If you have ever had the pleasure of enjoying an afternoon tea you have probably run across the emblematic three-tiered cake stand. If asked to describe Afternoon Tea, the first thing many people mention are the three tiers laden with sandwiches, scones, cakes, and pastries. But where did this tradition come from? And is it reserved only for fancy hotel lobbies?
Keep reading to enjoy a little bit of the history behind this tea time essential and learn why your own home should never be without one.
So What Is It Anyway?
The classic three tiered cake stand is a staple at Afternoon Tea. This ingenious piece of serving ware is all about elegance, presentation, and efficiency. The stand can be graduated or composed of equal sized tiers. In some cases, the tiers are beautiful plates that rest securely within the frame of the stand. Others have tiers expertly crafted of metal, glass or porcelain. A handle at the top makes transportation easy. The vertical display of food saves space on the tea table. No matter the design, each tier is set with just one type of food namely sandwiches, scones, and cakes.
Although Afternoon Tea as we know it today came into full form in the 1990s during a revival of earlier tea trends, the “cake stand” first appeared in the late 19th century. Prior to the 1880s a hostess would serve hot breads like crumpets, muffins, and scones in beautifully crafted metal baskets or pretty trays. Cakes were presented on low stands that rose just above the height of standard dishes on the table. You can imagine the menagerie of serving pieces a hostess might have on hand to serve each particular food. A basket for scones. A silver tray for crumpets. A stands for a cake studded with currants and marzipan.
However, as the turn of the century approached, specialized “cake stands” became a familiar sight in Victorian homes. If there was one thing the Victorians loved more than elaborate furniture, it had to be an elaborate dessert. Victorian cake stands could be as tall as three feet in height with three distinct tiers. These cake stands were often crafted from elegant woods like mahogany and could be delightfully ornate. Some designs even folded in half for easy storage when not in use. Each tier of the cake stand held a full size cake ready to be served. These cake stands were theatrical and eye-catching in the way the Victorians loved. The tallest stands had to be placed on the floor near the tea table due to their somewhat unwieldy height. Slightly shorter versions, at around only eighteen inches, were used on large tables or in salons or lobbies and even very grand homes.
But what about the petite tabletop version of the tiered cake stand that we are familiar with today?
Like all good inventions, the “tiered cake stand” as we know it took the best qualities of its predecessors and improved upon them. Afternoon Tea continued to gain popularity into the early 20th century both in England and the United States. Since many women enjoyed tea time in their homes, manufacturers began to design smaller tiered cake stands that were perfect for use on top of a dining or tea table. The stands were produced in silver but silver-plated versions also became available along with other new materials designed to meet the demands of a public looking for unique and affordable options. Tiered cake stands with porcelain or china tiers were developed by china companies so that a hostess could match her cake stand to her china pattern. Very elegant. The tabletop tiered cake stand was convenient, beautiful, and petite. Today, there is no true height standard for a tiered cake stand; however, many range from around twelve to eighteen inches.
So What About the Cake Pedestal and the Cake Plate?
You may find that some people refer to the “Tiered Cake Stand” as simply a “Cake Stand.” Personally, like Jane Austen's Lady Catherine de Bourgh, I like to preserve the distinction of rank between a tiered cake stand and the simple cake pedestal. A cake pedestal (also called a cake stand) will, you may already know, display a cake. It can be used to serve other desserts too but its primary design is perfect for a round cake. Like earlier designs, it elevates the cake above the height of the table which draws attention to it and create a kind of culinary suspense. Today, cake pedestals are available in all shapes, sizes, and materials. A recent online search revealed shockingly impressive cake pedestals clocking in at a foot tall! Cake pedestals can also have glass domes that protect the cake from toddler fingers and ambitious dog whiskers.
On the opposite end of the spectrum is the humble “cake plate,” an entirely different serving piece but one still dedicated to displaying and serving cake. The cake plate has no pedestal (or foot). However, it may have a glass dome or be used with one. Vintage “handled cake plates” can come in circles, squares, and other delightful shapes. They are charming and unassuming but, just like cake pedestals, their simplicity is part of what makes them beautiful.
In conclusion, a cake pedestal will raise the cake above the height of the table, drawing attention to it and allowing its glorious exterior to be better appreciated. A cake plate will safely display the cake at the height of the table. For a particularly tall cake, a plate may be the best option since it provides a sturdier base for an already top heavy confection. Which plate or pedestal you choose will entirely depend on what you are serving as well as what you think will look best.
Navigating the Tiered Cake Stand
A tiered cake stand has many uses but how we, as diners, interact with it is quite simple. It may display cake but it is not designed for cake alone. In a hotel, each tier of the cake stand displays a single type of food. Early models included a metal dome that fit snugly over the top tier. This tier was reserved for the scones. Domes are not as common as they once were (probably due to the proximity of our modern kitchens to our living spaces) but you may still see them in some establishments. In scenarios where a warming dome is in use, the top tier is for scones and the middle tier holds the delicate pastries and cakes.
As you can imagine, different tea rooms and hotels will have their own “correct” way of serving each tier. The only rule is to do the following when presented with a tiered cake stand.
Always start with the savories. (Rejoice, fans of the Glucose Goddess. You too can enjoy tea time.)
Follow up with the scones, clotted cream, and jam.
Finish with the cakes and pastries.
Just remember, you cannot move on to the next tier until you have had your fill of the current one. Consider the fact that your fellow guests may eat more slowly than you do. If you go back for seconds, you may eat the last delicious whatever-it-is before someone else has even had a chance to try it.
Here I am reminded of a quote from Jane Malyon’s book “Scone or Scone The Essential Guide to British Afternoon Tea” which I may (or may not) sleep with beside my bed for quick reference…
“There aren’t many opportunities in life to show such care to someone else in an elegant setting, but afternoon tea is one of them. It’s about offering temptingly delicious scones, sandwiches, and cakes or pastries, holding back yourself while attending to your companions’ needs first…”(Malyon, 46).
Why Do I Need A Tiered Cake Stand?
Other than the obvious fact that you deserve one, here are two reasons why a tiered cake stand is a household necessity for the tea (or cake) lover. First, for efficient and impressive serving. No matter how simple your tea time fare is, it will always look better when presented on a tiered cake stand. Remember that we eat with our eyes first. The tiers add visual interest and create a pleasant sort of anticipation of the delights to be enjoyed. A humble shortbread gains extra elegance when presented on a silver cake stand. Plus, this one piece of serving ware will display all your sandwiches, scones, and cakes. In short, fewer dishes. Second, when you are not serving tea, your tiered cake stand can double for displaying appetizers at a cocktail party or breakfast items at brunch buffets. Bonus, on a small table where the stand takes center stage, it can also act as a replacement for the centerpiece (no green thumb needed). I have even seen older cake stands used in bathrooms and guest rooms to organize and display pretty soaps, reading glasses, perfume, jewelry, lotions, etc.
Historically, tiered cake stands displayed a variety of delicacies in an attention grabbing way that brought a sense of joy and expectation to guests. My advice is to use your tiered cake stand in a similar way in your own home. Even everyday activities can be beautiful if we approach them thoughtfully and with an eye for pleasure.
For cake lovers in need of inspiration and all things cake (including merch, recipes, cake blog, and more) I suggest a little trip to Cake Joie of Charlottesville Virginia.
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