The 12 best dessert stands - instant elevation for all your entertaining

The 12 best dessert stands have been chosen by Livingetc's editors because they help turn your next dinner party into an elevated event, adding sophisticated style

tiered, striped and metal dessert stands
(Image credit: Lulu and Georgia, Burke Decor)

Those who love a 'Ta da' moment when presenting a show-stopping sweet (or cheese) course at the end of a meal will love our round up of the best dessert stands. There are beautiful options too, for the more low-key amongst you.

From simple timber and marble stands with glass domes to keep cakes and cheeses cool and fresh, to striking pedestals and tiered stands to present patisseries and pastries in all their glory, there's something for all tastes.

These dessert stands will complement the best dinnerware sets at lunches, dinners and teas; they can even be used at breakfast time. Choose which is your favorite from our edit of dessert stands from the best home decor stores.

Best domed and footed dessert stands

Best domed dessert stands

Best footed dessert stands

Best tiered dessert stands

How do I choose a cake stand?

Think about what you're most likely to bake or to want to display. Do you like to make large round cakes like a Victoria sponge, or do you prefer tray bakes like brownies or cup cakes?   

If it's the former, choose a stand with a diameter larger than your cake tins and a glass dome to keep it fresh. Unless your cake will be devoured in a day, then a footed pedestal stand will suffice.  

For small cakes that can be towered, opt for a cake stand with a tall, domed lid, so you can pile them up and prolong the freshness. if it's just for display, petit fours or mixed patisseries look lovely presented on a tiered stand.  

As for the material, a marble base will keep cakes (and cheeses) cooler than wood, glass, ceramic or metal. However, consider what will work best with your dinnerware, tea set or everyday tableware.  

Jacky Parker is a London-based freelance journalist and content creator, specialising in interiors, travel and food. From buying guides and real home case studies to shopping and news pages, she produces a wide range of features for national magazines and SEO content for websites


A long-time contributor to Livingetc, as a member of the team, she regularly reports on the latest trends, speaking to experts and discovering the latest tips. Jacky has also written  for other publications such as Homes and Gardens, Ideal Home, Red, Grand Designs, Sunday Times Style and AD, Country Homes and Interiors and ELLE Decoration.