Find the easy steps and materials needed to make a tiered server or 3-tier cake stand for teatime. You’ll also find flavorful teas and inspiration for hosting an afternoon tea and a wonderful giveaway!
Welcome to “Tea on Tuesdays”!
I’m joining Pam at Everyday Living in our new series and celebration of tea
on the third Tuesday of every month.
We’re glad you’re here, pour yourself a cuppa
and enjoy a ‘Spot of Tea’ with us today!
Photo heavy post ahead. . .
You’ll find the give away details at the bottom of the post.
I’m sharing a fun and easy DIY today. . .
making a tiered plate server or 3 tiered cake stand for teatime!
This post contains affiliate links. For more information see my disclosure policy.
Here are the supplies you’ll need:
3 plates in graduated sizes
(I used a dinner plate, salad plate and orphaned teacup saucer)
Masking or painter’s tape, ruler and marker
Water (for lubrication and to prevent overheating)
Here’s the drill bit I used that made all the difference:
1/4-inch LENOX Tools Hole Saw, Diamond Grit
This particular bit is suitable for drilling *porcelain*, ceramic, slate, marble, granite and glass.
I made the mistake of buying a drill bit for ceramic, glass and tile.
This is a photo of drilling the plate with the wrong bit.
It had a spade-shaped tip and as I discovered, porcelain is much harder than ceramic.
The diamond hole saw drilled right through the plates without
any problems. . . no cracking or overheating and smoking.
Start by marking the center of your plates on a piece of masking or painter’s tape.
The tape will help prevent your drill bit from “walking” across the slippery glaze on the plate.
You’ll want to drill on the display side of the plate as the
exit hole may not be as clean as the entry hole.
I used a scrap piece of wood to place the plate on to drill the holes.
Wearing your safety glasses, place your bit at a 45-degree angle, using the edge
of the diamond hole saw to “bite” into your plate to create an anchor “ditch”.
Once you get the anchor ditch started, add some water around your “ditch”
and gradually straighten the bit and continue to drill your hole.
Drilling a hole in your plates adds stress in the form of heat and friction, so
adding water helps keep it cool and also lubricates your drill bit to help extend its life.
Let the drill do the work applying consistent pressure. . .slow and steady wins the race!
It took about about a minute (or slightly less) per plate to drill a hole with the diamond hole saw.
Then it’s just a matter of adding your hardware to assemble your server!
There are lots of choices and finishes of cake plate/stand hardware available on Amazon.
I purchased several but thought this one was especially sturdy. It’s also available in gold.
It was so easy once I used the proper drill bit/hole saw, that I made a second stand.
You can use assorted plates and patterns or matching ones, shopping at resale or thrift stores.
I used a single Lenox Butterfly Meadow dinner plate that I
picked up a couple of years ago at HomeGoods for $4.99.
This set of plates belonged to my grandmother.
I saved the broken plate for a future Mosaic Flower Pot.
Join me for some tea on the porch and teatime treats. . .
Help yourself to chicken salad in mini phyllo shells, cheese straws, madeleines,
strawberry swirl pound cake, lemon wafer cookies and/or strawberries.
Royal Albert 100 Years of Royal Albert 1940 English Chintz 3-Piece Tea Set
is a favorite set, introduced in 2006 to celebrate Royal Albert’s 100th Anniversary.
Pam and I are thrilled to introduce you to a wonderful tea company,
and share a ‘Spot of Tea’ giveaway!
Spot of Tea is owned by Linda Austin and her daughter Laura,
with the support and assistance of her entire family.
They hand blend premium teas and fruits to make unique, fun and delicious flavors.
Their tea education began when three family members worked in a local tearoom.
When the tearoom closed, they took their newly found passion for excellent teas
and began Spot of Tea LLC where they are constantly trying to develop new,
fun, and inspiring flavors!
They sell their tea online as well as in shops and local craft fairs where they live,
in Sweet Valley, Pennsylvania.
