Valentine's Day Dessert Platter- Farm to Jar

Home » Winter » Valentines Day » Valentine’s Day Dessert Platter: How to Build a Sweet Board for Two

A dessert platter is one of the easiest ways to make Valentine’s Day feel special without spending hours in the kitchen. This guide focuses on a simple board for two, built mostly from store-bought treats with a few homemade additions if you want them.

The key is variety: mix textures (creamy, crunchy, juicy), vary heights, and keep it uncluttered so the presentation looks intentional rather than chaotic.

Quick Summary: Build a Valentine’s dessert board by combining chocolates, cookies, fresh fruit, and a few homemade treats. Vary textures and heights. Keep it simple and uncluttered. Add themed decor and a cocktail or mocktail to complete it. Read time: 5 min | Serves: 2

Jump to: Basics of a Dessert Board | Homemade Treats | Cocktails | FAQ

Dessert platter or board for Valentine's Day — Dessert platter or plate for Valentine’s Day

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I also earn from qualifying purchases. You can read our disclosure information here–

What’s the Difference Between Dessert Plates, Platters, and Boards?

Dessert “plates” tend to be small affairs for 2 or 3 people, with dessert “platters” focused on small gatherings of 5-6 people, and dessert “boards” designed for larger parties or celebrations.

Then of course you have the dessert “grazing table” that is more typical of weddings and large events.

How Do You Design a Dessert Board?

Whether a small plate or a large grazing table, the design elements are similar. Here are some tips for building a plate or board that is beautiful, tasty, and awesome for your guest(s):

Include a variety of textures. Examples might include smooth, creamy chocolates paired with crunchy shortbread cookies and fresh juicy fruit.
Include a variety of heights. I chose some long, thin rolled wafers, added a few dishes of different heights for the candy, and placed some of the items flat on the plate or board
Keep it simple and uncluttered. When looking at other dessert plates on the internet, I found many of them to be extremely busy which was not that appealing. Find a centerpiece item and arrange the food artfully around it.
Add some drinks – alcoholic or non-alcoholic. Sweet drinks double as dessert. The other option is to have non-sweet, refreshing drinks to cleanse the palate between the sweet treats.

How Do You Decorate a Dessert Board?

Search your home (or the thrift store – my personal favorite!) for interesting decor that fits with the theme. Because this theme was Valentine’s Day, I found some pink, red, and white items that worked well.
Vary the colors. With dessert boards, this can get tricky because chocolate and dark fruits are often involved and you need to liven up the brown colors. I chose some bright pink gummy hearts and some cream-colored shortbread cookies to offset the browns of the chocolates and the darkness of the raspberries.
Include something meaningful to your theme or guests. Because my Valentine’s Day guest was my husband, I added the glass piece that was the topper for our wedding cake way back when. If you are not designing for your guests, go for something that fits with the theme of the event.

Dessert plate for two — Dessert board for two at my table

What Homemade Treats Work on a Dessert Platter?

If you prefer homemade sweet treats vs store-bought, here are some of my favorite chocolate recipes that are always a hit on Valentine’s Day:

Low carb Mexican chocolate pots for Cinco de Mayo — Chocolate Pots de Creme

low carb and keto sweets — Low Carb Chocolate Truffles

Loaf of chocolate espresso quick bread — Chocolate Espresso Quick Bread

Plate of strawberry brownies with pink rosewater frosting — Strawberry Brownies with Rosewater Frosting

What Drinks Pair with a Dessert Board?

Here are some of my favorite cocktails and mocktails – enjoy!

There you have it! If you want a recipe for making a simple dessert for two for Valentine’s Day, rather than a whole dessert plate, check out this easy Raspberry Chambord Trifle.

Raspberry trifle in a parfait glass with 3 ladyfingers. — Easy Raspberry Chambord Trifle

FAQ

What’s the difference between a dessert plate and a dessert board?

Size and serving count. Plates serve 2-3 people, platters serve 5-6, boards serve larger groups. Grazing tables are for weddings and big events. The design principles are the same regardless of size.

What treats work best on a dessert board?

Mix textures: smooth chocolates, crunchy cookies, fresh fruit, creamy dips. Include something you can pick up easily. Avoid anything too messy or drippy.

Do I need homemade treats?

No. Store-bought works fine. The idea is easy, not impressive-from-scratch. Add one homemade item if you want a personal touch.

How do I keep it from looking cluttered?

Choose a centerpiece and arrange around it. Leave some empty space. Use odd numbers of items. Vary heights with small dishes or stacked items.

What drinks go with a dessert board?

Sweet cocktails (shrub-based, fruit martinis) or non-alcoholic options like sparkling water with fruit syrup. Something refreshing to balance the sweetness.

Here is a video showing how these tips all come together:

Dessert Plate for Valentines Day: including a Cranberry Habanero Martini