By a Pro: Disposable Food Cones | Dessert Table Presentation

the idea

Elevate simple, store-bought, or ‘filler’ treats and enable guests to graze while mingling by serving ‘grab and go’ desserts in disposable food cones

popcorn served in individual disposable paper food cones on a party dessert table

mini donuts holes served in individual disposable paper food cones on a wedding party dessert table

the how

Fill with donut holes, fruit, mini waffles, chocolate dipped strawberries / fruit etc
Alternatively, use to make ‘filler’ items, such as gourmet sweet popcorn, boozy liquor popcorn, nuts / trail mix, candy, fruit, and gourmet cotton candy feel more special
Or use to control portion size of more expensive or unusual ‘gimmick’ items, such as chocolate truffles, freeze-dried ice cream, freeze-dried candy, cake truffles, and chocolate dipped bacon
Also good for offering some savory items, such as cheese cubes and crackers, nuts, beef jerky, candied bacon, wasabi peas, pretzels, and gourmet savory popcorn, for diabetics or those on a low-sugar diet

fruit served in disposable paper food cones

mini waffles served in individual disposable paper food cones

the why

This Idea

Embellish; makes simple, basic, filler, or store-bought desserts feel more special
Portion Size; controls portion size to help you budget, estimate quantities, reduce over-consumption, and avoid running out
Uniformity; ensures any homemade treats made by friends and family still fit with your event concept, theme, or color scheme
Savory; great for serving savory treats, such as popcorn, nuts, pretzels etc
Mobility; allows guests to hold treats in individual containers and eat more easily while standing, chatting, or mingling
Congestion; allows guests to ‘grab and go’ to reduce lines and congestion around the dessert table
Visual wow-factor; lends a stylish, modern, and professionally-catered look
Elevates; makes smaller bite-size treats appear more special or substantial
Layout; helps achieve the three simple rules for layout; groups, rows, and levels (see my dessert table layout page)
Adds Height; varying degrees of height are essential to a well-designed dessert table (see my dessert table layout page)
Creative; adds a creative twist to everyday treats, such as popcorn, candy, or fruit
Inexpensive; a cost-effective party idea that won’t blow your budget
Value; low cost idea that creates a big impression

popcorn served in individual disposable paper food cones on a wedding party dessert table

candy treats served in individual disposable paper food cones

the why

dessert table styling & presentation

Spectacle; turns a food table into a display and creates a visual spectacle that contributes to the overall room decor
Aesthetically appealing; entices by creating a feast for the eyes
Special occasions should feel special; presentation makes party food look and feel less everyday
Elegant; lends your event an elegant and sophisticated touch
Professional; gives your dessert table a professionally-styled look
Memorable; guests remember creative, unusual, or unexpected styling and decoration
Photo-worthy; a great photo-op for guests share and tag on social media
Clear Up; high quality disposables can be thrown in the trash (or recycling) when finished to reduce post-event clearing and cleaning

donuts holes served in individual disposable paper food cones on a party dessert table

appetizers served in individual disposable paper food cones

ADVICE FROM A PRO

Matt’s tip

“These disposable food cones come in either paper or bamboo. For desserts that might leave a grease stain, like donut holes, or squash easily, like fruit, it might be worth opting for the bamboo ones.

They look best, and add additional height to your dessert table display, when presented in a stand or rack (see links below).

Alternatively, you can use an upturned wire storage basket (the type of thing Ikea sells for around $3) as shown in the ‘Salty Donut’ photo above.

Another option is to simply lay the cones flat, arranged in rows, on on square / rectangular premium disposable plates or on tiered stands / risers. See links below for both.

For more about the three simple rules for layout; groups, rows, and levels, see my dessert table layout page.

For treats such as donut holes or mini waffles, you can elevate these by combining with food pipettes filled with a sauce or syrup.

To personalize, opt for customized paper cones (links below), add a custom sticker (links below) or, depending on the treat, use a personalized disposable spoon / fork printed with your event name (links below).“