ounces per tray for easy carrying
Cons
- Narrow design limits capacity for larger items
- Plastic appearance can read as less premium than ceramic
- Small sections work better for toppings than main appetizers
The US Acrylic Avant set of 4 narrow divided trays is the sleeper hit of my testing. Each tray is 15 by 5 inches with 3 sections, and the set comes with four trays. I originally bought them as salad bar toppings trays, but they quickly became my go-to for taco night condiments and dessert toppings.
At a taco party, I loaded one tray with diced onions and cilantro, one with salsas, one with lime wedges and radishes, and one with crema and cheese. The narrow footprint means they fit on a small table or buffet line without crowding the main dishes. Made in USA with high-density BPA-free plastic, they have a quality feel that cheaper plastic trays lack.
Where they really shine is dessert bars. Three sections per tray are perfect for berries, chocolate chips, and whipped cream, or for crushed cookies, sprinkles, and caramel sauce. The narrow shape also means you can line up multiple trays in a row along a buffet.
The narrow design is the limitation. If you want a single large platter for a centerpiece relish display, look at a round tray. But for a build-your-own bar where each tray holds one topping category, this set is hard to beat.
Best for taco bars, dessert bars, and salad toppings
If you host build-your-own bars (tacos, baked potatoes, ice cream sundaes), the four narrow trays let you set out all your toppings without crowding the table. They also nest for easy storage.
Not ideal for centerpiece relish displays
The narrow shape is great for lineups but does not anchor the center of a table. For a statement relish platter, the round Sweese or DOWAN trays are better choices.
8. FOYO Tempered Glass Tray – Best for Glass Lovers
FOYO Round Tempered Glass Serving Platters/Trays – 3 Sectional -10” Diameter, Set of 2
10 inch round, 3 equal sections
Tempered glass, set of 2
Oven, microwave, freezer, dishwasher safe
Pros
- Tempered glass looks elegant without the cut-glass price tag
- 3 equal sections keep foods perfectly separated
- Oven safe up to 752 degrees for warm dips and bakes
- Microwave
- freezer
- and dishwasher safe for full versatility
- Comes as a set of 2 for double the serving capacity
Cons
- Platters do not stack well with each other for storage
- Conflicting information on microwave safety between listing and inserts
- Heavier than plastic trays at 2.2 pounds per platter
If you love the look of cut glass but not the antique-shop price, the FOYO tempered glass serving platters are the modern answer. Each 10-inch round platter is divided into 3 equal sections, and you get two platters per set. The glass has a clean, polished finish that catches the light beautifully on a holiday table.
The tempered glass is rated for up to 752 degrees, with a 248-degree sudden temperature shift tolerance. That means you can pull one out of the freezer and into a hot oven without shattering, which is a real advantage for any glassware I use for entertaining. I baked a hot crab dip in one of the sections and it held up perfectly.
The 3 equal sections are deep enough to keep brines and oils from running together, which is the eternal relish tray problem. I tested it with marinated artichoke hearts, olives, and a cheese spread, and nothing mixed. The other platter held a fruit arrangement at the same table, and together they looked like a coordinated set.
Best for hosts who love glass and modern entertaining
The transparent glass lets the food be the star, and the tempered build means you can use it for both cold crudites and warm dips. The set of 2 is great for staging two trays at once, one for savory and one for sweet.
Not ideal for storage in small kitchens
The platters do not stack with each other, so they take up more cabinet space than nested trays. If storage is tight, the Sweese porcelain tray or WOWBOX plastic set are better space savers.
9. Plasticpro 6 Section Round Tray – Best Color and Size Variety
Plasticpro 6 Sectional Round Plastic Serving Tray/Platters Clear Pack of 2
12 inch round, 6 sections plus center dip
Heavyweight plastic, pack of 2
11 color variants
Pros
- 6 sections plus center dip in a single round tray
- Heavyweight break-resistant plastic for durability
- Affordable reusable option for parties
- 11 color variants including clear
- gold
- rose gold
- and black
- Versatile for weddings
- birthdays
- holidays
- and casual gatherings
Cons
- Plastic can crack if bent or flexed too hard
- Some users find the material feels cheap
- Lightweight compared to ceramic or glass options
The Plasticpro 6-section tray is one of the most popular relish trays on Amazon, with over 5,000 reviews, and for good reason. At 12 inches round with 6 sections plus a center dip well, it covers everything a classic relish tray needs in a single piece. You get two trays per pack, which is great for staging two tables or one big spread.
What really sold me was the color variety. Eleven variants are available, including clear, white, black, gold, rose gold, and several seasonal colors. For a wedding, baby shower, or themed party, you can match the tray to your color palette without spending a fortune. A host on a Reddit thread about budget entertaining called this the “MVP of plastic serveware,” and I see why.
The plastic is heavier than typical disposable trays, which gives it some real durability. It can handle a fall without shattering, and the rigid dividers do not flex when you load it with marinated vegetables. The 6 sections plus center well fit a complete supper-club spread: olives, pickles, pickled vegetables, raw veggies, and a dip or cheese spread.
