Catering Tray & Dome Lid Buying Guide: Sizes, Fit and What to Order

Disposable catering trays let you set up a party platter that looks great, travels well and goes straight in the trash when the event is over. The most common mistake is ordering a tray and a lid that don't fit each other. This guide walks you through sizes, lid styles and what to order.

1. Pick your tray size

• 12" round trays are the go-to for small office lunches, shivas, kiddush and family gatherings. Try our 12" 6-compartment polypro catering trays (50/case).
• 16" round trays are the most popular size for parties and corporate catering. Try our 16" 6-compartment polypro catering trays (25/case).
• 18" trays are for large spreads, like a full sandwich or cold-cut platter. See the Pactiv 18" SmartLock® Caterware® tray.
• Rectangular trays work well for wraps, sushi, desserts and buffet lines. See our 18" x 12" rectangular serving trays.

2. Compartment or open tray?

Compartment trays (such as 6-section "lazy susan" trays) keep dips, veggies, fruit and cheeses separate, so nothing gets soggy on the way. Open trays are better for sandwiches, wraps, cookies and pastries.

3. Match the dome lid to the tray

Dome lids are sold by the size of the tray they fit. A 16" tray needs a 16" lid. Most customers buy one case of lids for every case of trays.

• 12" low dome lids (25/case) and 12" high dome lids (25/case)
• 16" low dome lids (25/case)
• 18" low dome lids (25/case)
• Pactiv 12" SmartLock® Caterware® trays take the matching Pactiv P9812 clear dome lid.
• Rectangular trays have their own lids, like the 18" x 12" rectangular dome lid.

4. Low dome or high dome?

Low domes are for flat foods: crudités, fruit, cookies, cheese and crackers. High domes leave room for stacked sandwiches, wraps, bagels and anything taller than about an inch.

5. Ordering tips

• Buy trays and lids by the case. Case pricing is much lower per piece than retail packs.
• Order before holidays and events. Trays and lids sell out quickly before Thanksgiving, Chanukah and Passover.
• Add serving utensils, napkins and plates to the same order so your free-delivery minimum is met.

Local business? We offer free delivery on orders of $250 or more to Oceanside, the Five Towns, Long Beach, Rockville Centre, Lynbrook, Valley Stream, Great Neck, Roslyn and nearby towns. Questions about sizing or bulk pricing? Call us at (516) 599-0001 or email info@papersuppliesplus.com.