The Affordable IKEA Solution To Make Outdoor Dining Easier That Doubles As Table Decor

When the weather is delightful, dining outdoors is one of the most pleasant things to do. If you're hosting a gathering, you're likely on the lookout for ways to elevate the appearance of your venue (even if it's just your back patio) as well as minimize your effort. One particular IKEA product — the TOFSAND Plate stand — accomplishes both. Its tiered design can transform your outdoor dining space with a smart decor solution that gives off garden party vibes.

Retailing for $14.99, the TOFSAND plate stand is crafted from steel with a white polyester powder coating for added durability. The top of the stand features a metal circle that serves as a decorative element as well as a place to grip. The plate stand measures 13 inches high by 11 ½ inches in diameter, and can accommodate plates with a diameter between 9 ⅖ and 10 ⅗ inches. Because the TOFSAND doesn't come with any plates you have the choice of purchasing some — perhaps from IKEA's inventory — or pairing your own plates with it. When loaded up with an array of fruits, baked goods, or appetizers, this plate stand can deliver serious appeal as a centerpiece or focal point.

At the time of writing, the TOFSAND had garnered a 4.4-star average from more than 25 reviews. Customers praise the appearance of the stand. There is, however, some criticism over the product's quality, with some buyers stating that the stand is unstable.

Individuals who are planning to acquire a TOFSAND can personalize the plate stand for their purposes in a variety of ways. Firstly, users can outfit theirs with bowls instead of plates; filling the double-decker bowls with fresh fruit will help it serve as a functional and decorative feature in your kitchen or on the table. When hosting a gathering, the multiple levels on this plate stand can streamline transporting food outdoors, allowing you to move two dishes at the same time. The TOFSAND's product details do not list the plate stand's weight capacity, so it's best to support the base when moving it from place to place. For individuals with utility in mind, this plate stand can also be situated on the counter to serve as a plate holder, thereby freeing up valuable cabinet room and turning dead space into kitchen storage.

One small caveat to consider is that while plate stands allow you to stack multiple dishes within the footprint of just one plate, they can make accessing the food on the stacked levels a bit more challenging. A good way to simplify things is by pairing the TOFSAND with suitable serving implements. Longer-handled utensils for poking items or a pair of the VARDAGEN tongs ($8.99) for grabbing food are both good options when navigating limited clearance between the plates. For more ideas, check out our list of entertaining essentials that are a must for your outdoor space.