Flatlay in a Tray: Why Cardboard Drinks Holders Are the New ‘It Girl’ Backdrop
If you’re wondering why your feed suddenly looks like Dior and iced coffee had a baby—don’t worry, you’re not imagining things. 🤔
There’s a new aesthetic photo trend making the rounds, and it’s unexpectedly genius: using cardboard takeaway drink trays as the base for your flatlays. 🤯
And instead of coffee cups? You’ll spot gold hoops, high-end lipsticks 💄, cult skincare, film cameras 📷, and sunnies with the reflection of city buildings in the lenses 🕶️.
It’s minimal effort, maximum vibe — and it’s showing up everywhere from Reels to Pinterest boards.
It’s the new handbag dump, but make it curated
Remember the classic “what’s in my bag” flatlay? 👜 This trend is her cooler, more elevated cousin.
Instead of scattering your bits on a table, you drop them into a takeaway tray and let the compartments do the styling for you.
Think: structured, scroll-stopping, and just chaotic enough to look effortless.
It plays into luxury x everyday energy
A cardboard tray is literally made to be thrown away. But place a YSL lipstick, your favourite chunky ring and a £40 serum in it? Suddenly it’s giving ‘high-low’ styling, à la Vogue editorial meets iced latte run. 🧋
This contrast is what makes it so watchable — luxury doesn’t need a marble counter or staged set-up to shine.
It’s Gen Z minimalism meets It-Girl moodboarding
The layout feels clean, but packed with personality.
Each item is intentional: the gloss you wear daily, your current SPF obsession, the disposable camera you’re romanticising your weekend with. It’s not about showing off—it’s about curating a vibe.
It works for product creators and lifestyle brands alike
Whether you’re a beauty brand, a coffee shop, or a content creator — this trend has legs.
For hospitality brands, consider using the tray with merch, mini menu cards, or even staff ‘what’s in my tray’ moments. For product-based businesses, it’s an easy way to show your items in a natural but scrollable format.
It’s storytelling in a square
Every item in that tray says something. Where you're going. What you're wearing. How you want to feel today. That’s why it’s resonating—because it’s not just pretty, it’s personal.
So, should you be doing this?
If your content needs a refresh, or you want to hop on a visual trend that’s gaining serious traction, this one’s worth trying. It's creative, low-lift, and ultra-shareable.
Just don’t forget to snap it before the iced latte melts.
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