Take Your Bakes to the Next Level with These Trendy Cake Stand Styling Tips

These days, there’s a “national” day for just about everything. Though National Cake Day has come and gone, there’s always time to celebrate the classic dessert—and to let your culinary creations shine.

Since every cake deserves an elegant presentation, we spoke to a kitchenware designer to get her takes on what’s trending in the cake stand universe. If your love language happens to take the form of creative confections, read on for expert advice on elevating your edible masterpieces, no matter the celebration.

What’s Trending in the World of Cake Stands?

You might think that cake stands went out of style decades ago, but they’re back—and better than ever. Contemporary cake stands can be found in just about every decor aesthetic, from super modern to rustic, farmhouse-inspired designs, so there’s a perfect cake stand for every kind of kitchen.

“Cake stands are no longer the kitschy stuff of dated kitchen counters or rigid emblems of Victorian-era etiquette,” explains Sushmitha Pidatala, founder of South Asian-inspired design studio Arjuna.

Despite the vast selection of new styles available, the most popular cake stand is still the simple pedestal. Its versatility and utility keep it perennially popular, but there are options to get it in different materials—like marble for a sleek minimalist kitchen, or mango wood for a vintage-inspired look.

You can also pick a bold color in a classic style for a fun, updated twist on the design. If you plan on using your stand for everyday baking and not just special occasions, you may want to invest in one with a cover that will help keep your bakes fresh.

While traditional cake stands often only have a single layer, that’s not the only option: There are styles with tiers that are perfect for cupcakes or other small goodies. You can find stands with two or three separate platters attached side by side to the same base—ideal for displaying multiple cakes.

How to Style a Cake Stand Creatively

When it comes to styling a cake stand, you have even more freedom to show off your personality. One simple way to make everything look cohesive is to pick a color palette or theme to carry through both the dessert and the display. From there, you can complement your cake with matching cookies or store-bought candies arranged artfully on your stand, and it will all look seamless.

Also, it may seem obvious, but don’t forget about levels: To make the display look dynamic, have both high and low elements that contrast with each another, so that the eye travels to all the different desserts.

If you want to turn your cake into the centerpiece for your party, take a cue from wedding designers and create a floral arrangement to surround your cake stand. You can even create an arch above the cake to highlight it.

And remember, sweet treats don’t need to be the only things on your plate. Pidatala says she prefers to have a large-diameter cake stand that enables her to line the rim with petals, baby’s breath flowers, or sparkled confetti.

Going Beyond Just Desserts

Unless you're Buddy Valastro, you probably won’t always have a freshly baked cake to show off. But you don’t have to let your cake stands collect dust in the meantime.

“The architecture behind any cake stand is basic, yet its potential to act as a home decor display item is boundless, depending on the extent of your design direction,” Pidatala says. “Cake stands have transitioned from a kitchen decor staple to a versatile home decor accessory.”

Pidatala suggests placing your cake stand on a coffee table and using it to display candles and coasters, or using it as a makeshift coffee bar to display your favorite chai and sugar containers. She says you could also make it a centerpiece for a dining table, decorated with a flower arrangement or votive candles.

“Cake stands infuse a sense of elegance and elevation to otherwise mundane items from cocktails to plants, bringing a fresh perspective into ordinary living spaces,” Pidatala says. “Indeed, they are so useful to have, even in places like your bathroom where they’ve been spotted organizing skin care and hair products.”

No cake stand? No problem.

If you’re still cake stand shopping or don’t bake frequently enough for one to be worth a buy, you still have options beyond the baking sheet.

“A cake can always be debuted using colorful charger plates or even customized charcuterie boards,” Pidatala says. “While these options may be lacking in the conventional cake stand’s stature, rest assured that they still provide an intriguing texture to any tableau, whether it be old-fashioned wood, modern glass, or contemporary slate.”