Creating a DIY Serving Stand is easy and frugal with cheap 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.

Today is day two of my Dollar Store Craft Week is an $1 DIY Tiered Serving Tray. I have wanted a 3-tiered stand for a long time but have not found one that I really like or that was 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 candle sticks $1 each
E6000 Glue $6

This is a very easy 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 make 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 gives more surface area for cupcakes or other goodies.
E6000 Glue has a very strong odor, so I suggest that you glue and let it dry outside of 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 disposible gloves |
let it cure for 24-72 hours |
E6000 Glue is also used for this Elevated Chip & Dip Bowl.

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 just smile each time I see it!

While I used mine for our Christmas party, it is great 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

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
- Wash and dry the dishware.
- Mark the center of each plate so you know where to place the candlesticks.
- Put on gloves and a face mask to protect yourself from the glue.
- Turn each candlestick over and glue in place. Upside down allows for more room on the serving tray.
- 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
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Dee
Tuesday 17th of April 2018
Which plates did you use from the Dollar Tree? Specifically the sizes? This looks gorgeous and is exactly what I've been looking for.
Diana Rambles
Tuesday 17th of April 2018
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. :)
Kimberly Glinski
Friday 27th of September 2013
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
Anne @ Domesblissity
Wednesday 2nd of January 2013
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
FrugalFoodieMama
Saturday 22nd of December 2012
This is such a great idea! I pinned it for future reference. :)Thank you for sharing at Marvelous Mondays!
Angie Ouellette-Tower
Saturday 22nd of December 2012
Thanks so much for sharing at Wednesday’s Adorned From Above Blog Hop!Debi @ adornedfromabove.comAngie @ godsgrowinggarden.com