Every miserable, bleary-eyed January, we are pressured to examine our waists, our expenses, our belongings—all with the goal of slimming down any and/or all of them. But why, we ask? Why accept this thoroughly un-Texan “less is more” philosophy? Why not instead create order from chaos, investing in trays, boxes, and bowls that corral clutter and streamline the mess? 

Keys? Jewelry? Bottles of booze? There’s little that can’t be brought into the almighty tray’s gravitational pull, thereby giving the illusion of organization. Voilà! Your stuff is not strewn about but stylishly on display—no diet required. Or at least no shopping diet, anyway. 

Left to Right:

1. Aerin shagreen rectangular tray, $325 at Neiman Marcus
2. Mirror and brass Holden tray, $257 at Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams.
3. Glass tray with vintage map of London image, $85 at Laurier Blanc.
4. Coil rope bowl, $48 at Biscuit.
5. John Derian Green Tones (Painter’s Studio) letter tray, $165 at Kuhl-Linscomb. 
6. Stone Paris bowl, $170 at Laurier Blanc.
7. Texas state map small tray, $76 at Biscuit.
8. L’Objet Lapis medium rectangular tray, $165 at Neiman Marcus. 
9. Joseph acrylic serving board, $95 at Laurier Blanc.
10. Small walnut burl lacquer box, $75 at Biscuit.
11. Fornasetti Architettura Grande scented candle/jar, $165 at Kuhl-Linscomb.
12. Aloe Vera porcelain jewelry holder, $57 at Biscuit.
13. Faux bois serving tray, $140 at Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams.
14. Lacquer box with marbleized paper inlay, $145 at Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams.
15. Michael Aram Rock dish, $139 at Neiman Marcus.