Transform a set of trays into the ideal party-ready cake stand

Whether you're celebrating a holiday or planning a gathering to bring friends and family together between seasonal events, picking the right decorations and tableware is important. No matter the number of guests, sweet treats are often a focal point of a party’s culinary appeal, and there’s no better way to display those delicacies than on a multi-tiered cake stand.

Turn a set of round nesting trays into a unique three-tier stand that holds tempting treats. Combine the look of the round metal trays with cuts of natural wood for a rustic-chic look. Once the trays are connected at varying heights, they're ideal for displaying everything from cupcakes to cookies. Set this cake stand in the center of the serving table and watch sweets disappear in moments.

- Decorative round nesting tray set with mesh bottoms and rope handles: set of three measuring 12 inches, 14 inches and 16 inches in diameter, respectively.
- Round cut of natural wood 3 1/2 inches in diameter and 9 inches in height
- Round cut of natural wood 3 1/2 inches in diameter and 6 inches in height
- Ruler
- Pencil
- Handheld power drill
- Screws (3)
- Wood glue
- Kleenex

Instructions
 
1. Place a cut of round, natural wood measuring 3 1/2 inches in diameter and 9 inches in height upright on a flat working surface.

2. Measure the centermost point of the round, short end using a ruler to mark 1 3/4 inches in from the side with a pencil.

3. Flip the woodcut over and mark the same center point on the opposite end.

4. Measure and mark the center point on both ends of a second cut of wood measuring 3 in 1/2 inches in diameter and 6 inches in height.

5. Drill a shallow hole in the center of the pencil markings on both ends of the longer cut of wood. Do the same on the shorter woodcut.

6. Flip the 16-inch nesting tray upside down and place it on top of the 9-inch-tall woodcut, lining up the center points. The tray handles will be facing down.

7. Drill a screw through the mesh tray bottom using the predrilled hole in the woodcut as a guide to attach the two together.

8. Flip the tray right side up and place the 14-inch mesh nesting tray on top of the woodcut, aligning the center points.

9. Drill a screw through the mesh tray bottom using the predrilled hole as a guide.

10. Apply wood glue to the mesh of the 14-inch tray bottom covering the entire surface of the woodcut that shows through the mesh. Use a Kleenex to remove excess glue from the applicator tip once you've added enough glue.

11. Press the bottom of the 6-inch woodcut to the glue to attach securely.

12. Position the 12-inch nesting tray on top of the 6-inch woodcut, aligning the center points.

13. Drill a screw through the 12-inch tray into the woodcut using the predrilled hole as a guide.

14. Place the cake stand on a serving table and fill each tray with sweet treats to share with friends and family.