A Simple & Elegant Entertaining Essential. There’s something so satisfying about creating pieces for your home that are both beautiful and functional—and these DIY tiered serving trays are exactly that. Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering, setting a spring table, or preparing for something a bit more special like a Mother’s Day tea (see our guide for hosting next week), these trays bring an elevated look to your table without the fuss. At Shookhill Secret, we’re always looking for ways to make entertaining feel thoughtful but easy. This project checks every box. It’s approachable, customizable, and surprisingly quick to assemble—yet the end result looks like something you’d find in a boutique. Why We Love Tiered Serving Trays Tiered trays are one of our favorite hosting tools for a few simple reasons: They maximize table space by building upward instead of outward They create visual interest and height on your table They allow guests to easily access both sweet and savory items And best of all, they feel effortlessly elegant We especially love using them for brunches, showers, and tea parties—but they work just as well for casual gatherings or even everyday use. How We Made Ours For this project, we sourced a collection of beautiful plates in staggered sizes. Mixing sizes is key—it creates that classic tiered look and ensures each level feels balanced. To assemble: Select your platesChoose two or three plates in graduating sizes. You can go classic and coordinated or mix patterns for a more collected look. Drill a hole in the center of each plateUsing a proper drill bit for ceramic or glass, carefully drill a centered hole. (Take your time here—this step sets the foundation.) Attach your Cake Stand Hardware KitWe used a simple cake stand hardware kit to secure each layer. These kits typically include rods, spacers, and a top handle, making assembly straightforward. Stack and secureStart with your largest plate on the bottom and work your way up, tightening each layer as you go. And just like that—you have a custom tiered tray that feels completely your own. A Few Styling Ideas Once assembled, the fun really begins. These trays are incredibly versatile: Sweet: cookies, mini muffins, pastries, chocolate-covered treats Savory: tea sandwiches, cheese, fruit, nuts Seasonal: spring berries, florals, pastel desserts Decorative: small florals, candles, or themed accents We’ll be featuring ours next week as we prepare to host a Mother’s Day tea, styled with a mix of sweet bites and delicate finger sandwiches—and finished with our customized Mother’s Day gift tags for a personal touch. Perfect for Gifting If you’re looking for a thoughtful and unique gift, these tiered trays are a wonderful option. Pair one with a few baked goods, a ribbon, and a handwritten tag, and you have something that feels both personal and elevated. And if you’re still gathering ideas, don’t forget to explore our curated Mother’s Day gift guide—we’ve done the hard work for you with thoughtful finds for every style. Simple, Beautiful, and Made to Last One of the best parts of this project is how practical it is. These trays: can be disassembled for easy storage can be updated seasonally with different plates and can be used again and again for gatherings throughout the year It’s the kind of piece that becomes part of your hosting routine—simple, beautiful, and always ready. At Shookhill Secret, we believe entertaining doesn’t need to be complicated to feel special. Sometimes, it’s the smallest details—like a thoughtfully arranged tray—that make the biggest impact.
Entertaining
A Sweet Easter Morning Tradition…
Fresh Blueberry Muffins for the Holiday Table There’s something about Easter morning that invites us to slow down just a bit. The light feels softer, the house is quieter, and the day stretches ahead with the promise of good food, family time, and simple traditions. For us, one of those traditions is baking fresh blueberry muffins first thing in the morning — a small but meaningful ritual that fills the kitchen with the most wonderful aroma and sets the tone for the day. Whether you’re hosting an Easter brunch with quiche and fruit, or keeping things relaxed with a breakfast casserole you prepared ahead of time, these blueberry muffins are the perfect addition to the menu. If you are hosting, take a look at our Simple, Sweet, Seasonal Secrets post to help you plan. Baked in our favorite parchment liners, they turn out beautifully every time. They’re light, tender, not overly sweet, and full of juicy berries — exactly what you want alongside a cup of coffee while the house wakes up. Why Blueberry Muffins Belong on the Easter Menu Easter menus often lean toward savory dishes — egg bakes, ham, asparagus, and fresh greens — which makes a simple baked good a welcome balance. Blueberry muffins add just enough sweetness, along with texture and color, without overpowering the meal. They also feel festive without requiring extra effort, which is always a win on a holiday morning. We especially love that these muffins can be made quickly and baked while everything else is coming together. The smell alone makes Easter morning feel special — even before the table is set. A Recipe That’s Easy, Reliable, and Delicious This blueberry muffin recipe is one we’ve returned to again and again. It strikes the perfect balance between moist and fluffy, thanks to a combination of milk and sour cream, and it comes together in one bowl with very little fuss. Perfect for Brunch or a Cozy Family Breakfast These muffins pair beautifully with quiche, a breakfast casserole, or even a simple bowl of fruit. If you’re hosting brunch, they’re easy to set out on a platter or tuck into a basket lined with a cloth napkin. If it’s just family, they’re wonderful served warm straight from the oven. We also love that they don’t require frosting, glaze, or garnish — just good ingredients and a sprinkle of sugar on top. A Tradition Worth Repeating Making blueberry muffins on Easter morning has become one of those small traditions we look forward to every year. It’s not complicated or elaborate, but it’s comforting and familiar — and that’s often what makes a holiday feel special. We hope you try these muffins this Easter and that they find a place in your own holiday rhythm, whether you’re hosting a full brunch or enjoying a quiet morning at home.