DIY Tiered Serving Trays

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:

1. Select your plates
   Choose two or three plates in graduating sizes. You can go classic and coordinated or mix patterns for a more collected look.
2. Drill a hole in the center of each plate
   Using a proper drill bit for ceramic or glass, carefully drill a centered hole. (Take your time here—this step sets the foundation.)
3. Attach your Cake Stand Hardware Kit
   We used a simple cake stand hardware kit to secure each layer. These kits typically include rods, spacers, and a top handle, making assembly straightforward.
4. Stack and secure
   Start 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.