I’m sharing three of the teas I received from Linda to sample,
along with an adorable flower pot tea infuser!
Elderberry Sunset is a caffeine-free herbal infusion that is refreshing,
enjoyed hot or served over ice!
Elderberries and hibiscus take center stage of this dark red fruit blend, with
papaya, apple and carrot bringing added sweetness, with an endnote of spearmint!
Endless Mountain Mint is a gunpowder green tea blended with peppermint and spearmint.
Enjoy hot or iced and sweetened with honey!
London Fog is a black tea and take on the classic Earl Grey.
It’s blended with vanilla pieces, white chocolate, lavender, corn flowers,
bergamot flavor, natural and artificial flavorings.
It’s my new favorite black tea, with a hint of sweet flavor!
Enjoy served with a splash of cold or warm frothed milk.
Linda has generously offered both of us a ‘Spot of Tea’ assortment to give away!
One of my readers and one of Pam’s, will win an assortment of 3 hand-crafted teas,
flower pot infuser, heart sugar cubes and a vintage tea cup!
To enter this giveaway and a chance to win:
🫖 Visit Spot of Tea’s website and leave me a comment with the tea blend you’d like to try.
🫖 Like them on Facebook or follow on Instagram and leave a comment letting me know.
🫖 Pin a photo from this post and let me know by comment.
The Pin/Save button pops up when you hover on the upper left corner of each photo.
This giveaway is open to residents of the continental U.S. through midnight Monday, August 22nd.
THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED.
For an additional chance to win, visit Pam at Everyday Living
and have tea in her cottage garden. . .
As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you purchase anything through an affiliate link, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
After reading your post and Pam’s, you have me wanting to start enjoying tea again. I didn’t know there were so many options for diffusers and so many ways to flavor tea! I quietly gasped when I saw you were going to put actual holes in those plates! Thanks for the links. I think you have sent me down a rabbit hole!
All the tea blends look and sound yummy. I would like to try Lemon Meringue Rooibos.
Just opened a new site on Pinterest for table settings and 📌 a picture of your new Spot of Tea blog site. Love tea both,hot and cold and going to try making the three tiered tray to serve some goodies with my tea. So pretty.
Lovely post! I love a good tea and crumpets! I have a tiered tray I received as a wedding gift and still use it for my cookies and candy.
Good morning Mary, What a beautiful post and wonderful tutorial! I can’t wait to try making a cake plate using some of my vintage plates. Thank you for the trial and error and directing me to the proper drill bit. Thank you for introducing me to Spot of Tea, what a cute mother /daughter pair. I’m a black tea drinker and would love to try the Chocolate Raspberry Truffle tea, it sounds divine! I followed and pinned! Thank you for the opportunity. Laura
Wow…I’m thinking of all the halloween plates, christmas plates etc that I have and can make cute tiers for my island!
Good morning, Mary. Your DIY is amazing and I should give it a try. It turned out perfectly and is just beautiful serving up chicken salad mini shells, cheese straws, madeleines ( a personal favorite), pound cake, lemon cookies, and strawberries. The Royal Albert chintz 3-piece tea set is stunning. I love seeing the mountain scene in the background of the endless mountain mint tea. Someone planned really well. It would be a pleasure to join you on the porch for tea and delicious savory and sweet treats. I love sharing Tea on Tuesdays with you. Wishing you a wonderful day♥️
Mary, Thank you so very much for the lovely feature, how beautifully you photographed the teas and all your support!!!
<3
All these teas sound great. I would love to try London Fog. The tiered plate idea is awesome. Love all your ideas.
