Looking to add a touch of charm to your home décor without breaking the bank? A DIY tiered tray made from thrifted plates is the perfect project. I have truly become obsessed with making these because they are so cheap and SO easy! It’s the perfect hostess gift too – just add on some adorable cookies, sweet treats, or even dried fruit, wrap in cellophane, and voila! You’ll be the hit of the party!
Whether you use your DIY tiered tray for serving desserts, organizing cosmetics, or displaying seasonal décor, it’s truly as functional as it is beautiful. Best of all? You can make it in under an hour using inexpensive materials and a tiered tray hardware kit from Amazon or Walmart!
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What You’ll Need:
Three plates of varying sizes (small, medium, large). Check your local thrift store for unique or vintage options. You can often find gorgeous plates for $1-$2 each!
Drill with ceramic or glass drill bit (I recommend 1/4″ or 3/8″, but it will depend on the exact hardware kit you purchase and the size of the screws it comes with. I have found that most are 1/4″)
Visit your local thrift store and pick out three plates that you love. Mixing patterns and sizes can add character. Wash and dry them thoroughly before starting.
2. Mark the Center of Each Plate
Use a ruler or measuring tape to find and mark the exact center of each plate. Now flip your plate over and tape two strips of masking tape in a cross shape in the middle of the back of the plate. Doing this helps minimize chipping from the drill bit emerging at the back of the plate. It also traps the ceramic you are drilling out in the tape, which makes for easier cleanup!
3. Drill Holes Carefully
Wearing safety goggles, place your plate on a beach towel to prevent slipping or cracking. I recommend folding the towel several times to ensure you don’t have an “oopsie” with your drill coming out the other side and into something you don’t want!
Spritz 2-3 pumps of water on the front of your plate. Slowly drill through the marked center using your ceramic drill bit, according to the instructions on the bit you purchased. Apply light pressure and keep the bit wet to prevent overheating and cracking. Patience is key, and let the bit do the work for you! Spray a bit more water onto your plate/drill bit periodically to keep the drill bit cool.
Tip: Start at a 45 degree angle to get the hole started, then move upright as the bit begins to cut through the glaze. This will ensure that your drill bit doesnt slide around as you start to make your hole.
Once the hole is made, remove the tape at the back and wipe off your plate. You may want to fully wash them again before assembly.
Repeat this process for all of your plates.
4. Assemble the Tray
Once all three plates have holes, it’s time to build your DIY tiered tray:
Start with the largest plate on the bottom.
Add the hardware kit’s base screw and washer underneath.
Stack the middle rod section, followed by a plastic washer and then the medium plate.
Repeat the process for the top tier and the smallest plate.
Screw the final top handle piece into place.
Add a cute ribbon at the top for some extra charm!
5. Tighten and Adjust
Make sure all the pieces are snug but not overly tight. Adjust for level and alignment if needed.
Styling Ideas:
Seasonal Decor: Add mini pumpkins in fall, ornaments in winter, and flowers in spring.
Coffee Station: Use it to organize mugs, sugar, and stirrers.
Vanity Display: Perfect for perfumes, jewelry, and skincare.
Tea Party or Hosting: Invite your friends over for a party and use to display sweet treats, tea sandwiches, and more!
isn’t the blue and red DIy tiered tray perfect for July 4th, and all summer long?!this entire tiered tray cost me $8, from the plates to the hardware!
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Final Thoughts:
This DIY tiered tray project is a fun and creative way to upcycle old dishes into something beautiful and useful. With just a few tools and a little time, you can make a beautiful piece to up your hosting and decor game! But you’ve been warned – once you make one, you won’t want to stop! I already have plans to make a DIY tiered tray for every holiday!!
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