At Poconos house, trays help organize and display keepsakes

Part of the charm of any house is what is artfully displayed on coffee tables, end tables and bedside stands. Shazalynn Cavin-Winfrey is a fan of using trays to contain and set off objects. Here are some of her thoughts on putting together your own creative vignettes:

Build a tray collection. Trays create a frame for your objects and highlight them. Look for interesting trays at stores, yard sales and flea markets. Cavin-Winfrey says good places to start are West Elm (http://www.westelm.com), Wisteria (http://www.wisteria.com) and Great Stuff by Paul in Frederick (http://www.greatstuffbypaul.com).

Follow the rule of three. Group three like items. Or pick three items that are very different in scale and proportion but look pleasing together.

Display things that are important to your kids. This could include their rock, marble or leaf collections. Make room for their artwork, sculpture or personal notes they have written to you. It will make them feel special.

Combine intriguing objects you have collected on a tray. Cavin-Winfrey has done this with milagros, which are religious folk charms she picked up on trips to the Southwest.

Include objects that smell good, such as flowers or candles. Some of her favorite accessories are Minnesota wax-dipped pine cones by Lightstone (http://www.lightstone.com), which are available in many rich colors and have a woodsy aroma.

Stack several favorite books or magazines.

Pamper your guests. For guests at her Poconos retreat, Cavin-Winfrey puts a small basket on a tray holding beeswax hand balm, grapefruit-scented towelettes, ibuprofen, mints and first aid supplies.

-- J.K.