This cupcake stand can match any party decor! With just a few supplies from the home store, you can make a cupcake stand with plastic plates. The best part is that it easily comes apart and can be stored flat. There is also another bonus. This project uses inexpensive plastic plates. You can even use bowls. For sure this is an easy way to make a tiered serving tray that can easily be interchanged with different plastic plates and bowls.
The supplies for this project can be found at home improvement stores (like Lowe’s). The plastic plates are from Target. I also found some cool plastic plates at a local thrift store.
Supplies for Cupcake Stand
- 2 plastic plates
- one knob that fits a threaded rod
- 1 – 1/2″ X 3′ round aluminum tube (there are cool square ones too!)
- 1 – #8-32 X 3′ threaded rod
- 1 package of #8-32 X 1 1/4 combo round w/nut (or one nut to fit the end of the threaded rod)
- 2 rubber washers 3/16″ X 1/2″ X 1/16″
- 11/64″ drill bit
- fine sandpaper
- (we did not end up using the #10 flat zinc washers)
You will have plenty of supplies left over. These would make great gifts!
How to make a cupcake stand step by step
Cut aluminum tube with a saw, making sure cut is level. You will need a 6″ length and 3″ length (these can be adjusted to your own needs)
Cut threaded rod into a 9 1/2″ length
Lightly sand aluminum tubes to make surface even and remove imperfections
Drill hole in the center of two plastic plates. It worked best to place masking tape where the hole needed to be drilled and drill from the front.
Put 9 1/2″ threaded rod through the bottom plate and put a nut underneath the plate.
Next place rubber washer on top of the bottom plate, place 6″ aluminum tube around the threaded rod.
Place next plate, a rubber washer, 3″ aluminum piece and then screw knob tightly to the top. The pieces can be easily removed and interchanged with other plastic plates to fit any party theme or color scheme!
If you a cake to display along with your cupcakes here is an easy way to make a wooden cake stand. It would also be a great cupcake stand.
I just found your blog when searching for printable cupcake wrappers – and now I am subscribing! I love the cupcake stand idea. It’s perfect because my daughter is turning 4 in February and I want to make cupcakes for her party, but I don’t have a cupcake stand. I try to make most things myself, because it’s fun and always turns out so neat. So thanks for sharing this great idea! 🙂
That is brilliant… I have got some melamine plates waiting to do the exact same thing but I am scared of the drill !!!! Your plates are a nicer design than mine 🙂
Regarding rocking: The first thing I thought of was a rubber gasket/washer or sewing machine belt. Or you could add rubber or felt peel-off feet like you might put on the bottom of chairs or on cabinet doors.
Here’s a thought – What if you put four (4) felt pads, like those used for the bottom of chair legs on the bottom of a plate that lacks a lipped ring. They are thick enough and would balance the tray equally.
Would this work?
PS. Looks really good Cindy…I look forward to seeing treats on this plate!
This is a great idea so clever, I’m going to give it a go as soon as I gather my supplies. Thanks for such clear instructions.
Another option I’ve seen is using wine glasses/champagne flutes between the layers. Looks really cool. And I’m sure there are things you could do inside the glasses like silk flowers and what not. I think it was all just glued.
This is a great idea! Thanks for sharing!
What a great idea!! Is the cake stand wobbly with the nut on the bottom? Just curious…..just read the above comment about a wooden emboidery hoop…that might work. Thanks
This is brilliant! Thanks for sharing. I am totally going to try this, I’m always looking for different ways to make dessert stands!
To solve the wobbling problem I would get 4 felt or rubber pads (like the type you would put under kitchen chair legs) and put them on the bottom of the plate. You could do 2 layers of them if you needed but hopefully one layer would do the trick. I think you could find pretty small ones or use glue dots to make your own little felt cushions.
Let’s all brainstorm this question.
Aimee’s Question:
I have made these before and the nut on the bottom causes certain plates to rock because the lipped bottom isn’t quite tall enough. Do you have a solution for that?
What about somehow creating a lip — like painting and attaching a wooden embroidery hoop. There might even be a metal type ring at the home improvement store that could be used.
What do you all think?
such a great idea!!! i love you!
I have a question if you wouldn’t mind adding the response to the post if you have an answer. I have made these before and the nut on the bottom causes certain plates to rock because the lipped bottom isn’t quite tall enough. Do you have a solution for that?
Ohhh love it! It’s truly one of those, “I have all the supplies, why didn’t I ever think of that” posts for me! lol Thanks for thinking of it!
AWESOME tutorial!! I am going to share on my fanpage, I know everyone will love it!!