"A piece of decor that some might have once snubbed has come back in style, and that's the TV tray. First advertised in 1952, TV trays were typically sold in folding sets of four. Though it is tricky to track down exactly who invented the moveable object, the invention soon permeated all layers of society, even reaching the presidential household, before falling from grace."
"Around the same time that TV trays entered homes in the 1950s, TV dinners were also growing in popularity. The combination of easy-to-serve TV dinners paired with convenient serving trays helped families enjoy their favorite shows with little fuss. One article wondered whether TV trays contributed to the demise of family values, as the dining table became decentered and the television claimed center stage in American homes. Although it's likely their disappearance from homes was due to issues with form and functionality."
TV trays first appeared in the 1950s and were commonly sold in folding sets of four, becoming widespread across social strata and even appearing in the presidential household. Their rise coincided with the popularity of TV dinners, enabling convenient in-front-of-television meals and contributing to a shift away from formal dining at the table. Practical shortcomings in form and functionality led to their decline. In recent years, especially after the pandemic, people have resumed casual living-room dining and chosen modern TV trays that prioritize aesthetics and versatility. Contemporary models use materials like oak and brass or repurpose trays as drink stands and presentation pieces.
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