During a DIY deep dive, I recently came across a way to up-cycle some plates and candle holders into an adorable cake stand. And ever since then, I've kept my eyes open for other affordable ways to recreate a similar project without spending hours sifting through the kitchen aisle at the thrift store.
Related: This Thrift Store DIY Turns Mismatched Dishes Into a Stunning Cake Stand
So when this dollar store DIY from @DIY_With_Vera came across my feed, I recognized the same type of setup, but with an added bonus of a coordinating lid. Instead of buying an expensive cake cover or serving piece you’ll only use once or twice, this project lets you make your own with a few affordable supplies. It’s perfect for anyone who loves hosting, wants to add a little charm to their kitchen, or needs a stylish way to show off their favorite treats.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ibsGY0woMU8
Here's What You'll Need
- Salt and pepper shakers
- Plastic bowl
- Plastic platter
- Candle holder or another sturdy base piece
- Hot glue gun
- Food-safe paint (optional)
Before you start, choose a food-safe, BPA-free plastic bowl and platter and make sure the bowl is smaller than your platter or sits close to the edge without hanging over. This will help your finished cake display look balanced and ensure the lid fits properly.
Begin by removing a lid from the salt and pepper shaker. Turn the bowl upside down and hot glue the plastic portion of the shaker to the bottom center. This will become the handle for your cake cover.
Next, attach your candle holder or another solid base piece like a vase or wood block to the bottom center of the plastic platter using hot glue. Allow both pieces to dry completely before putting them together. Once everything is secure, place the bowl on top of the platter to create your covered cake display.
Easy Ways to Customize Your Cake Stand
The best part of this DIY is how easy it is to make it fit your display. If you want to get creative, a coat of paint for the bottom supports could match the color scheme in your kitchen. Chalk stickers could let you write the names or ingredients of individual desserts. Adhesive rhinestones along the edges could also make the cake stand a perfect fit for a Marie Antoinette-style display.
For heavier cakes and treats, consider using smaller base pieces placed evenly around the bottom of the platter for a solid foundation. You can also use extra salt and pepper shakers as shorter decorative supports. For a tiered display, you can mix and match bases and platters for a semi-uniform look.
I actually have a friend's bridal shower coming up, and this feels like the perfect budget-friendly project to create a few tiered dessert displays for the table if I can find some iridescent plastic plates and bowls. After the celebration is over, I'll be the first to raise my hand to take the cake display home and use it for my weekly loaf of banana bread instead of the sad plastic container I currently use.