• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • DIY Home Projects
  • Home Tour
  • Recipes
  • About

Craving Some Creativity logo

menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • DIY Home Projects
  • Home Tour
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Free Email Series
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    Home » Home Decorating » DIY Home Decor

    Published: Nov 3, 2021 · Modified: Mar 10, 2022 by Rachel

    3-Tier Serving Tray Decorating Ideas

    This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure.
    43767 shares
    • Share
    • Tweet

    Add a touch of whimsy to your décor with a styled 3 tiered serving tray. Tiered trays are an easily adaptable and functional way to display seasonal collections and treasured nick-knacks, or to add clever storage to small spaces!

    A collage of styled three tier trays decorated for seasons, Christmas, and organizational needs with post title overlay.

    Today’s post was inspired by two readers’ questions about 3-tier serving stands. Where to shop ’em? Can they be DIY’ed? How to style them? 

    These popular trays are very resourceful in practically any room of your home. Use them in your bathroom, kitchen, craft room, and office.

    Or style them for special occasions and serve your favorite foods or beverages with flair. Here are some beautiful ideas to decorate, DIY , and get the best use out of your 3-tier stands. These selections are stylish, functional and will easily transition between design plans.

    What can I put in a tiered tray?

    Sometimes you just need one final missing piece of the design puzzle. These filler ideas are the perfect finishing touch to bring your inspired creations to life.

    • Small Pails
    • Clear apothecary jars for soaps
    • Fresh or faux greenery (my favorites are eucalyptus or seasonal yard clippings)
    • Glass or wooden ornaments
    • Coffee mugs
    • Potpourri
    • Fresh or faux greenery
    • Teacups and saucers
    • Faux fruit
    • White dessert plates
    • Salt & pepper shakers
    • Petite signs
    • Coffee, Tea, or Hot Chocolate supplies
    • String of wood beads
    • Sweet treats like wrapped candies or chocolates

    Organize All The Things

    Small on space but big on design ideas? 3-tiered trays are the solution you’ve been seeking. Keep small items handy without sacrificing critical storage by going vertical.

    1. Office or Craft Supply Organization

    Metal 3 tiered tray for organizing craft supplies with paints, ribbon spools, tags, clothes pins, and small calendar.

    Who couldn’t use one of these to keep all the small office supplies organized? This craft supply idea from Mish Mash stores a bevy of craft supplies within arms reach. A home run idea for home school or homework stations!

    2. Tiered Tray Organization in the Bathroom

    2-tiered Chrome basket tray with assorted bathroom toiletries

    These trays are also excellent in the bathroom! Store bathroom toiletries stylishly with this brilliant grouping by Garden Boys & Me.

    Rotating makeup organizer with compartments filled with bottles and makeup.

    Create a luxe landing spot for a cologne collection or pretty storage for makeup and brushes. This tiered tray even has adjustable sides for large and small bottles!

    3. Ideas for in the Kitchen

    • Farmhouse kitchen with white apron sink, black faucet and farmhouse cottage decor.
    • Tiered serving tray with white dishes stacked on them as well as utensils and small pumpkins.

    Whether creating a resting spot for sponges & soaps or making dessert dishes readily accessible, these kitchen organization ideas knock it out of the park.

    • Farmhouse kitchen decor on a stacked cupcake stand.
      Tiered Trays
    • 3 tiered tray with green glass and faux flowers in a vintage flower market style.

    A fall farmhouse style tiered tray display is a stylish way to save cabinet space. This spring floral theme from Etsy inspires spring brunch vibes.

    • Galvanized serving tray with drinks and glasses and snacks on it for a party.
    • A coffee bar serving tray with cups, cream, k-cups, and coffee supplies for the morning.

    Add a touch of elegance to the mundane. 3-tiered trays instantly dress up even common household items. Hosting overnight guests? A well-stocked coffee bar generates morning buzz or this refreshment stand from pottery barn is easy for guests to pick what they need.

    4. More Ways To Style Trays for Organizing

    • Eliminate morning mayhem with a handmade entry way organizer to give keys, chargers and spare change a nesting spot. Think beyond decor; these trays are handy for any household!
    • Put a new spin on your charcuterie board; serve it on a tiered tray for easy elegance.
    • Create a cereal bar stocked with spoons, bowls, cups, and small baked goods or fresh fruit.
    • An easy and accessible jewelry stand on the night stand.

    3-Tiered Stand Seasonal Decor Ideas

    These stands are perfect backdrops for seasonal decorations. They easily make a beautiful centerpiece, coffee nook, or display for your favorite perennial collector’s items.

    1. Christmas 3-Tiered Stand Decorating

    Christmas Coffee or Hot Cocoa Bar using 3 tiered tray with assorted items used for making festive cocoa.
    Christmas Hot Cocoa Tiered Tray

    A cocoa or candy bar is a merry addition to any coffee nook. Greenery and a collection of sparkly ornaments instantly add a touch of holiday cheer to any space.

