A birch tray with a printed story: why care matters
The Elsa Beskow Tray from Design House Stockholm brings storybook illustration to the table. Its pattern is based on illustrations by Elsa Beskow, interpreted by designer Catharina Kippel, and it coordinates with matching mugs and bowls in the same series. The tray is available in the Children of the Forest motive, 27.5x13.5 cm.
That combination—a printed surface on a slim wooden tray—means two things can shorten its life if you are not careful: moisture, which can warp the wood, and light, which can fade the printed artwork. The good news is that a few simple habits cover both.
What the catalog confirms about this tray
- Elsa Beskow Tray: Available in the Children of the Forest motive, 27.5x13.5 cm The narrow, slim format is easy to store upright by mistake; knowing the exact size helps you plan flat storage.
Elsa Beskow Tray - Elsa Beskow Tray: Design House Stockholm tray featuring Elsa Beskow artwork, with illustrations interpreted by designer Catharina Kippel The printed artwork is the focal point, so cleaning and storage choices should protect the surface rather than scrub it.
- Elsa Beskow Tray: Part of a series that also includes mugs and bowls If you own the matching pieces, you can store and clean them together without mixing up care routines.
How to clean a birch tray without soaking it
The supplied product information does not include a manufacturer cleaning method, so treat the following as conservative, material-appropriate guidance rather than an official instruction. The goal is to remove crumbs and fingerprints without leaving water sitting on the wood or the printed surface.
Wipe with a soft, barely damp cloth—wring it out well first—then dry immediately with a soft towel. Avoid submerging the tray, running it under the tap, or leaving it to air-dry with droplets on the surface. For sticky spots, start with the gentlest approach and stop if the printed area shows any change. Never use abrasive scouring pads, and do not put the tray in a dishwasher; the supplied information does not confirm dishwasher suitability, and heat plus prolonged moisture are the classic routes to warping and surface damage.
A simple routine after every use
- Clear and shake off crumbs: Tip loose debris into the bin rather than wiping it across the printed surface, which can scratch the artwork over time.
- Wipe with a wrung-out cloth: Use a soft cloth that is damp, not wet. Work gently over the illustration.
- Dry immediately: Buff the surface with a dry towel, paying attention to the edges where water tends to collect.
- Put it away flat: Return the tray to flat storage rather than propping it upright against a wall.
Prevent tray warping: storage and moisture habits
Wood warps when one side takes on more moisture than the other, or when a damp tray is stored in a way that holds it out of shape. For a slim tray like this one, the biggest risks are storing it upright, stacking heavy items on top of it, or putting it away before it is fully dry.
Store the tray flat, in a dry spot away from radiators, kettles, and steamy kitchen zones. If you stack it with other trays, keep the pile light and put a soft cloth between surfaces to protect the printed artwork. After any cleaning, let the tray air for a few minutes in a dry room before it goes back into a cupboard—just don't leave it near a heat source, which can dry the wood unevenly.
Printed tray fading: what actually helps
Fading is cumulative, so small choices about where the tray lives make more difference than any single product. The supplied information does not include UV or finish specifications, so the safest approach is to limit exposure rather than rely on a coating.
- Keep it out of direct sun: A spot on a sunny windowsill or a table that catches strong afternoon light will fade printed artwork faster than a shaded interior wall.
- Rotate display positions: If you use the tray as a decorative piece, turn it occasionally so one edge does not take all the light.
- Store it out of the light: When the tray is not in use, a cupboard or drawer protects the print far better than leaving it on an open shelf.
- Avoid harsh cleaners: Strong solvents and abrasive pads can dull or wear the printed surface, which reads as fading even when the ink is intact.
Storing a serving tray between seasons
If the tray comes out mainly for holidays or gatherings, give it a proper rest. Clean and dry it fully, then store it flat with a soft cloth or acid-free tissue over the printed side. Avoid wrapping it tightly in plastic, which can trap moisture, and don't pile heavy items on top—the 27.5x13.5 cm format is slim, and pressure over months is exactly what you want to avoid.
Because the tray coordinates with matching mugs and bowls in the same series, it is tempting to store everything together. That works well as long as the tray stays flat and the heavier ceramics are not resting on its printed surface.
Quick checkpoints before you put the tray away
- Is the surface completely dry?: Run a finger along the edges; any coolness or visible dampness means it needs more drying time.
- Is it flat, not upright?: Flat storage is the simplest defence against warping.
- Is anything heavy on top?: Keep the stack light and put a cloth between surfaces.
- Is it away from heat and sun?: A dry cupboard protects both the wood and the printed artwork.