Spot on Mary…I always have a cuppa tea at first light each day and it is usually some form of green tea so that mountain mint tea caught my eye. I, too have bit the bullet and drilled into old plates to make a tiered tray…and yes, I have broken a few before improving my technique. I still have a couple buried in my stash somewhere. I really must ‘dig them out’ and use them. Thank you for the sharing of your lovely tea time. Kari @ Me and My Captain
I’d definitely try the London Fog! I drink hit tea winter and summer morning and night just like my grandmother did! I’m happy to hear about this new company to try.
Mary, What a wonderful tutorial for serving teatime treats! I love your choice and plates and how versatile this is for any occasion as Paula said. I love that company is a family one with mother and daughter. There are so many teas that sound delicious, the fruit blends in particular and the Carrot Cake sounds intriguing! Please count me in your giveaway, I don’t do Facebook or Instagram so I hope I can still enter. I pinned a photo of your tea spread on your porch. Happy Tuesday! Jerrie
Good Morning Mary ~ it’s sunny and warm so far this morning in the Litchfield Hills of CT. Perfect day to enjoy some Elderberry Sunset iced tea and read my book. This tea time reminds me of my honeymoon in Bermuda 40 years ago. Have a great day! Hugs, Dorinda
As usual, a lovely post with projects to ponder. I visited the Cup of Tea website and am torn between the Mango Oolong and the London Fog.
I’m looking forward to this new series. Your cake stands look so expensive, I never knew they sell hardware for these.
Mary ~ just letting you know that I commented, etc on A Spot of Tea’s website and pinned a picture on my board “Tea for Two <3". Thanks~Dorinda
Tea is such fun. I love your Tuesday tea time. I would love to try the relaxation tea. I am going to check out Spot of Tea’s website. Thank you for your lovely post.
I have always wanted to make a tiered tray and truly had not researched how to go about it and here you are giving me all the instructions and where I can get the supplies!…Your tea table is so beautiful and I can just imagine how wonderful it would be to sit and have a cup of tea at the table!….Great giveaway!!!…Off to check out their website. Love everything “relaxing” in tea flavors and the Elderberry Sunset sounds wonderful!….Love this new series! Have a fabulous week Mary!
Such a beautiful post! Do you also have recipes to share, so I can recreate this gorgeous and inviting setup?
Hi Terry, No everything came from the grocery store bakery. The strawberry pound cake was sold in a half cake loaf already sliced. The phyllo cups are by Athens and can be found in the freezer section, just thaw and fill with the sweet or savory fillings. I do have a post with an assortment of teatime recipes, HERE.🫖
From the grocery store??? Better yet! I wish I lived where there were Publix!
Thanks for sharing the great ideas for tier trays. I have already made a list for ideas for me and gifts for friends. The tea give away is a way I can share new teas with my mother in law. That loves a wonderful cup of tea. She is always sharing with me and others that love tea. In sharing these teas in giveaway. It will give me ideas for gifts for her in the future. Have a Blessed Day and can’t wait to see your next post.
Thanks Ce Ce
I’m excited to learn about these teas. Thanks for letting us know. I visited their website and left a comment. I also followed them on Instagram. I would really like to try the Elderberry Sunset!
Good Morning, I would love to try the Elderberry tea. Following Spot of Tea on Facebook and left message on Web site.
Thank you for introducing me to Spot of Tea, I love that it’s a family business! I would love to try the London Fog. I’m following and pinned a photo of your tiered server with your treats!
Mary in Ga
Hi Mary, love the Teas, I visited the website, how cute are those infusers! Thank for the introduction. I think I’d like to try the London Fog. I pinned and committed on the website.
Love the three tiered stand, how clever of you and thanks for showing us how to make one.
Smiles, Sue
I’ve been stealing drinker since I was in my teens and drink it all day hot and cold. I’d love to try the mountain mint of the lemon meringue. I bet both are delish!
Don’t know why auto correct would take tea and make it stealing🤣🤣🤣
As always an excellent tutorial ! I’m hosting our tea group in November and it’s always good to have a new tea source. I would like to try the London Fog . I pinned your beautiful tea table , followed on Instagram and looked at their website.
