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The holidays are all about gathering with loved ones, sharing delicious food, and indulging in a few sweet treats! Whether you’re hosting an intimate family dinner, a festive office party, or a large holiday celebration, a beautiful dessert spread is the perfect way to celebrate together. But when it comes to planning holiday dessert platters, one question always comes up: How many desserts do you actually need?
From choosing the right variety to estimating portions, we’re sharing our best tips for creating a holiday dessert spread that keeps everyone happy without leaving you with an overwhelming amount of leftovers.
HOW MANY DESSERTS SHOULD YOU PLAN PER PERSON?
The key to planning a successful holiday dessert spread is finding the right balance between having enough options and avoiding unnecessary waste. As a general rule, plan for two to three mini desserts (smaller, individual treats like cookies, mini pastries, and other bite-sized desserts) per person if you’re serving dessert after a full meal. If desserts are the main attraction or you’re hosting an open-house-style gathering, consider increasing that to three to five mini desserts per person. If you’re serving larger items like cake slices, brownies, or full-sized cupcakes on your dessert table, you may need fewer pieces per person.
CHOOSE A VARIETY OF HOLIDAY DESSERTS
A great holiday dessert platter offers a little something for everyone! Instead of choosing several similar treats, aim for a mix of flavors, textures, and sizes. For smaller gatherings, choosing three or four dessert varieties is usually plenty. For larger parties, consider offering five or six options to give guests more choices. Here are some holiday dessert platter favorites:
- Cookies: Classic sugar cookies, chocolate chip cookies, and festive seasonal varieties always please a crowd.
- Brownies and Bars: Rich chocolate brownies, blondies, and dessert bars add a decadent touch.
- Mini Pastries: Bite-sized pastries are perfect for guests who want to sample multiple treats.
- Cupcakes: Add some festive flair with seasonally decorated cupcakes (mini or regular-sized).
- Seasonal Favorites: Incorporate holiday-inspired flavors like peppermint, gingerbread, cranberry, cinnamon, and chocolate spice.
CONSIDER YOUR GUEST LIST AND PARTY STYLE
Not every holiday gathering requires the same amount of dessert. Before ordering, consider who’s attending and how the event will be structured.
After a Large Holiday Meal: If guests have already enjoyed a full dinner, they’ll likely want smaller portions. A few bite-sized treats per person should be sufficient.
Holiday Cocktail Parties: For events where guests are mingling and snacking throughout the evening, plan for a slightly larger assortment of mini, easy-to-eat desserts.
Office Holiday Parties: Individually portioned desserts like cookies, brownies, and mini pastries make serving simple and allow coworkers to grab a treat whenever they’d like.
Family Gatherings: Consider offering a mix of traditional holiday favorites and kid-friendly options to satisfy guests of all ages.
If you’re serving other sweets, like candy or a hot chocolate bar, you can also adjust your dessert quantities accordingly.
BUILDING A BALANCED HOLIDAY DESSERT PLATTER
Once you’ve determined how many desserts you’ll need, it’s time to plan your assortment! A helpful approach is to divide your dessert order into three categories:
- 50% Classic Favorites: Choose familiar treats like cookies, brownies, and other crowd-pleasers.
- 30% Seasonal Specialties: Add festive flavors and holiday-themed desserts to make your spread feel special.
- 20% Something Unique: Include a few specialty pastries or indulgent treats for guests who want to try something different.
TIPS FOR CREATING A BEAUTIFUL HOLIDAY DESSERT DISPLAY
Presentation can make your holiday dessert spread just as memorable as the treats themselves! Here are some simple tips:
- Use different heights. Tiered trays, cake stands, and platters add visual interest and make everything easy to reach
- Mix colors and textures for an inviting display
- Keep portions manageable
- Label your desserts, especially when accommodating guests with food allergies or dietary preferences
- Refresh as needed to keep your spread looking fresh and inviting
START PLANNING YOUR HOLIDAY DESSERT SPREAD NOW!
Planning the perfect holiday dessert spread doesn’t have to be stressful! With the right quantities, a delicious variety of treats, and a little preparation, you can create a festive display your guests will love.
Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, an office celebration, or a large holiday party, Frost Artisan Bakery is here to help make your season a little sweeter. Skip the holiday baking stress and let us handle dessert! Explore our selection of handcrafted baked goods and sweet treats to find the perfect additions to your holiday celebration.
