This $5 Aldi Gem Will Instantly Elevate Your Kitchen (or Garden)

published Jul 23, 2023
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Wilmington, DE/USA - April 6, 2019: Aldi grocery store.
Credit: Abigail McCann/Shutterstock

I’m an Aldi newbie. I know people love the prices, the quality, even the minimal choices and the no-frills shopping experience. But the first time I went to one, I got so overwhelmed trying to figure out what I was supposed to do that I turned around and walked out. Really.

A couple of months ago, I decided to try again. I forgot a quarter for the cart, but a nice shopper came over and passed me the cart she was finished with that already had a quarter in it. I pushed it into the store and started my Aldi excursion in the produce section, determined to make friends with this store that I knew would be kind to my grocery budget

I bought some beautiful butter lettuce, a few snacks the kids love, and stocked up on canned black beans at a whopping half the cost of what I usually pay elsewhere. I was really warming up to this cult-favorite grocery store. And then I sauntered into the home decor section — and I was completely sold. 

In addition to the shepherd’s hooks for hanging plants and the super cute bag that I snagged, I found a home decor item that is versatile, unobtrusive, and neutral: a sturdy and beautiful Huntington Home marble candle pedestal for only $4.99. 

Credit: Shifrah Combiths

I love using cake stands, pedestals, and other stands or trays in the kitchen. Setting things like our Google Home, candles, and plants on them makes a drastic difference in transforming countertop clutter into purposeful gatherings of useful or decorative items. 

The candle pedestal at Aldi came in gray or white marble, and I exercised an extreme amount of self-control in only allowing myself to buy one for the candle I needed it for. I chose gray so that it would contrast with my light countertops, and I put my kitchen candle on top of it. Instantly, this little area in the kitchen was elevated from merely a candle on the counter to a curated, elegant moment that makes me happy every time I look at it. 

Credit: Shifrah Combiths

The pedestal, although designed for pillar candles, could also be used as a cute plant stand or to lift up any other item in your kitchen, dining room, bathroom, or outdoors — for everyday or special occasions. I can see it working for jewelry, toiletries, stacked glassware, place cards, or party favors. I’m proud of myself for not getting a few more, but now I kind of wish I had. Perhaps I’ll snag another (few) on my next trip to my new favorite grocery store.

If you’re not near an Aldi, you can find a version with the same rustic vibes at Anthropologie. It has a similar look and shape, and comes in three heights for even more versatility around your space.