DIY Serving Stand for Under $12

ByDiana Hansen Posted on Updated on
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Creating a DIY Serving Stand is easy and frugal, using inexpensive glassware from your cabinet, a thrift store, or Dollar Tree. Get creative by mixing and matching dishware for a one-of-a-kind way to display finger food at your next gathering.

close up of a homemade serving stand

Today is day two of Dollar Store Craft Week, an $1 DIY Tiered Serving Tray. I have wanted a 3-tiered stand for a long time, but I have not found one that I like or that is within a price I am willing to pay. This DIY Cupcake Stand caught my attention, but I am not a fan of the white plates. I decided that glass was the way to go.

DIY 3 Tier Serving Tray

Supplies

3 plates of choice $1 each at Dollar Tree
2 candlesticks $1 each
E6000 Glue $6

glassware needed to create a 3-tier tray

This is a straightforward craft to make. The biggest issue is getting the items centered while gluing.

I did not want to mark the center on the actual plates, so I made a paper template for the bottom plate. I was able to eyeball the other two due to the design on the plates.

The key to this tutorial is turning the candlesticks upside down. That provides a larger surface area for cupcakes or other treats.

E6000 Glue has a very strong odor, so I suggest gluing and letting it dry outside the house. I used it out in the garage.

Tips for Using E6000 Glue
-Use & dry in a well-ventilated area
-Wear a face mask
-Wear disposable gloves
-Let it cure for 24-72 hours

E6000 Glue is also used for this Elevated Chip & Dip Bowl.

glass 3-tier stand

I just *LOVE* my stand! It looked so festive with our yummy Christmas snacks at our party on Saturday. It is washed and sitting on our dining room table now, and I smile each time I see it!

stand loaded with Christmas treats

While I used mine for our Christmas party, it is excellent for any party gathering. Each stand will be different depending on the dishes you use. What special event or holiday will you use yours for?

DIY 3 Tier Serving Tray

DIY 3 Tier Serving Tray

Yield: 1 stand
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Active Time: 10 minutes
Additional Time: 3 days
Total Time: 3 days 15 minutes
Difficulty: easy
Estimated Cost: $11

Make a 3-tier serving stand for about $10 using Dollar Tree or thrifted glassware.

Materials

  • 3 plates
  • 2 candlesticks
  • E6000 Glue

Tools

  • gloves
  • face mask

Instructions

  1. Wash and dry the dishware.
  2. Mark the center of each plate so you know where to place the candlesticks.
  3. Put on gloves and a face mask to protect yourself from the glue.
  4. Turn each candlestick over and glue in place. Upside down allows for more room on the serving tray.
  5. Let the glue cure for 24 to 72 hours. If you want to make sure it is properly dried, give it the full 72 hours.

Notes

Check out stands created by readers here on Pinterest. Please upload your creation so we can all see it!

Recommended Products

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Did you make this project?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

© Diana Hansen
Project Type: DIY / Category: DIY/Craft

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23 Comments

  1. Hi Dee! Thanks for asking. I just went and measured. The bottom is about 10″ across. The middle plate is slightly smaller. The top plate is about 6″ across and it’s actually a pillar candle plate. I made this several years ago so I am not if sure Dollar Tree has the same exact plates or not. You might consider a thrift store or garage sale for unique plates. Don’t forget to turn the candlesticks over for max space. 🙂

  2. Which plates did you use from the Dollar Tree? Specifically the sizes? This looks gorgeous and is exactly what I’ve been looking for.

  3. It turned out beautifully! I love it so much that I'm going to make one also! Thanks for the tip on how to carry it out and thanks for linking it up to Throwback Thursday!
    Kim

  4. Hi Diana! Happy New Year. I've seen these done before but you make it look so easy. I'm going to start making some of these this year. I'm featuring it at Thriving on Thursday tomorrow. Hope you'll be able to share some more of your fantastic projects again with us all this year.

    Anne xx

  10. This is perfect. I have been searching high and low for a cake stand I like, that is a reasonable price and I have had no luck. Thanks so much for sharing at my Our Favorite Things Link Party.

  11. Hi Diana,
    Thanks so much for sharing this creative project at my link party. I love the pieces you chose to create your stand, and even better that they were inexpensive. I've been wanting to try something like this for awhile and you have definitely inspired me!
    Jessica @ A Humble Creation
    http://ahumblecreation.com

  16. I love this. I want to make this! I'm inspired. In the middle of baking and shopping I love to take a few minutes to make something creative and you gave me a great new project. Thanks for sharing!

  22. This is such a fabulous food stand–I am pinning this right now! Yours is prettier than any other I've seen a tutorial for, and I love that most of it comes from Dollar Tree! Thank you for visiting my blog, and glad you enjoyed my red ice skates diy project!

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