I followed them on Instagram
I have wanted to host a tea party all summer. Your post has given me the push I needed to proceed. But first I want to try the three tier server. I have 3 perfect plates to use. You always have such wonderful ideas and instructions. After visiting the Spot of Tea website, I can’t wait to try these delicious teas. Only one problem, which ones to try first.
Great post, love all fruity teas and what a beautiful display.
Love this tutorial Looks like I can even do it!
The relaxation tea looks wonderful.
I love to do high teas every year around the holidays or if we are on vacation.
That flowerpot infuser is SO cute! And the teas look delicious. I liked “Spot of Tea” on Facebook.
Mary I always learn how to create so many cool things from your wonderful posts – thank you! Hard decision on which tea to choose but I would love to try Carrot Cake since that is my favorite cake. It was fun visiting Spot of Tea’s website and I am now following them on Instagram. I think I pinned about 6 photos from your post – so much fun!
All the teas look wonderful but I think I’d like to try “Cinnamon Vanilla” first – then I’d pick Chocolate Raspberry Truffle – and that’s just in the “Black Tea” section! Yum!
I pinned a photo of your lovely tea table! Thanks.
I would love to try the Relaxation Tea! I “liked” Spot of Tea on Facebook. And I pinned a photo of your tired tray. Definitely going to make that!
Loved seeing the tea ideas and inspiration, as well as the fun giveaway! I visited their website and would love to try the Endless Mountain Mint in the green tea line!
I started following Spot of Tea on Instagram!
I posted about your giveaway to my Pinterest page!
Tea Time is my time, too. I enjoy it everyday. I would love to try the Elderberry Sunset and London Fog. I liked the FB page, visited their website and pinned a photo. I really would be grateful to win this wonderful gift. Mary, you always introduce us to the best things. I am loving your Tuesday Tea blogs.
Mary–Thank You for another informative and wonderful post. And of course, your beautiful give-aways! I love trying new teas–the Elderberry Sunset sounds really good and will be checking out The “Spot of Tea” Company!
I love hosting tea parties for a birthday or baby/birthday/bridal shower; so many ways to present beautiful food and lovely teas. I serve champagne also, of course. Thank you for your lovely pictures and ideas and for introduction of “Spot of Tea’. I going there to visit now.
The chocolate teas are calling my name.
Thanks for the lovely tea time post and the tutorial for making the tiered trays, something I’ve wanted to try but never researched. Your trays are beautiful and I’m inspired to buy the special drill bit today! I’d love to try the Summer Time and London Fog teas – even in the middle of a North Carolina summer hot tea (and caffeine, of course) is a daily must-have!
I’d love to try the Almond Joyful tea!!
I pinned this post onto my Tea Party Pinterest board!!
Beautiful post Mary. I had bought those tiered tray kits from amazon months ago. I need to get them out and make a few. They make lovely gifts too. The Spot of Tea looks wonderful, such cute packaging too. I would love to try the Elderberry Sunset. Of course they all sound fabulous! I followed Spot of Tea on Instagram, Facebook and also pinned an image to Pinterest.
Wow! I was just thinking about doing this with some old plates! How awesome that you provide such a great tutorial and the links to Amazon as well. I saw one where a tea cup was used for the top serving piece too. One could easily have a selection of seasonal plates to switch out as well just using the same hardware, or take out the middle piece and just have two tiers, so much inspiration here!! As an aside I was reading that for a traditional afternoon tea service the savouries go on the bottom plate ie sandwiches, savoury tarts, the scones, clotted cream and jams are served on the middle plate and the sweets are at the top. How ever it is served afternoon tea is such a lovely way to entertain! Never use the term ‘high tea’ for this type of service. High tea is actually a fairly substantial meal served at the supper hour at a high or dining table. Afternoon tea was traditionally served at a low or tea table and was an assortment of dainties sweet and savoury. I see ‘high tea’ used very often in North America (even in tearooms!) to describe what is really afternoon tea. I think people believe the word ‘high’ means formal when it really is the opposite!
