There are so many options for cake plates and tiered stands available today it is overwhelming.  Actually what got me thinking about this is an Instagram post from Pizzazzerie  showing her cake plates in her prop room.   OMG  I was drooling, I would love to have a cake plate collection like hers, it is gorgeous.  However the reality is I don’t have the space and I don’t think most of us do, nor do we really have the need for that many either.  But if you are moving into a new house, setting up your wedding registry or just updating your party planning essentials, you may be looking for a cake plate or a tiered stand to add to your home.  I will share a few things to consider when deciding on a cake plate / tiered stand, plus  the three cake stands / tiered stands I have, love and use.  

deciding on a cake plate / tiered stand

What are you going to use it for?  If you need a stand for cakes, a cake stand is a must, a tiered tray won’t work because they have a support post in the center.  However if you are looking for something for small individual desserts or appetizers, a cake stand will work but a tiered tray will provide multiple levels for you to display them 

Color and material is all personal preference.  Consider the type of parties and events you would use this for.  For color I prefer a basic, white, clear or black because it works with a lot of color schemes and lets the food be the focal point.  You may also want to consider coordinating with your existing dishes and decor.  Materials options are wide too, glass, metal, ceramic, acrylic, and melamine.  

The scale is also important, not only in comparison to the size of your tablescape but also the size of the items you are putting on it.  A 13 inch cake platter with 5 cupcakes may look a little sparse.   

3-Tiered glass Platter Set

I love, love this 3 Tier Presence Platter Set from Anchor Hocking,  if I could only have one cake stand in my house, this would be it.  Actually it is my mom’s but I have kind of stolen it from her, because I use it all the time.   The 3 glass tiers are separate, so you can have one 3-tier cake stand or 3 separate cake stands.   One thing is there is nothing to keep them together when you stack them, so you just want to be mindful in where you use them.  The tiers are 8, 10 and 13 inches in diameter and 12 3/4 inches stacked high.

The plates have a lip on the edge, which is probably why is called a platter not a cake stand (usually have a flat top)  but it is great for drippy cakes , like a lemon bunt with a vanilla glaze.  I have used the large size to serve monkey bread and it is perfect because it keeps all the runny buttery cinnamon syrup on the plate and not running all over the table.  

One tip, keep the box, I don’t know if the box has changed over the years but the one I have is simple rectangle with dividers inside but it works great.  I know for sure if the box had been tossed and the cake plates were just stacked on each other in a cabinet, they would most certainly been knocked over at some point and probably broken.  

3-TIERED Glass SERVING stand

This KVITTERA  3 Tier Serving Stand from Ikea  is a great small scale tiered glass serving stand that creates some added height to a tablescape.  The real reason  why I bought this particular stand is that it stores flat in a box.  The center post easily unscrews and the plates stack on each.  One super important tip with this 3 tier serving stand, is to not over tighten the the center pole because you can crack the glass.  It comes with silicone washers but you can still over tighten them, so be careful.  The other thing which could because you can’t tighten the supporting center pole is it is a little wobbly.  I have never had a problem with it so far but because it does come part isn’t super stable.  But otherwise it is a great tiered stand and here I have used it for Christmas goodies.  It measures 12 ¼ ” x 10 ¾ ” x  13 ½ ” high.  

MULTI-USE CAKE STAND AND DOME LID

I picked up this  6 in 1 Cake Stand with Dome Lid from Bed Bath & Beyond a few years ago because I wanted a glass dome lid and this one provided many other uses as well.  Finding something that serves multiple functions is always a plus.  Besides functioning as a cake stand with a dome lid, it can be use for chips and dip, punch bowl, salad bowl and more.  It really has three different positions,  cake stand and dome,  upside down it is a divided platter with a small bowl in the center for dip and lastly if the dome lid is placed upside down into the small bowl you have a large serving bowl with a divided tray underneath.   As a cake stand with the dome lid it measures 12 1/4 inches in diameter x 8 inches high.

Even though this cake stand has so many uses, to be honest I forget to use it sometimes.  But I have used it as a tray for taco toppings, and it worked great for that.  Of course the cake plate and dome are very useful, the dome will work on other plates and platters as well.  I haven’t used it with the lid as a bowl for punch or salad yet.  

Also keep the box for this one, it is designed to hold these pieces.  Unless you have another use for it where you can keep it out or have a display cabinet to put it in.  

uses for cake plates / tiered stands

There so many fun ideas to use cake plates and tiered stands for other than just cakes here are just a few.    

• desserts, cupcakes, bars, cookies, donuts, muffins, 
• sandwiches
• appetizers
• coffee bars
• veggie cups
• fruit
• beauty products
• kitchen sink supplies 
• plates stands
• centerpieces 
• jello shots 

Search “cake stand uses” on Pinterest and you will be overwhelmed with ideas on how to put your cake plate / tiered stand to use.   Happy shopping!  If you have a great one you have found, please share in the comments.