We've looked at a few different DIY options for snack and dessert stands that are perfect for entertaining. Although they're fun ideas, they don't hold a candle to these cake pans turned tier buffet display. The end result is sturdy, industrial-quality, and just waiting to be filled with snacks! Want to see what it looks like after a few modifications?
With the help of a few pieces of pipe, some washers, and an ever trusty drill, this set of pans (which was purchased for around $20) was transformed into a tiered food display stand.
This would be a perfect solution for your next party or get together and would be great at holding small bites. Because each pan has sides (opposed to plates or trays for the tiers), you can stack small bite-sized pieces up without worrying that they'll slide off on your stand. It will even hold trickier items like grapes that have a tendency to roll away.
The whole set up can be dismantled and stored in the smallest of spaces, which is a bonus for those of us who don't have room for a display piece of this nature otherwise. You could leave them as is, apply colored paper with a bit of Mod Podge or even spray paint them to the colors you so desire (followed by a good sealer and doilies on the bottom to keep things food safe!
• See the full step-by-step tutorial: My Take on a Classic at Lizard & Ladybug
Related: Alternative Uses for Cake Stands
(Image: Lizard and Ladybug)
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Comments (10)
Does anyone have any recommendations for food grade paint so it doesn't look so industrial?
i don't know about food grade paint, but how cute would it be to tie ribbon around each tier? you could change the ribbon to match whatever decor you have.
As a bit of a handyman who knows his way fairly well around the tool shed, as well as in the kitchen, my experience tells me this pans-turned-display stand project isn't as easy and tidy as the final picture shows. Boring through metal isn't as easy as it seems--not if you desire a "professional" and polished finished product, anyway. The jagged burs of metal aren't always easy file smoothly. And the metal "dust" could be dangerous if one doesn't use goggles to guard one's eyes. The "juice" of this project isn't worth the squeeze of effort and preparation required.
...While I admire your ingenuity, I don't view this food display stand as a "Craft 101" project for most. (Using a drill for this project isn't the same as drilling a hole in the wall to hang a picture.) Still, if one insists, I think your display stand might be better suited to hold/display non-food items, such as spools of thread or (craft) supplies of some sort. More so, aesthetically, even if painted/decorated, it falls short of a "display" piece on which to showcase desserts--in my dwelling anyway.
BKLYNbaker: This one is a sealer that is approved for bees and honey, it might make a good top coat over other assorted craft/spray paint colors: http://bit.ly/ls3ihn
I would rather do it with good malamine plates, cake pillers and a hot glue gun
I agree with marcus!
Re: marcus' post...what's so difficult about drilling into metal? As long as you have a good bit, proper eye protection (which should always be used anyway), a clamp or two, and solid backing behind the pan that you don't mind drilling into, it's really a no brainer.
Why are people always hating on the projects posted here? If it's not your cup of tea, so be it, but don't try to scare others away.
To JamiePMac-why can't people have opinions? Just because it's not a positive review doens't mean it isn't valid
@JamiePMac: "Hating?" How did you come to that conclusion? I don't "hate" anything about this blog. I simply offered my opinion based on my experiences and skills with tools (drilling) and the nature of project.
"Scare other people away?" I have no motivation or desire to do such. Why would I want to do that? (If only...You're still here, aren't you?) It appears that most visitors to this site are smart and sophisticated and quite capable of making up their minds about what recipes or projects to attempt, irrespective of a particular comment.
Don't assume or project, please.
@NNB me too, I don't have a drill and I'd rather not ruin perfectly good cake pans.