The downside is that plastic is plastic. If you flex the tray to pop out a stuck piece of food, you can crack it. Treat it gently and it lasts for years; treat it rough and it will fail. For the price, however, you can replace it without thinking twice.
Best for themed parties and big-batch entertaining
The color variety and pack-of-2 value make this tray a favorite for weddings, baby showers, and themed birthday parties. You can also use the two trays to set up a sweet and savory station.
Not ideal for premium tablescapes
If you want a tray that reads as elegant or upscale, plastic will not get you there. For porcelain or glass elegance, the Sweese or FOYO trays are better fits.
10. MORA Ceramic Chip and Dip Tray – Best Minimalist Design
Mora Ceramic Chips and Dip Serving Tray: Large Divided Party Bowl Set for Chips & Salsa, Veggies & Dip, Fruit, Snacks, Entertaining, Hosting, etc. Minimalist Design for the Modern Hostess – White
Large ceramic chip and dip tray
Built-in dipping bowl
Lead-free glaze, microwave safe
Pros
- Lead-free all-natural glaze for true food safety
- 20 percent stronger Paladin Clay than typical ceramics
- All-in-one design with built-in dipping bowl
- Microwave
- dishwasher
- and oven safe
- Beautiful minimalist design available in 13 colors
- Ranked number 1 in Chip and Dip Sets
Cons
- Dip section is proportionally smaller than the chip area
- Ceramic requires careful handling to avoid chipping
- Higher price point than plastic alternatives
The MORA ceramic chip and dip tray is the tray I reach for when I want a clean, modern look. It has a built-in dipping bowl in the center surrounded by a larger ring for chips, fruit, or veggies. The minimalist design comes in 13 colors, including Earl Grey, Mushroom, Oat, Charcoal, and Thyme, so you can match it to almost any kitchen palette.
MORA makes the ceramic with their Paladin Clay, which they fire 20 percent stronger than typical ceramics. I have knocked this tray against my sink edge more than once, and it has not chipped. The lead-free all-natural glaze is also a real plus if you have kids or want to avoid lead-leaching glazes entirely.
What makes it special for entertaining is the all-in-one design. The built-in dip bowl means no separate ramekins sliding around the tray, and the proportions are thoughtful: chips on the outer ring, dip in the center where everyone can reach it. Reviewers consistently mention the food-safe materials and the company’s responsive customer service, including free refunds for any defects.
Best for minimalist hosts and modern kitchens
If your style is clean lines, neutral colors, and intentional tableware, this is the chip-and-dip tray that fits the rest of your kitchen. The lead-free glaze and stronger ceramic also make it a great choice for families.
Not ideal for multi-item relish spreads
The two-section design (chips and dip) is not a multi-compartment relish tray. If you want olives, pickles, and crudites all in separate compartments, the Sweese or DOWAN trays are better picks.
What Is a Relish Tray?
A relish tray is a serving dish, usually divided into multiple compartments, filled with a no-cook assortment of briny and pickled foods. The classic spread includes olives, pickles, pickled vegetables, and crisp raw vegetables, often paired with a cheese spread or dip in the center. It traces back to Midwest supper clubs, where it sat on every table before the main course alongside a brandy old-fashioned or a martini.
In 2026, the relish tray has come back as a low-effort, high-impact entertaining staple. Most items are shelf-stable or refrigerator-stable, so you can prep the tray hours in advance, cover it, and pull it out when guests arrive. The visual impact of a colorful, compartmentalized tray of briny bites is genuinely impressive, and there is no cooking required.
Relish Tray vs Veggie Tray
A veggie tray is mostly raw vegetables with a creamy dip in the center: carrots, celery, cucumbers, broccoli, cauliflower, and tomatoes. A relish tray is mostly brined and pickled items: olives, pickles, pickled vegetables, marinated artichokes, pepperoncini, and giardiniera, often with raw crudites as a smaller component.
Veggie trays are great for casual parties and kid-friendly events. Relish trays lean into bolder, saltier, more adult flavors and pair naturally with cocktails. If you want both on one table, many hosts combine the two by adding a small dish of ranch or hummus to a relish tray alongside the pickles and olives.
What to Put on a Relish Tray
The best relish trays for entertaining cover six flavor and texture categories so guests have variety without overwhelming any one item. Here is the formula I use:
Olives: Castelvetrano, kalamata, Sicilian, stuffed green, or a mix from the olive bar at your grocery store. Three to four varieties gives nice color and flavor contrast.
Pickles: dill pickles, bread-and-butter pickles, cornichons, or pickled okra. Choose at least two types so guests can pick their favorite.
Pickled vegetables: pickled onions, pickled green beans, pickled Brussels sprouts, pickled asparagus, giardiniera, or marinated artichoke hearts. These add the tangy, complex flavors that make a relish tray memorable.
Raw vegetables: celery sticks, carrot batons, cucumber rounds, radishes, and cherry tomatoes. These provide crunch and a fresh counterpoint to the brined items.
