The Easy Dollar Tree DIY To Impress Any Guests

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

Stepping into Dollar Tree feels like unlocking a world of DIY possibilities. There's so much you can make and do with their $1 goodies. Need more storage? Head to the basket and bin aisle. Looking to refresh your décor? The discount retailer has plenty of those, too. This time, though, we're focusing on impressing guests. Whether you're setting up your home for a memorable dinner party or throwing a casual get-together, dessert is mandatory. And so is displaying them creatively. To no surprise, Dollar Tree has everything you need to create a cutesy, tiered dessert tray.

It's easy to make, doesn't cost more than a few bucks, and best of all, can elevate your hosting game. We don't know about you, but nothing makes a sweet tooth itch like a variety of candies, mini cakes, and treats on display. Tempting, right? For this DIY, you'll want to make a beeline to Dollar Tree's dinnerware section. Or, if you don't mind buying in bulk, shop from their website. Go ahead and grab two plates (like these Clear Glass Dinner Plates), one Decorative Clear Glass Bowl, and two chunky Glass Taper Candleholders for each dessert stand. Set aside a strong ceramic/glass glue, like E-6000 Craft Adhesive, to hold everything together.

There are a number of ways to go about this DIY, but first: decide on your layout. The list above is the easiest way to make this dessert tray, but you don't have to make everything the same size and material. Your bottom tier could be a lunch/salad plate, followed by a smaller dessert plate, then layered with an even smaller bowl on top. This creates a visually pleasing, staggered look. 

Next up, decide whether you want your plates to be clear glass or ceramic. Using all glass may require spray painting it to make the cheap Dollar Tree décor look expensive. Plus, side note: you'll need to seal everything up with a food-safe finish after, since the tray will come in contact with food. On the other hand, the ceramic option means you can just pick any cute plate and bowl that you like. Consider something scalloped, gold-rimmed, fruit-themed, or floral-patterned to add unexpected visual interest to your tablescape. You can also choose a specific color palette to match the season or theme. Think pastel-colored crockery for springtime festivities, orange and yellow for summer brunches, and maybe even a mix of pink and blue if you're throwing a gender reveal party. You get the picture.

Glue the candleholders to the center of the plates, as well as the bottom of the bowl, and let them dry. Whip it out whenever you're expecting guests. And once you're done hosting, repurpose your tiered tray for extra storage and organization around the house.