Oh, what a wonderful gift package to give away!! I would love to try the Almond Joyful black tea blend. Thanks for a delightful post, Mary!
I would so try either the Chocolate Raspberry Truffle or the That’s A Lot of Berries! They
sound delish! 🫖
I saved the photo of the tiered tray made with your Grandmother’s plates to my to do crafty board on Pinterest. So pretty. Funny thing is, I actually bought one of those diamond hole bits several years ago to make this exact project. I just never got around to doing it. I need to go out now and do some thrifting to find myself the perfect plates.
Hi, At Spot of Tea’s website, I commented that I would order Elderberry Sunset. It is a tisane beloved by Agatha Cristie’s,
Hercule Poirot to fuel his “little grey cells”.
Mary, I liked them on Facebook but also commented that your site is always creative and fun. Going to haunt thrift stores for beautiful plates to make the 3 tiered stand. Thank you for the inspiration.💜
Hi, At Spot of Tea’s website, I commented that I would order Elderberry Sunset. It is a tisane beloved by Agatha Cristie’s,
Hercule Poirot to fuel his “little grey cells”.
Mary, I liked them on Facebook but also commented that your site is always creative and fun. Going to haunt thrift stores for beautiful plates to make the 3 tiered stand. Thank you for the inspiration.💜
What a lovely tea party on your porch today, Mary! Your tiered stand directions are wonderful. I have the English Chintz teacup that came in a set of other Royal Albert reproduction pieces, that my youngest son and DIL gave to me. The tea company sounds wonderful. I would choose the Madagascar Vanilla Chai tea, but the Raspberry Chocolate Truffle sounded wonderful, too. Thanks for sharing with us. Btw, I’d love a taste of everything on your tiered stand. ❤️
Oh Mary, what a lovely tea party! You were fearless with that drill, I am so afraid of power tools 😬! Your tiered plate stand turned out so pretty and perfect for an array of tea time treats~ I am not a tea lover, but I certainly enjoyed your party and those teas sound amazing. They are so prettily packaged, and what a sweet story about this special company. I love the happy floral pattern mix in your tea table display!
Just visited a Spot of Tea’s Facebook page and website!! Thank you for sharing their company with us!! I look forward to trying their teas. The Chocolate Raspberry Truffle sounds decadent and delicious :) I love all things tea and related to tea parties! I pinned your photo of your beautiful 3 tier tray. I frequent thrift stores and am looking forward to making a tray of my own :)
Perfect timing as I’ve been planning Ladies Tea at my church. Plus, this is a wonderful excuse to go on the thrift store search for the perfect plates! Love love love this project. And Elderberrry tea sounds devine! Thank you for a delightful post!
The different teas by Spot of Tea company sound so good. Your tea table is lovely, Mary. Your food looks so pretty. You are so smart to do a DIY tiered plate stand. They are both very professional.
Delightful post as usual.
Thank you for the tutorial and the link to the right drill bit! I bought one. Would you also be willing to share the name of your grandmother’s china – it’s stunning!
Hi Barb, Hope you have fun making one! The pattern name is Regal by Sango. It was made in Japan. ♥
THANK YOU!!!!
Loved this post and would love to try any mints or the lemon meringue rooibos flavors.
London Fog! Doesn’t that just conjure up thoughts of afternoon tea? There isn’t a more civilized and rewarding ritual than taking afternoon tea. I love and look forward to your Tea on Tuesday posts. Thanks for sharing!
Love this new post. You’re always inspiring. Thanks for introducing me to “Spot of Tea” I would love to try the Elderberry ☺️
I have been in love with tea and tearooms for years. I think it’s a delightful way to entertain a group of friends. I enjoyed looking at all the tea selections and would like to try London Fog. Thank you for the gift-away opportunity!
