Dessert Table Presentation Ideas

Dessert Tables are beautifully decorated tables filled with desserts neatly plated and arranged in a pleasing manner following a theme. Much like a dessert counter on a buffet line. They have gained fame as instagramable dainty desserts for hi-tea in hotels. These small bite-sized and exquisitely decorated desserts are traditionally known as petit four, French for “small oven”. The following are 3 examples of themes and ideas that can be used for dessert table presentation.

Presentation Ideas for Different Events

Be it traditional, fantasy, or elegant, when designing a dessert table, there are 3 areas of consideration :

Table Decorations – I leave this to the venue and decorators, as long as there is a table and tablecloth with skirting if needed. It should blend with overall deco of the venue theme.
Tableware and Crockeries – divided into
- white chinaware – the standard which is good for bringing out colours of food.
- wood-based – for the natural theme such as rustic and boho theme
- glass and mirrors – high-end events
The Desserts – the design and customisation are unique to each event. Depending on seasonal produce, new products to try in the market, and customising them following theme colours of the event. Keeping the look updated and new, showing creativity and industry innovations is a plus.

White Chinaware

White chinaware is a classic which brings out the colors of desserts best. They are easily available and comes in all shapes from round to square and rectangle. The popular birdcage and most ceramic cake stands are also white. Therefore, the first investment in the dessert table display logically would be white.

Classic white to bring out every color of your cake and dessert
The effect of white on white, the emphasis is the texture
Just white and brown, natural color of bakes

Wood-based

Plating and Presentation using Wood-based stands are informal and relaxed. A favourite for outdoor weddings and also birthday parties.

Enhance the rustic look with a vine and sprig of flowers
Customised dessert colors to give a touch of color among all the browns
Rustic wood is a favourite as it naturally blends with baked items

Glass and Mirrors

Plating and Presentation using mirrors creates a reflection, adds shine and gives a high-end look to desserts. A placement tip for using mirrors, each piece of dessert should not touch each other to create a space for reflection. Glass and mirrors are suited for formal corporate events to reflect the status of the organization.

Mirrors are great for petit fours.
Get cut in different sizes from frame shops.
Space out so each piece reflects
from the mirror

When To Use Food Tags

I don’t normally use food tags because of my random placement style. For this Captain America theme dessert table, there are eggless and non-eggless dessert request. Therefore, they are neatly grouped in their category, with food tags to inform guests.

These tags are created using Canva, self-printed, attached to a foam backing and slide onto acrylic food stands.

Introducing A Dessert Board in 2025

The traditional and very formal table service for events has evolve into a more interactive service during weddings and events. There are more food carts that are portable and easily assembled onsite. The current food and dessert display requires more than just a table with tablecloth and skirting.

A dessert board places the desserts at eye level, a plus point for photography

I have custom made a dessert board to give a backing and display the petit fours from a front view. The quote framed in a cloud shape and decorative flowers are small touches which are changeable according to events.

All desserts are placed on acrylic sheets to keep the wood clean. Listed below are the different suppliers for the board and signage.

The Kayans Penang for customisable wood products using pine and rubberwood.

Kekoa Studio for customised wood script and laser cutouts.

Now I’m wondering if I should get a white board to match my white chinaware.

Decorated dessert board
Dessert Table display setup
Dessert takeaway for bride and groom

Conclusion

Just as a restaurant chooses their tableware to present their food, dessert table plating and presentation follows the same thought process. Enhance your bakes with these dessert table presentation ideas. Besides being able to bring out the beauty of Chef’s creation, it plays an important role in matching the overall presentation of desserts to the theme of the event and venue.