Tips For Creating A Stunning Dessert Table

I know that lots of you are busy planning some awesome parties, and since the dessert table / candy buffet has been so prominent lately, I decided to invited Natalie Clamp, the owner and creative genius behind Chic Sweets, to share with us some tips on creating a stunning dessert table /candy buffet, to help you create the wow factor at your upcoming parties.

Natalie is a working mother of three who has a talent for creating beautiful dessert and candy buffets. Her talent has turned her into a sought-after dessert table designer in the West Coast Florida area, and she has designed some awesome tables for some amazing events. Her work has also been showcased on Daytime, a daily morning show which airs across the Southeast of the USA.

Here are Natalie’s tips on how to create a great dessert buffet:

1.  Candies and Desserts: The table can be a great focal point in a room/venue and I hate to see jars half full or a lot of empty space on the table. The table is meant to “wow” your guests so after designing the table, then figure out how much dessert or candy you will need depending on the number of guests. Having a lot of candy or desserts also allows guests to take desserts home as favors, and that is the best part.

Also giving your guests a variety to choose from is important as well. I love to mix desserts with hard candy. Think, “small bites.” Guests should feel like they can go back and forth and even, “graze” a bit if they want to.

2. Artistry/Design: Every time I sit down and get ready to sketch, I think about the couple or client and try to incorporate something that inspires me and create my table around it. Is it a monogram? Color palette? Design on an invitation? Let the table and the design tell a story about the event. If I feel stuck or need some inspiration, I will take a break and open a Martha Stewart magazine or check out my favorite blogs (like, Creative Hostess). Dessert tables have become increasingly popular for some time and there are some great parties out there, with dessert tables designed and inspired by moms, party planners, designers, etc.

3. Displaying candies/desserts: This is the part where you should think of yourself as a “food stylist.” I love lining plates and jars with patterned paper or wrapping papers. My go-to site is www.paper-source.com. They have some fantastic papers, ribbons and stamps. It’s so easy and completely transforms the look. I also often use all white platters and vases-it creates a monochromatic look and looks clean.

You can also lay desserts in a bed of M&M’s or other hard candy which makes it fun! Or even covering a foam cone with a coordinating ribbon and sticking lollipops or rock candy in them is always a winner and again, relatively easy to do. 

Also, you do not have to be a graphic artist to create some great labels for your table. Download a unique font from www.urbanfonts.com to make your table more special and personalized. 

 

4. Keep color schemes to 1-2 colors: I think it’s important to take control of the color scheme and not go too crazy. The most modern, contemporary table we’ve done was an all-white winter table. Also working with unique color palettes is always fun-blue and orange/gray and yellow/black and white. I’m currently in love with any color and gray. It just makes any color pop!

5. Backdrop, backdrop, backdrop:  Think of the backdrop as a continuation of the table. A great wallpaper and lighting can completely change the look of your table. If that is not accessible, I hang paper lanterns or not that long ago we did a table with butterflies and hung them from the ceiling. It looked great and distracted from the plain backdrop.

6. Linens: Linens go hand in hand with a backdrop. A great linen will elevate the look of your table. Go with a lighter fabric in the springtime and heavier, like a silk or taffeta for the fall/winter season. You can even go to a local linen company and many times they will rent out linens for a nominal fee. If you don’t have access to a local linen company, many great stores, like Target, carry some great and most of all, affordable lines.

Thank you Natalie for sharing these great tips with us! I wish you even more success with Chic Sweets.

Photo Credits: {Cancer Awareness Dessert Table: artistiquephotography.com, White Winter Dessert Table: Limelight Photography, Bridal Showcase Dessert Table: Limelight Photography.