    3-tiered white cake stand styled with Christmas decor, candies and winter greenery
    Classic vintage styled tray filled with sweet treats & winter greenery.
    Santa decorated tray for christmas.
    North Pole inspired tray.

    This farmhouse style displays exude cozy Christmas vibes. I can almost hear the sleigh bells jingling!

    2-tiered wooden tray with assorted Christmas tree farm decor items

    Who’s ready for a trip to the tree farm? Here is another super cute farmhouse inspired tray that is full of nostalgia. Source: Etsy

    Winter Wonderland themed 3 tiered metal tray with mini christmas trees, pinecones, ornaments, and silver deer.
    A Winter Wonderland themed tiered tray from my Christmas Dining Room Home Tour.

    A winter wonderland theme is a great idea to keep decor relevant long after the tree is taken down. Snow friends, woodland creatures, and pretty palettes of blues & whites add a dose of winter cheer to any main gathering area.

    3-tiered white cake stand themed with winter snowman figures, mini Christmas trees and snowflakes
    Bring on snow days, pj’s and cozy blankets. Source: @feltcreativehome

    2. Fall Decorating

    Create a fall holiday centerpiece with understated items like white china, pumpkins and bright seasonal blooms. The harvest season is bountiful when it comes to display ideas. It’s as easy as well…pie!

    Metal 3 tiered tray with pumpkins and mini buckets with yellow flowers and greenery.
    A galvanized tray provides a perfect blank slate to showcase these bright seasonal fall blooms.
    3-tiered white tray styled with fall with orange and rust leaf accents, gnome figures and pumpin accents
    A little fall leaf inspiration. The natural elements are my favorite part of this season. Source: Etsy
    Rustic tiered tray styled for fall with mini pumpkins, eucalyptus sprigs, and fall berries
    Pick your own! Pumpkin themed tray Source: @thecedarshack
    3-tiered farmhouse style tray with fall accents. Mini fall signs, S'More and pumpkin accents
    Pumpkin spice & everything nice! Source: Etsy
    2-tiered Thanksgiving tray with eucalyptus sprigs, pumpkins and small gratitude sayings
    A simple and elegant Thanksgiving themed tray. Perfect for your buffet! Source: Etsy

    4. Spring Decorating

    Until further notice, celebrate everything! These clever little displays make it oh so simple to swap out seasonal decor.

    3-tiered metal basin style tray decorated with pink, red and white Valentine's Day heart accents.
    Touches of pink & spring greenery remind us that sunny days are ahead! Source: @curtains_and_confetti

    Transition easily from one season into the next without much fuss. As Valentine’s Day heads your way, keep your winter greenery handy. Add sweet treats, hearts, and a few dollar store items. Voila! A brand new motif for a brand new holiday.

    3-tiered wooden rustic tray with pine cones, winter greenery and red & white Valentine's Day accents.
    Pom-pom garland and a few extra touches brighten up winter greens. Source: @theoldhouseonmain
    3-tiered shabby style cake stand with understated green and white St Patrick's Day decor including succulents
    How about a little luck of the Irish? Bring in the greenery for a St Paddy’s Day display. Source: @acozyblessednest
    3-tiered shabby style cake stand with bright-hued Easter accents and Spring blooms
    Peep the perfect way to display your dyed Easter eggs. Source: @on.walden.home
    2-tiered wooden bucket style tiered tray styled with classic white and light blue kitchen accent, candles and fresh peaches
    Fresh peaches, pots & plants – spring in on! Source: Crisp Collective

    5. Summer Decorating

    I’m a big fan of dining al fresco during warmer months. Eliminate the need for outdoor counter space by incorporating a tiered tray. Style your tray as a serving bar, or use it as an appetizer tower. Get creative and let your imagination run wild.

    2-tiered wooden cupcake stand displaying strawberry plants, fresh strawberries and strawberry dishes
    Fresh strawberries are my jam! These blooms & berries are cheery additions to any kitchen space. Source: @houseonlouismedow
    2-tiered rustic style tray with Americana decor and succulent accents
    Americana rustic-style display for patriotic summer style. Source: Etsy
    3-tiered galvanized tray styled for 4th of July party. Patriotic plates, napkins and straws mixed with candies, fresh flowers and other accents
    Or how about the perfect 4th of July party vignette? Complete with fun surprises for the kid in all of us? Source: An Extraordinary Day
    2-level white cake stand themed with beach decor items including wooden beads, small signs and starfish
    When saltwater runs through your veins.@summerlifecrafts
    3-tiered classic white cupcake stand with watermelon themed accents. White dishes with kitschy sayings, colorful straws and small watermelon figures
    Little watermelon sugar anyone? Source: @Glitter+Grain
    2-tiered tray with ice cream vignette. Pastry chef figure, ice cream signs and pastel color theme.
    Is there anything that screams summertime more than ice cream? This vignette inspires a trip to the local ice cream parlor. Source: @designstylebymarci
    Stacked cake stand styled for Cinco De Mayo or margarita bar. Pinata, lime and flamingo accents in vivid color scheme
    In my opinion, margaritas are the official drink of the summer season. This is the perfect party tray! Source: Etsy

    But what if you don’t have a 3 tier server stand? Never fear, shop our favorites!

