What is a butler tray table?

A butler tray table consists of a removable wooden tray with four raised sides, often featuring cut-out handles, resting upon a collapsible wooden X-frame stand. Originally designed for portability, these tables allowed household staff to clear glasses and serve drinks before folding away when not in use.

How do I use a wine table?

Wine tables work well beside armchairs or sofas as a stable resting spot for a glass, book, or small lamp. Because of their lightweight circular tops and pillar bases, they move easily around a room to wherever a surface is needed.

How do I identify a Georgian table?

Georgian tables date from the 18th and early 19th centuries, displaying restrained classical proportions, dense mahogany timber, and subtle hand-cut joinery details. They often lack the heavier ornamentation seen in later Victorian pieces, relying instead on the natural grain of the wood.

Are these tables sturdy enough for daily use?

Most of these tables were built for active domestic service, utilising robust timbers like mahogany and oak alongside practical folding mechanisms. Provided the joints and stands remain secure, they handle normal daily placement of drinks and decorative objects without difficulty.