A few readers spotted the small white object on the floor at the left side of the photo of our new salt lamp and asked what it was. It isn’t a stray sock or a piece of decor—it’s Burger’s little food and water station, cleverly tucked behind the media stand so it stays out of the way for people while remaining easy for our tiny chihuahua to reach.
We put this setup together from a few inexpensive items at Target that weren’t even intended to be pet supplies, which is exactly why we love it. Two small ribbed ceramic ramekins—about $2 each—sit on a simple white rectangular platter that cost around $9. The result is a compact, attractive little doggy buffet that fits neatly behind the stand. The ceramic pieces are sturdy, easy to clean, and non-porous, so they don’t harbor odors or stains the way some plastics can.
The whole arrangement has held up surprisingly well. We’ve used the same set since 2007, and it still looks fresh and functions perfectly. The shallow ramekins are just the right size for Burger’s kibble and a small water portion, and the platter keeps any spills on the floor to a minimum. Because everything is ceramic, the dishes are dishwasher-safe for quick cleanups, and they don’t get scratched or warped like lightweight plastic bowls.
For those who’ve been around since the start of our blog days, this feeding station was actually one of our first DIY-style posts. We originally wrote about creating it about a month after we began blogging, back when it felt like we were mostly talking to ourselves. That early post didn’t get any comments, which made us laugh—those early months were a learning curve. Since then, hearing from readers and seeing how people adapt little ideas like this in their own homes has been one of the best parts of sharing our projects.
If you’re thinking about a similar approach, here are a few quick tips based on our experience:
- Choose ceramic or stainless steel for durability and hygiene—both are non-porous and easy to clean.
- Place the feeding set where your pet feels comfortable but where it won’t be in the main walk path to avoid tripping hazards.
- Use a tray or platter underneath bowls to catch spills and protect floors from water damage.
- Pick sizes that match your pet’s needs—small ramekins work well for little dogs and portion control.
We’re curious about what you use at home: do you feed your pets from metal dishes, porcelain bowls, elevated feeders, or something more decorative and designer? Maybe you have a clever space-saving idea or a favorite washable tray solution. Share what works for you and your pets—practical, stylish, and pet-safe options are always great to learn about.
Finally, thank you to everyone who reads, comments, and sends ideas our way. Little projects like Burger’s feeding station are fun to set up and even more fun to refine over time, so we appreciate the inspiration and feedback from this community.