TV Trays 
After the hustle and bustle of a hectic day, many families choose to come home and enjoy a meal in front of the TV while enjoying a movie or favorite sitcom. When it comes to relaxing, the simple joys of dining in front of the television are only enhanced with trays designed by today's standards. TV tray tables have come a long way since the fifties when they were originally invented. Today, tables come in beautiful metals or woods and many are paired with specialized racks.
History of TV Tray Tables
In the 1950’s, television sets were becoming a standard household item throughout the United States. In the previous decade, television sets were considered luxury items and very few households owned one. Usually there was no more than one per neighborhood, and that television was often the center of attention in a neighborhood block party.
In the 1950’s however, television sets became more affordable, and with the introduction of sitcoms in 1951, the demand for television sets skyrocketed. TV tray table’s popularity followed suit as their popularity was directly connected to that of the television. The first national advertisement for tray tables appeared in 1952, shortly after the premiere of “I Love Lucy”. These TV tray tables were considered a must have accessory to hold food and beverage items while watching television, and worked hand in hand to give birth to the TV dinner which was introduced in October of 1953.
Folding Tray Tables 
Perhaps the most popular variety of tables today is the folding TV trays. These tables usually come in a set of 4 tables and a storage stand. What makes the folding tray so popular is their convenience. When it is time to use these trays, simply pull one off the stand and set it up. The set up is so easy a child can do it, and yet the table itself is sturdy enough to support even a large meal for one. Once the meal is finished, clean up is just as easy as setting it up. While design and sitcoms have changed over the years, one thing has remained the same, when enjoying a meal in front of the television, a TV tray table is a must have.
