Dessert/donut Table Timeline Help!

Hi! I'm looking for advice for our Dessert/Donut Table. We're doing a plated dinner service for our reception and included in the price is a dessert (we choose a cake to be served to all guests). But then we are doing a donut table as well as some nut-free and gluten free cupcakes. The hotel staff says they can set up our dessert table but we don't know when it should be set up. Would it be better to have it setup during dinner service so when cake is served the donut/dessert table is ready and open? Or would it be better to have it setup and opened later in the evening after some dancing? Would love to hear anyone's experience with this!