Display Like a Pro: Our Favorite Dessert Table Display Items
When it comes to dessert tables, the magic isn’t just what’s on the plate, it’s the plate itself too. The trays, risers, and tiny sign holders you choose play a huge role in how polished (or chaotic) your setup looks.
So we’re sharing our go-to picks, plus the styling principles we use to mix and match materials that create attractive designs. Whether you're doing a cookie bar for a baby shower or a full wedding dessert display, these products will give you the flexibility to make any display look intentional and cohesive.
Disclaimer: Some of the links below are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases (at no extra cost to you). We only share products we’d actually use (or do use) ourselves.
1. Anchor Your Design with a Core Material
While you can certainly mix and match materials, incorporating too many can leave your design feeling scattered or tacky. Start by considering the overall aesthetic of the event. Is it modern and sophisticated? Romantic? Playful? Rustic?
Use these as jumping off points and pick a primary material in line with that aesthetic to repeat across most of your display pieces.
For a clean and modern feel: White or matte black ceramics, hammered metallic pieces, marble or slate
For a soft, romantic feel: Clear glass, brushed gold, pastels
For a cozy or rustic event: Natural wood, stoneware and earthenware pieces
Favorites:
White marble with gold base (Amazon)
Jillian 3 Piece Cake Stand Set (Wayfair)
Decorative fluted glass fruit bowl (Amazon)
Acacia wood cupcake pedestal (Amazon)
Two-tiered rustic wooden servers (Amazon)
Over&back Stackable Oval Hand-Finished Stoneware Serving Platter Semi-Matte in Sage (Target)
2. Mix in Contrasting Textures for Depth
Once you’ve chosen your base material, bring in one or two contrasting materials for dimension. The goal is contrast—not clutter.
Try pairing:
Smooth ceramic + raw wood
Clear glass + metallic accents
Wicker baskets + modern trays
This helps your table feel layered and intentional instead of flat.
Favorites:
Hexagonal Acacia Wood Serving Trays (Amazon)
Water Hyacinth Serving Trays (Amazon)
3. Play with Height
Ever notice what beautifully decorated rooms, stunning retail displays, and luxury wedding tablescapes have in common? Visual interest. One of the easiest ways to create visual interest is by varying the height of the objects in the space.
Beyond mixing different kinds of platters (pedestal platters, flat platters, and tiered stands), you can further mix up your heights by using platforms and risers on top of your table.
A good rule of thumb is to have three levels of elevation—low, medium, tall—to create visual flow. But make sure it still feels stable and easy to navigate for guests.
For particularly small tables, you may have no choice but to go up! Here are some of our favorite types of items to use to give your table the lift it needs:
Cake stands on top of other cake stands
Box risers (can be covered with linens)
Books
Antique luggage
Wine boxes
Wooden crates
Shelves
Favorites:
Acrylic Tiered Display Set (Amazon)
5.5 Inch Vintage Style Book Boxes (Michaels)
Wooden Vintage Suitcase Sets (Amazon)
Harmony Arch Boho Tiered Wall Shelf (Bed Bath & Beyond)
4. Add Small-Scale Signage
One of our pet peeves is seeing a beautiful dessert table with no identifying labels explaining what you’re about to eat. Sure, some desserts are easily understood (everyone can spot a chocolate covered strawberry when they see one), but for many others, your guests’ll need a little help.
The dessert labels can be as simple as a tent-fold card, but we like to use place setting holders instead, which can add to the overall design.
Favorites:
Wooden Place Card Holders (Amazon)
Brass Circle Table Number Holders (Minted)
Clear Acrylic Sign Holders (Amazon)
Royal Gold Baroque Place Card Holder (Wayfair)
5. Style With Intention: Tips to Tie It All Together
Before you start ordering five random cake stands, here’s how to keep your table looking intentional:
Repeat your base color or texture 3+ times across the display. This creates cohesion.
Vary the shape. If all your platters are rectangles, add in a circle or oval.
Use odd numbers. Odd groupings feel more natural and less rigid. (Look up tips on styling shelves for additional tips that translate to dessert table design.)
Leave breathing room. Don’t overcrowd—give the eye a few clean spaces to rest.
Still stuck? Check out our Pinterest board for inspiration, or if you’re in the Denver-area and would rather hire a pro to design your table for you, let’s chat!
