In the world of grown-up tableware, platters and serving bowls tend to take a back seat to nice glasses and decent flatware ... be flipped over and used as a cake stand or serving platter.

and it has a sweet retro look that’s attractive enough for this stand to double as a serving piece. If you’re looking for inspiration, check out the Instagram page of Alana Jones-Mann, a cake ...

Start with two cake mixes and create a mix that in minutes produces four dozen single servings of a sweet something resembling a cupcake. All that’s needed for a single serving: a mug or bowl ...

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I was helping serve the cake at a birthday party. A few dozen guests were seated throughout the main part of the house, and we were bringing cake and ice cream to their seats.