Dessert Table Guide: Tips and Ideas for Creating Your Own Sweet Spread

Dessert tables make beautiful backdrops for special occasions and never fail to draw guests in and create moments of connection. Whether it’s for a magical wedding, a joyous anniversary, a charming baby shower, or a dazzling birthday party, a well-crafted dessert table is a key element of any celebration.

Does the idea of a dessert table entice you, but the thought of organising it seem overwhelming? While it may appear to be a huge undertaking, the grandeur is well worth the effort. At Two Bakers, we’ve been perfecting the art of putting together these stunning displays since our inception. Let us guide you through the process, step by step, to make your dessert table the central attraction of your party!

1. Planning Your Dessert Table

Just like with any other project, diving in without a plan isn’t the best idea. A bit of coordination goes a long way in pulling off a dessert table that looks whole, put-together and polished.

Define Your Theme

One of the best ways to start planning your dessert table is by choosing a theme. Your theme can be borrowed from various styles, aesthetics, colours, moods or the occasion itself. Think of this theme as your north star throughout the design process, from dessert to decoration. To keep things looking sharp and cohesive, limit your colour palette to no more than five colours. 

Example: Incorporate anchors, sailboats, stripes and a colour scheme of navy blue, red and white for a nautical-themed birthday party dessert table.

Assess the Scale and Scope

This ties directly into how many desserts you should prepare and how it fits your budget (up next). Are your guests big fans of sweet treats? Do they usually go back for seconds? If you’re not quite sure, a safe bet is to plan for 3 to 5 pieces per guest, assuming there will be other food served as well. Take a close look at your guest list and estimate accordingly. While you’re at it, think about offering a nice variety — a mix of flavours, textures and sizes can satisfy different tastes.

Example: 20 mini cupcakes, 30 macarons, 20 bite-sized brownies, 10 cake pops for 20 guests.

Establish a Budget

If you’re baking on your own, remember to budget for ingredients, equipment and decorations needed to whip up and embellish your desserts. Even if you’re ordering, adding a few homemade treats can help trim costs.

Example: A hack to help save money is by decorating a plain cake yourself using fruit, sprinkles, drizzles, cake toppers and more! These simple touches can contribute to a personal and stunning centrepiece that doesn’t break the bank.

2. Choosing Your Sweet Treats

Mixing in a variety of desserts, especially ones you know your guests will love, and playing around with different heights and sizes are great ways to make your dessert table pop. 

Variety and Balance

Now’s the time to really get into the variety you’ve been planning. Mix and match your desserts based on flavours, textures and sizes. For a balanced spread, aim for an assortment of pastries (pies, tarts, croissants) paired with confections (macarons, caramel squares, Turkish delight). This combination lends both elegance and variety to your table.

Example: A setup featuring a showstopping tiered cake with complementary treats like mini tarts, macarons and chocolate truffles.

Crowd Favourites

A big part of creating a winning dessert spread is understanding your guests, like a good host always does. Classics like tiramisu, brownies and cupcakes are always a hit, while unique or themed treats add a special touch. Many bakeries offer customisation options, so you can tailor the desserts to fit the occasion perfectly.

Example: Brownies, cupcakes, cheesecake, mini donuts, fruit tartlets, eclairs.

Presentation and Arrangement

Serving stands are wonderful additions that instantly infuse your dessert display with festivity. There’s a wide range of designs to match your aesthetic, from a cake stand with elegant frilly edges to a dreamy ferris wheel cupcake holder. Beyond just providing a designated space for your desserts, these stands contribute visual appeal and showcase variety in an eye-catching way at a glance. Remember to adhere to the theme and choose the appropriate stands and covers that don’t distract, but add on to your presentation.

Example: Cake stands, tiered stands, platters, cake domes, trays, cocktail glasses.

3. Setting Up Your Dessert Display

Finally, the fun part arrives! After all the planning and fussing with the nitty-gritty, you get to see everything come together as you set up the dessert table. 

Layout and Design

Add depth to your dessert table by layering your treats and elevating some to create focal points. Not only does this move enhance visual appeal, but it also makes it easier for guests to reach for their favourites, especially in crowded settings where everyone’s getting their hands on various delights. The stands you’ve chosen before can highlight certain selections and encourage guests to sample them, ensuring each one gets the attention it deserves.

Example: Place an impressive tiered cake on a pedestal stand, with lower-tiered stands around it for mini pastries and confections. This ensures an inviting setup that prioritises accessibility and visibility.

Decorations

When it comes to decorations, the possibilities are endless, so it can be difficult to figure out where to start. That’s where your theme comes to the rescue yet again — it helps keep everything consistent while letting you get creative! Think elements like flowers, banners, tablecloths, candles, signs, balloons and other items related to the theme. You can even allocate an area for gifts, if appropriate. Just remember to keep it balanced so the embellishments complement your food without overwhelming the space.

Example: A floral tablecloth draped over the dessert table, with a rustic wooden sign written with messages, candles in mason jars, flowers in vases, and a string of fairy lights for a garden-themed party.

Practical Considerations

The practical aspects are essential for the overall experience of your dessert spread. Utensils and napkins are an absolute must, and it’s even better if they match your theme. Providing refreshments like coffee, tea and juice gives a nice touch and shows thoughtfulness. Consider the environment — will the desserts last out in the heat? If so, take steps like using cooling trays or portable coolers to keep everything fresh and enjoyable. 

Example: At a formal evening event, silver utensils and fancy napkins fit the sophistication. Fine teas, coffees and sparkling water can make a grand impression.

If This is Your First Time Planning a Dessert Spread…

Experiment and have fun with the process! Everyone starts somewhere, and finding inspiration can really help get your creative juices flowing. Check out Instagram, Pinterest and TikTok for ideas and trends that might spark your imagination. Alternatively, partnering with an experienced dessert table curator, like us at Two Bakers, can be a fantastic way to warm up while bringing your dream concepts to life.

Find out more about our past work here and let’s chat about how we can wow your guests with a spectacular dessert display that not only looks, but tastes good! We’ll make sure they’ll love it as much as you do.