I would like to try The London Fog. liked them on instagram
Marilyn
Mary I liked their facebook page. Lots of Berries is the flavor for me.
Marion
Mary, photo heavy posts from your are favorites for me. Can’t get enough of your gorgeous shares. I like your idea for a tiered tray, but the goodies on it are distracting me! Ha! Ha! Seriously, your tea time has me wishing for a visit to your lakeside teatime. Now you have me thinking of planning my own little tea party.
Well, those are both great tiered trays (and the food looks amazing, and all the photos really great shots. Cheese straws are hard to find this side of the southern border, except around Derby time). I need one of those diamond drill bits for my plaster walls! I’m a chicken when it comes to putting holes in things. Lord knows there are plenty of dishes to practice on!
What an amazing DIY! They both are quite beautiful. I enjoyed seeing all your tea time treats fill it up so nicely.
Your Tea Time was quite lovely. And how nice to have a Spot of Tea Giveaway. Thank you Mary, Pam and these ladies for making it happen.
I would enjoy trying Chocolate Raspberry Truffle… perfect for an afternoon tea. I have pinned several of your pictures from this post to my Tea Time Pinterest Board and to my Favorite Blogs Board.
I now follow them on Instagram as well!
Thank so much for another wonderful Tea Time!
Your DYI project is absolutely darling and all your goodies look scrumptious! These teas sound very tasty. Happy Anniversary Mary (August 18th)! May you have an awesome day and very special year together. I sent you an email, a Happy Anniversary note, hope you received it and it didn’t go to spam. But if it did, here’s best wishes as well. ♥️
Thank you so much Cyndi! You’re so sweet to remember and think of me. Hope you’re enjoy these last days of summer. ♥
Beautiful Tea of Tuesday post Mary and everything is gorgeous! I’m not a tea drinker but those delicious sounding blends could make a convert out of me. Your tiered plate servers are so pretty and thank you for sharing the how-to. You are so creative!
I love tea!! After a long day at work, it is nice to relax with some tea. Blue Lagoon looks yummy as does Strawberry Sunrise! Thank you for the inspiration! I’m going to try making a tiered server.
Love your tiered server and all your pretty dishes. I’ve tried several of your recipes and found those really good as well. About the teas, they sound so good, I do think her shipping charges are a bit high. I think the quantity is 2 oz. each, I chose 3 and the shipping is $7.95 for less than 1/2#. Would she consider waiving the shipping charge for your readers? Just a thought.
Hi Ruth, I’m not sure how long it’s been since you’ve mailed something but USPS just raised their rates again in July. Priority flat rate shipping for a small box or envelope is currently $7.75 – $9.45. You can find shipping rates here: https://www.usps.com/ship/priority-mail.htm#flatrate
I am so excited about your new blog…was away for a couple days but was exciting to find it today. I went to their website and their Facebook page…looking forward to ordering some of their teas. I think Strawberry sunrise will be my first but oh so many sounded delicious! I pinned your picture of the teapots and three level server. Hubby and I make bird feeders out of saucer and tea cups but we will definitely have to try making the tea server. Will also check out the suggested bit. Thanks for all the great info! Peace.
Don’t take me for Pomegranite, please
Such a darling post, loved every square inch! Now you have me wanting to make a tray set desperately even though I lack the time for anything indoors! The tea packaging is adorable, very fun post!
Quick question about the 3 tiered server. I can’t seem to get my upper two dishes level. I keep adjusting it and then stand back and another side is off kilter. Any advice here?
Hi, If all else fails you can try adding a flat zinc washer underneath the two upper plates to help stabilize them. You can pick them up from the hardware store for around 20 cents each.
Once you have made the tiered tray, can you take it part for storage after using it? I bought the parts last year but can’t bring myself to put a hole in my mother’s beloved china.
Hi Marti, Yes, I took mine apart for easier storage. :)