Silver-Tone Tray & Jar Set - 10-Inch Tray with Lidded Jar

Why this one

It is a gift that arrives already assembled. Most return gifts are one object; this is a tray with something on it, which reads as a hamper without needing a hamper. The pierced rim on the tray is the detail that lifts it - light comes through the cut-outs and the edge stops looking flat. 1.4 lb for the pair, so it posts easily and it does not feel flimsy in the hand.

Which design

• Mahal - a green ground with a pavilion, lotus flowers and peacocks in the Pichwai idiom
• Peacock - a white ground with a peacock and floral work, the lighter and quieter of the two

Both come as a matched tray and jar in the same design. Green reads more traditionally festive; white sits more comfortably on a modern console. The photographs show them side by side.

Where it works

On a pooja shelf with the jar holding kumkum, elachi or supari. On a console as a catch-all for keys and rings. On a coffee table with dry fruit in the jar. At a function it works as a per-guest gift already presented - nothing to wrap.

Gifting

Made for the South Indian ceremony gift list: Seemantham, Varalakshmi Vratam, a half-saree function, Golu. Also standard for weddings, mehndi giveaways, griha pravesh and Diwali. It is the format people order in tens and twenties.

Care

Wipe with a soft dry cloth. Do not soak, do not put in a dishwasher, and keep water off the laminated print panel. Avoid abrasive scourers - the silver-tone finish is a coating, not solid metal.