How To Set Up A Dessert Table

Setting up a dessert table really taps into our creative imagination. It’s fun to design a table with beautiful desserts and unique dish ware to display them on. A dessert table is a great focal point at any party. An eye-catching dessert table can enhance the vibe of of any event. It can also be a challenge to set up so today we are focusing on sharing a step-by-step guide on how to set up a dessert table like a pro. The above dessert table was set up at our friend, Becky’s house.

How To Set Up A Dessert Table

Step 1

Decide on the format of the party and the number of guests you will be serving. Also, consider the ages of your guests and any food restrictions.

Step 2

Create your list of sweet treats and desserts that you will be serving- Layer cake, mini-cupcakes, trifle, cookies, brownies, ice cream, candy, fruit, pies, pudding cups, cheese and nuts etc.

Step 3

Decide where you will be setting your dessert table up. Make sure you have enough table space and remember to layer the display-use cake stands and tiered serving pieces to create visual interest. Layered cakes and other delicious desserts look inviting when shown at differing heights. Gather any table linens you might want to use- table cloths, runners and napkins. Paper products by Hester & Cook work really well- click here for one of our posts using their products. Get together all plates, serving pieces and silverware you will need for serving your guests.

Step 4

Set up your table- lay the linens or paper products and arrange your serving dishes. Place the desserts on the designated dishes. This is where you can add extra design touches- flowers, candles and fresh greenery. Fruits and nuts scattered around add interest too. Also, you can use the small rechargeable table lamps- click here for more information.

Dessert Table Ideas

For Dessert Table Ideas we focused on for Fall and Winter Holidays or an Afternoon Tea or Shower or Book Club. Fall and Winter- think Halloween, Thanksgiving, Rosh Hashanah, Hanukkah, Christmas, New Year’s. There are some basic serving pieces that would work for all of these. Let’s start with those.

Basic Serving Pieces For Any Dessert Table

These are the pieces that we go for all the time. Basic white is a practical choice for these items. They are easy to mix and match and you can add color with your salad plates, paper products, flowers, fruit, greenery- think eucalyptus, etc- and your delicious sweet treats. Another fun idea, if you are serving candy- use clear glass cylinder vases filled with candy. Bev does this at her home from Halloween until Thanksgiving and her grandkids love it. As always, click on any photo below for more information and details.

Platters

Tiered Display Stands

Cake Plates

Small Serving Bowls

Serving Utensils

Fall Dessert Table

In addition to the basics that you can choose from, to complete your Fall Dessert Table, we found paper products, dessert plates and flatware to use for a Fall Dessert Table. To add more color think pumpkins, mums, candles and whole apples. Click on any photo for more information.

Paper Products

Dessert Plates

Flatware and Serving Pieces

Halloween Dessert Table

Val loves to decorate for Halloween and she has so many cool items to use. For the Halloween Dessert Table, we stayed with the basic white serving pieces, then added the paper products and plates for fun. Click an any photo for details or information.

Paper Products

Dessert Plates

Flatware and Serving Pieces

December Holidays Dessert Table

December has so many holidays to host- a dessert table would be a great idea for your party. We included items for Hanukah, Christmas and New Year’s. By using the basic white serving pieces add paper products, dessert plates, flowers and greens to compliment any holiday party you throw. Click on the photos for more information.

click here for Christmas Tree Shaped desserts

Paper Products

Dessert Plates

Flatware and Serving Pieces

Book Club/Afternoon Tea/Shower Dessert Table

If you are in a book club, this would be a great idea for serving any food items for your gathering. In fact, Bev is going to steal this for next time she hosts. You can have desserts, but also set up cheese, crackers, fruit, nuts, green salad with protein choices-hmmmm. Click on any photo for information and details.

Paper Products

Dessert Plates

Flatware

Serving Pieces

We hope this has inspired you for your future entertaining- please let us know with a comment-thanks

Bev and Val

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