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.
Projects
Spring Porch Reset…
An Easy, Elegant Entry That Lasts All Season Long. There’s something about the arrival of spring that makes us want to open the doors, let in the fresh air, and give our homes a thoughtful refresh—starting right at the front porch. We are looking for an easy transition from an Easter themed entry to a simple seasonal update that will instantly brighten your entry and set the tone for the months ahead. At Shookhill Secret, we believe this doesn’t need to be complicated or time-consuming. In fact, our favorite approach is to create a timeless base that can carry you from early spring all the way into summer with just a few thoughtful touches. We creaated an elegant layered look using classic elements—greens, jacquard ribbon, and a tailored monogrammed sash —the look that feels both polished and inviting. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to recreate. We’ve linked it all below. The Foundation: Start with a Classic Green Base We begin with a boxwood wreath. It’s one of those pieces that works year-round and provides a lush, structured backdrop for seasonal accents. For spring, we’ve kept it simple and let the greenery shine, adding just a few thoughtful details to elevate the look. A monogrammed wreath sash adds a personal, tailored touch. It’s one of our favorite ways to make an entry feel welcoming without overcomplicating the design. Layering in coordinating green ribbons—think soft stripes, gingham, or subtle textures. We love the green jacquard ribbon— it brings in a bit of classic elevated charm and keeps the overall look cohesive. Layering in Texture and Color To complement the wreath, we added hydrangeas to our planters and table – a staple for us in spring. Their soft shape and natural color palette bring just the right amount of life and movement to the porch. Whether you choose fresh or high-quality faux stems, they instantly elevate the space. We love the faux version mixed in with our perennials for their low-maintenance great look (especially as the temperatures in the south climb). We also like to refresh our seating area with pillow covers in coordinating seasonal fabrics. This is one of the easiest ways to transition your porch without replacing everything. A simple swap to softer tones or subtle patterns can completely change the feel of your outdoor space. Finally, we incorporated a classic outdoor lantern. It grounds the look, adds a bit of structure, and creates a warm, inviting glow in the evenings. It’s both practical and beautiful—exactly the kind of detail we love. Recreate the Look: Our Spring Porch Essentials To make this refresh as simple as possible, we’ve rounded up the key elements we used: Boxwood wreath Monogrammed wreath sashes Coordinating Jacquard ribbon (classic texture) Wired Ribbon (2.5 inch Green Grass) Hydrangea stems (faux – looks fresh even when we’re away) Seasonal pillow covers (coordinating color) Outdoor lantern (similar style) Customized rug or neutral jute rug These pieces work together effortlessly and can easily be mixed and matched with items you already have at home. A Look That Lasts What we love most about this approach is its longevity. By starting with timeless greenery and layering in subtle seasonal details, this look transitions beautifully from early spring into summer. You can always add or swap small accents or additional florals—as the season evolves. Refreshing your front porch doesn’t have to be a major project. With a few well-chosen pieces, you can create a space that feels welcoming, polished, and ready for the season ahead. At Shookhill Secret, we’re always looking for ways to make everyday living both beautiful and simple—and this spring porch refresh is one of our favorite ways to do just that.