I love a project that looks boutique-style but takes almost no time, and this little autumn pedestal display absolutely delivers. By stacking dollar store ceramic leaf dishes onto thrifted glass candlesticks, you get a pair of elevated trays that look charming on a front porch table, tucked beside the door, or even layered into a fall mantel. It’s one of those crafts that feels especially satisfying because the pieces are so simple on their own, but together they look finished and intentional.
As someone who is usually squeezing in crafts between work, dinner prep, and the usual weekday chaos, this is exactly my kind of DIY. There’s no complicated cutting or painting required unless you want to customize, and the result is polished enough to hold mini pumpkins, pinecones, battery candles, or wrapped treats by the front door.
Materials
2 ceramic leaf dishes, about 8 to 10 inches long each
Instructions
1. Wash the ceramic leaf dishes and glass candlesticks with warm soapy water, then dry them fully so the glue can bond well.
2. Wipe the top of each candlestick and the underside center of each leaf dish with rubbing alcohol or glass cleaner to remove any dust or residue.
3. Set one leaf dish upside down on a towel and test the candlestick placement in the center so the pedestal will feel balanced once assembled.
4. Apply a generous ring of clear adhesive to the top rim of one candlestick, then press it firmly onto the center underside of the leaf dish and hold for 30 to 60 seconds.
5. Repeat with the second candlestick and leaf dish, checking from all sides that both pedestals sit straight and even.
6. Let the adhesive cure according to the package directions, ideally at least 24 hours, without moving the pieces.
7. Turn the finished pedestals upright and add felt dots to the bottom of each candlestick base so they won’t scratch your porch table or wobble on uneven surfaces.
8. If you want a fuller front-door look, style one pedestal with mini pumpkins and the other with pinecones, acorns, or a battery tealight tucked into the center.
9. Place the pair by the front door on a small table, bench, or covered porch stand, spacing them a few inches apart so the leaf shapes are easy to see.
Variations & Tips
For a richer look: Use two different heights of candlesticks so the display feels layered and a little more collected. I love this trick when decorating a porch because it makes even a tiny setup feel fuller.
If the dishes are lightweight: Choose heavier ceramic dishes over thin plastic or melamine so the pedestal feels secure and substantial outdoors.
Adhesive choice: A strong permanent craft adhesive works best for this project. Hot glue is tempting because it’s fast, but for ceramic and glass, especially near a door that gets temperature changes, I wouldn’t trust it long term.
Color-matching tip: If your leaf dishes and candlesticks don’t quite go together, a light coat of spray paint on both pieces before assembly can unify the look. Just be sure to let the paint cure completely before gluing.
Outdoor placement: These are cutest on a covered porch or protected front-door area. If your entry gets heavy rain or strong wind, bring them in during bad weather to keep the adhesive bond strong.
Easy seasonal swap: After fall, you can restyle the same pedestal trays with ornaments in winter, faux moss in spring, or citronella candles in summer. I’m always looking for projects that can pull double duty, and this one definitely does.