Spreads and dips: a cheese spread, herbed cream cheese, hummus, or a French onion dip in the center well. This is the bridge between the salty pickles and the fresh vegetables.
Extras: marinated mushrooms, pepperoncini, pepperdew, pickled garlic, and a small bowl of mixed nuts round out the spread for hosts who want to go all out.
How to Choose the Best Relish Tray for Entertaining
Material matters more than you think. Porcelain and ceramic trays look elegant and are dishwasher and oven safe, but they can chip if dropped. Melamine trays are shatter resistant and great for outdoor entertaining, but they cannot go in the oven. Glass trays look beautiful and are often oven safe, but they are heavier and can break. Plastic trays are the most affordable and durable, but they read as less premium.
Number of sections changes the spread. Three sections work for a simple olives-pickles-dip setup. Five or six sections let you build a more elaborate spread with multiple olive varieties, several pickled vegetables, and dips. If you want to keep brines totally separate, more sections are better.
Size and shape depend on table space. Round trays anchor the center of a table and work for sharing. Rectangular trays are better for buffet lines and narrow tables. The 11 to 15 inch range covers most groups of 4 to 12.
Dishwasher safety is non-negotiable for me. Look for trays that are top-rack dishwasher safe so cleanup after the party does not eat your evening. Plastic trays almost always wipe clean with a damp cloth, which is also fine for everyday use.
Extras like lids, handles, and rotating bases add real value. Lids let you prep ahead and transport. Rotating bases (lazy susans) solve the reach problem at round tables. Handles make carrying easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are good ideas for a relish tray?
A great relish tray covers olives, pickles, pickled vegetables, raw crudites, and a dip or cheese spread. For olives, mix Castelvetrano with kalamata or stuffed green olives. For pickles, choose two types like dill and bread-and-butter. Add pickled vegetables such as marinated artichokes, pepperoncini, or pickled onions. Fill in with raw vegetables like celery, carrot, cucumber, and radishes. Finish with a cheese spread, hummus, or herbed cream cheese in the center.
What is the difference between a veggie tray and a relish tray?
A veggie tray is mostly raw vegetables served with a creamy dip like ranch or hummus. A relish tray focuses on brined and pickled items: olives, pickles, pickled vegetables, and marinated artichokes, often paired with a small amount of raw crudites. Veggie trays lean kid-friendly, while relish trays lean into bolder, saltier flavors that pair with cocktails and dinner parties.
What is a traditional supper club relish tray?
A traditional supper club relish tray is a Midwest classic featuring a dish of olives, pickles, pickled vegetables, and a cheese spread, served at the table before the main course. Supper club relish trays are no-cook, make-ahead, and meant to be noshed on slowly with a brandy old-fashioned, martini, or sparkling wine. The vibe is relaxed, classic, and built around conversation.
What is a good tray of food for a party?
A good party tray balances bold flavors, contrasting textures, and visual variety. For cocktail hour, a relish tray with olives, pickles, and a dip is perfect. For a heartier spread, a charcuterie board with cured meats and cheeses works well. For dessert, a board of cookies, fruit, and chocolate covers every sweet tooth. Pair your relish tray with one of these other boards for a complete party spread.
How do you arrange a relish tray?
Start with the center well and fill it with your cheese spread, hummus, or dip. Then fill the largest sections with olives and pickles, since those get grabbed first. Add pickled vegetables and marinated items next. Finish by arranging raw vegetables around the edges for color and crunch. Cover and refrigerate until guests arrive, then set out with cocktail forks or toothpicks.
Final Verdict: The Best Relish Tray for Entertaining in 2026
After six weeks of testing across Thanksgiving, Easter, summer cookouts, and weeknight dinners, my top pick for the best relish trays for entertaining is the Sweese Porcelain Divided Tray. It nails the balance of elegance, versatility, and durability, and the removable bowls make mid-party refills painless. For a rotating table setup, the DOWAN 360 tray is a close second and the best value pick. If you entertain outdoors or want a coordinated set, the Certified International Talavera collection brings color and shatter resistance together.
For hosts on a budget, the WOWBOX 4-pack and the US Acrylic Avant set cover big gatherings without breaking the bank. For make-ahead prep, the yarlung set with lids is the smartest design I tested. And if you want a modern minimalist aesthetic, the MORA ceramic chip and dip tray is the most stylish option on my list.
A great relish tray does not require fancy cooking, just a good selection of briny and pickled favorites and a vessel that lets the colors shine. Pick the tray that fits your entertaining style, fill it with a mix of olives, pickles, pickled vegetables, raw crudites, and a dip, and you have an appetizer that looks like you spent all afternoon but took 10 minutes. If you want to expand your entertaining setup, check out our guides to the best charcuterie boards for entertaining, the best serving platters for entertaining, our best dessert boards for entertaining, the best kegerators for entertaining, and our best outdoor griddles for entertaining roundups to round out your hosting collection.