History of Television Trays

I can recall, in my early years, my mother making tv dinners for a quick family meal generally on Friday evenings. The four of us sat at the long, basic table and shared our daily stories about school and our friends in elementary school or in our neighborhood.

The Swanson TV Dinner was invented by Gerry Thomas in 1954. In the first year of production over 25 million were sold. Soon to follow was the invention of the tv tray or table that would allow consumers to eat and watch tv at the same time. What an interesting concept!

The trays were free standing and primarily made of metal. One little bump and over it went, food and all. Today many of the trays are made with wood and are sturdy. I use one everyday to write, work on crafts or pay bills.