Macaron Display Ideas: Show Off Your French Treats in Style

If you love macarons, you want them to look as good as they taste. A great display can turn a simple snack into a show‑stopper for parties, weddings, or a casual tea. Below are easy ways to arrange, transport, and present macarons without spending a fortune or breaking a sweat.

Simple Tray Set‑Ups for Everyday

Start with a clean, flat tray – a white cake stand, a wooden board, or even a sturdy pizza box works. Lay the macarons in a single layer, spacing them just enough so the shells don’t touch. A little gap lets the colors pop and makes it easy for guests to pick one without crushing the next.

To add visual interest, vary the order of flavors. Alternate bright shades with neutrals, or group similar hues for a gradient effect. If you have a theme, match the tray color to your décor – a pastel pink board for a garden party or a matte black slate for a modern vibe.

Tip: Place a small bowl of fresh berries or edible flowers beside the tray. The extra pop of color makes the whole arrangement look more polished.

Macaron Tower: The Wow Factor

When you need a headline piece, a macaron tower does the trick. You can buy a ready‑made tower, or DIY one using a sturdy cardboard tube and circular cardboard cut‑outs. Cut the circles to the same diameter as your macarons (about 2.5 inches) and glue them together in a pyramid shape.

Start with the largest circle at the base, then add smaller circles as you go up. Secure each layer with a dab of hot glue or double‑sided tape. Once the frame is ready, slide the macarons onto the edge of each circle. The result is a cascading display that looks great from every angle.

Transporting a tower is easier than you think. Wrap the whole thing in bubble wrap and place it in a sturdy box. When you arrive, carefully unpack and set it on a steady surface. A quick spritz of water on a clean cloth can wipe away any fingerprints, leaving the tower spotless.

Pro tip: Use a mix of classic flavors (vanilla, pistachio) and bold ones (raspberry, matcha) for contrast. The varied colors add depth, and guests love the surprise of discovering new tastes as they move up the tower.

Whether you choose a simple tray or an impressive tower, the key is keeping the macarons safe and the presentation clean. Avoid stacking shells on top of each other – the delicate shells can crack under pressure. Also, keep the display out of direct sunlight; the shells can soften and lose their bite.

Finally, think about timing. Macarons taste best when they’re a day old, so arrange them a few hours before serving. If you need to prepare them earlier, store them in an airtight container in the fridge and bring them to room temperature just before guests arrive.

With these ideas, you can turn any batch of macarons into a centerpiece that gets talked about long after the last bite. Happy arranging!