I have always loved furniture that moves or looks as if it can. Anything remotely kinetic catches my eye. When I was growing up, we had a brass tea trolley, sometimes bar cart, in our dining room. It had a two-tiered oval shape with two smaller shelves that swiveled out from the sides. I still love using a serving cart for any time of day or evening entertaining and have enjoyed purchasing these versatile tables for my clients. Here are some of my current and past favorites.

Kartell (kartell.com) has long been known for its innovative manufacturing of furnishings by internationally famous designers. Here are some of my favorite trays that keep me imagining calorically challenging, extravagant desserts on each tray tier!

The Battista cart, which comes in a choice of seven colors, is extendible and foldable. It can be used to serve drinks, buffets, lunch or dinner. The Gastone trolley is elegant and practical, comes in four colors and can be folded and stored away. Kartell’s newest trolley, the Flip, has two plastic trays combined with a metal frame. Any of these designs work in most contemporary environments and mix well with other periods.

[Image: Battista cart from Kartell]

[Image: Gastone cart from Kartell]

A major destination for lovers of modernist furniture and accessories is the M2L Collection (m2lcollection.com). The company’s iconic 20th century line includes designs by Eileen Gray and Walter Knoll. M2L has a variety of servers. The Betsy is a substantial frosted glass and silver cart that has an interesting shape and reminds me of a console table. My other M2L favorite is called the M4 Console Cart. The large wheels with spokes give it a bit of casual style, not quite a hot dog stand.

[Image: Betsey Serving Trolley from M2L]

[Image: Console Cart from M2L]

David Iatesta (davidiatesta.com) is a manufacturer of beautiful, traditional furniture and lighting. The Brighton Bar Caddy is a substantial dining room piece made of ash with silver leaf accents. It can be ordered in custom sizes and finishes. The pure English style and elegance of the piece makes it blend beautifully with any period furniture. Now this is the server for high tea!

[Image: Brighton Bar Caddy from David Iatesta]

The Porto Sherry Table from McGuire Furniture (mcguirefurniture.com) is a convenient serving cart or large drinks table. This table is perfect for providing just the right eclectic touch to a formal dining space to make it more interesting. It’s generously scaled, made of lacquered rattan and can be customized and adorned with gold or silver leaf accents combined with beautiful wood finishes.

[Image: Porto Sherry Table from McGuire Furniture]

C.S. Post & Co. (cspost.com) is a wonderful shop located in Hays, Kan. It was included in my August 11 post, “A Designer’s Favorite Interior Design Websites.” Along with the company’s other innovative furnishings, I would love to use its beautiful mirrored bar cart. Even the oversize wheels are reflective and give the piece a glamorous look and a nice platform for cocktails before dinner.

[Image: Regency Bar Cart from C.S. Post & Co.]

Salut, cheers and à votre santé!

[Main image: Hemera | Thinkstock]