    Click Photo to See Product

    DIY Your Own Tiered Tray

    Feeling inspired to design your own 3-tiered tray? For someone who’s always budget-conscious and loves a good makeover story, repurposing is the perfect solution!

    1. I’m more than giddy to spend my morning transforming mismatched china plates into a beautiful DIY jewelry stand. How about you?
    2. DIY this 3-tiered stand for mere dollars with the Happy Housie’s Dollar Store Tutorial.
    3. An elegant addition for any armoire by Go Make Me
    4. A repurposed rustic chic catchall by Making it in the Mountains

    Looking for more beautiful display and organization ideas? Check out these!

    • Small Bathroom Organization Ideas to Save Space!
    • Craft Supplies Inspiration and Organization
    • How to Build a Pegboard Organizer
    • Clever Ways to Organize a Small Space with Bins

    Do you have a tiered serving tray? Do you style it or only use it for parties? I just bought one myself so I would love to hear your ideas!

    Weekend DIY project. A pegboard organizer in the craft room above the desk workspace.

    Grab our free series "Weekend Home Projects that will Transform Your Life"

    Sign up below to receive updates including free printables, organization tips, home improvement projects, recipes and more!

    More Decorating Ideas

    • Coffee Table Fall decor vingette featuring flowers, pumpkins, candles, and old books.
      Fall Home Tour
    • Collage of cheap Christmas decorating ideas with post title.
      Cheap Christmas Decor Ideas
    • Collage of wall art ideas made from scrap wood.
      Scrap Wood Wall Art
    • Collage of simple Easter table decorations including carrot forks, faux greenery tray, and lots of bunnies.
      Spring Table Decorations
    « Oven Roasted Butternut Squash
    Easy Charcuterie Board »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Sonia says

      January 12, 2019 at 9:44 am

      5 stars
      Do you have ideas about fire place mantels? Love 3 tiers ideas.

      Reply
      • Rachel says

        January 15, 2019 at 9:42 pm

        Great idea for a post! I have seen a few very good ones. I will work on one coming up with fireplace ideas, but in the meantime, you can see our Christmas mantle here.

        Reply
    2. Jacleen Garcia says

      October 25, 2018 at 11:33 pm

      5 stars
      Thank you for so many ideas! I’m going to be in the market for a tier tray once I have my own place and pinned this article for tips On it once I have one!! I have a super weird question, but the Christmas themed tiered tray (mostly red with Rae Dunn….). Where did you get the small spoons inside the cream? I’ve been looking around for something similar!

      Reply
      • Rachel says

        October 27, 2018 at 7:40 am

        Hi Jacleen! Thank you so much. Decorating new spaces are always so exciting. Good luck on your new place. I know I have seen those small types of spoons at craft stores like hobby lobby and maybe Michael’s. They are usually in the party or wedding sections. The closest online I could find were these 6 inch ones and these shorter ones. I hope that helps and I would love to see your decorated tray when you get it done!

        Reply
    3. Nicole @ Madness and Method says

      April 05, 2017 at 12:11 pm

      5 stars
      I also don’t have any – but I see them styled online all the time. Great roundup, I can see how they would save space

      Reply
    4. Lindi Vanderschaaf says

      April 03, 2017 at 2:33 pm

      5 stars
      Would you believe I don’t own any three-tiered trays… lol. Thanks for sharing these great ideas!

      Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Headshot of Rachel Beach, the author of Craving Some Creativity.

    Hi, I'm Rachel!

    Creativity makes me energized and fearless. My husband and I have been renovating homes for over a decade and love to share our passion for all things home. Follow along for remodeling tutorials, recipes, and entertaining ideas sure to inspire!

    More about me →


    Popular Posts

    • How to Paint a Bathroom Cabinet the Easy Way
    • How To Caulk Baseboards like a Pro
    • How To Beautifully Organize Your Linen Closet
    • How To Paint Cabinets with a Sprayer

    Featured On

    Collection of Expert Features including Better Homes and Gardens Magazine, Apartment Therapy, Angie's List, This Old House Magazine, The Huffington Post, Delish, Wayfair, and Real Simple Magazine.

    Get Organized in 2022

    • 20+ Genius Small Bathroom Storage Ideas
    • Helpful Small Pantry Organization Ideas
    • How To Beautifully Organize Your Linen Closet
    • How To Organize a Small Space with Storage Bins
    Pinterest Widget including a snapshot of what Craving Some Creativity has pinned recently.

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Accessibility Policy

    Favorites

    • Blog
    • Shop
    • Our Home

    Contact

    • Contact

    Copyright © 2022 Craving Some Creativity

    Inviting traditional Kitchen and Remodel.  Grey bar island.

    Pssst...

    Come on in!
    grab our free EMAIL series
    "weekend home projects that will transform your life"

    Sign up below to receive updates weekly including printables, organization tips, home improvement projects, recipes and more!

    Yes, I want it...

    ×