Dessert buffet tables are a growing trend at receptions, and I wanted to share these beautiful sweet creations by the award-winning cake studio Bobbette & Bell (formerly Allyson Meredith Cakes) based in Toronto. Their work is inspiring and breathtaking. The level of detail is amazing.
Dessert tables make a statement, they tell a story about your event. If you are having a special occasion coming up - bridal or baby shower, birthday party, anniversary etc. impress your guests by creating your very own dessert table. Here are some tips and resources that may be helpful.
1. Find a location that is away from the main buffet
2. Find something that inspires you and design your table around it. This could be a party invitation, a party theme, piece of art or even a fabric.
3. Dress up your table. Select linens or fabrics that complement your event look and feel.
4. Create a backdrop for the table. Having a colourful backdrop will add some depth and richness and will make your desserts stand out. A gift wrapping paper that ties in with the sweets on the table could be mounted as a backdrop - the patterns and the colour schemes in the craft stores are endless, just find something that reflects your design vision.
5. Presentation is key. Select vessels, cake stands, glass bowls and containers in different shapes and sizes. Creating visual layers is essential while keeping all elements (vessels and colours) consistent. This could be accomplished by using boxes covered with the gift wrapping paper (within your colour scheme) to elevate the sweets. Use ribbons, broaches, feathers or flowers to finish the decor. You could also incorporate your favour boxes into the design.
6. Select a menu. Choose only bite size sweets: macarons, mini cheesecakes, cupcakes, cake balls, tarts, petit fours, etc. Bakerella has some amazing recipes for dessert tables, so take a look. Put your most outstanding sweet creation as a centerpiece. This could be a tiered cake, a cupcake tower, a big floral centerpiece or even towel or diaper cake (if you are planning a bridal or baby shower)
7. Place personalized menu cards. Many dessert stylists use cards to label the sweets on the table as part of their decor. There are many etsy sellers that could design and produce all cupcake wrappers, toppers, cards to match your colour scheme or theme for a really reasonable price. You can buy the final printed product or you can buy just the designed PDF and print it yourself. I also came across this local studio PinkPolka Wedding Design that specializes in event stationery here in Edmonton. Martha Stewart also offers some great and free templates for menu cards that you could use.
Look for some ideas on the Amy Atlas blog - she is certainly one of the best dessert stylists in the world and her tables are mesmerizing, stylish and executed to perfection. Below are some images of her works that you could use for inspiration. It is breathtaking, isn't it?
Here is a video of Amy Atlas providing some advise on how you can create your very own dessert table.
Keep you eyes peeled for more dessert table ideas. I am trying to source some local creations as well, so if you have some great pictures, give me a shout. I will be happy to feature them.
