Your Total Guide to Making the Perfect Dessert Table
Making a dessert table adds zest and color to any party, and with a few tips and tricks, it’s easy to build the spread of your dreams.
Imagine walking into a party with no dessert table — it’s probably bland with not a lot of color and excitement. When you add in that perfect dessert table, it instantly changes the atmosphere of any party.
It’s sometimes difficult to think up ideas for a dessert table, but don’t worry! We have you covered with today’s guide. We’re sharing several ideas to incorporate into your next spread. Whether it’s creating a backdrop, adding props, or selecting the perfect display pieces, we have tips to make your dessert table shine.
Color coordinate
Let’s talk about color coordination because color truly is the life of the party. And who said your dessert table can't be as vibrant as a rainbow disco party? Choose plates and serving dishes that are like the life of the party – bright, bold, and ready to shine.
Your dessert table should complement the rest of your party decor. If you don't want to use the exact colors, opt for complementary hues or monochromatic shades of the same color for a striking look. It’s like a dessert table rainbow and who doesn’t love rainbows?
Color comes from the plates and serving dishes you choose and from the desserts themselves. Keep this in mind when planning the menu. Buy or bake desserts in colors that will complement the ideal vision for your event.
Display pieces
When making a dessert table, plan the sweets you will serve your guests well in advance. Are you having cupcakes made? Then you'll need a cupcake tower to showcase them. Is a dessert charcuterie in the works? You’ll need a pretty serving board for your spread. Make a list of all the desserts you'll serve and the display pieces you’ll need.
Consider pieces with differing symmetry, color, and height as you gather your serving dishes. Think of these pieces as the supporting cast in your dessert table motion picture. Incorporate varying heights in your pieces and strive for balance when assembling the table with your collection of serving dishes. Choose tasteful colors or neutrals that will complement your dessert offerings.
Props
Let’s talk about props, because why limit your table to just desserts? Props can elevate your theme and bring your dessert table ideas to life. Frames with photographs or quotes are a terrific accent to any dessert table. Include astute words of wisdom like, “Life is short, eat dessert first!” Frames are simple and inexpensive; you might even have some lying around your house!
Flowers are another common prop that can take any design up a notch. Place flowers that match the color scheme in a vase that fits the theme. Including flowers in your dessert table decor adds a touch of elegance, charm, and freshness to your sugar-filled wonderland.
Use space wisely
Place your dessert table where your visitors can serve themselves and appreciate your effort. Placing your table against a wall or window is a great way to open up a room and maintain foot traffic flow. You’ll also be able to document your event with pictures if you leave some room around the table. There will be no dessert table acrobatics welcome at this party!
Height
When creating a dessert table, height variety is critical. This makes the presentation more interesting and allows you to use the highest positioning for your most spectacular sweets. Cake tiers, desserts with serving forks embedded, and pedestals are some fun ways to add height to the table and create a magical feast for the eyes.
Use risers to raise dishes from table height and create a visual interest. This will keep your guests' eyes moving across the table, noticing the many dessert options. Height differences also contribute to balance and symmetry within your display. This approach helps tie the whole table together, creating a stunning spread that will keep your guests returning for more.
Backdrops
Most dessert tables look best when positioned against a backdrop that complements the table's design. Your backdrop can bring your dessert table ideas to life and tie the whole vision together. Backdrops are dessert table storytellers, so don’t skip this crucial step!
You can create backdrops in a variety of ways with several materials. Temporary wallpaper and cloth are some of the most common materials used. Don’t be fooled by social media or professional DIYers — backdrops can be simple and don’t have to cost a lot of time or money. For example, a soft cloth behind your display is easy to hang and elevates the entire vibe.
Incorporate jars for candies
Jars are timeless and work well on any dessert table, providing a simple yet effective way to showcase all your delectable sweets and delicacies. Use jars of varying sizes and shapes to enhance visual interest. Plus, jars are an investment you can use time and again in the kitchen or save them for future parties. Add a scoop of candy, and you’re good to go!
Don't go overboard
Having a handful of truly eye-popping desserts is excellent, but they can’t all be the star of the show. If you strive to make everything say "WOW," you’ll be stuck in the kitchen the entire week before the event. You may have many different dessert table ideas, but you shouldn’t use all of them in one go.
Choose a few extravagant desserts, arrange them properly, and then balance the table with less lavish options that are easier to make. A decent rule of thumb is to include one or two exceptional items, a couple of homemade desserts, and fill in the rest of the space with pre-made confectionery items like candy. Not every dessert can be the Beyonce of the table!
Freeze dried candies to add to your dessert table
Candy is a critical part of any dessert table; it’s something your guests will be looking for. Candy provides the perfect accent piece and a symphony of textures to the table. If you’re looking for a way to make your candy spread more unique, choose freeze dried sweets in dozens of colors, flavors, and textures.
Let’s dive into some tasty freeze dried sweets to take your dessert table over the top:
Freeze dried candy corn
Candy corn is a classic fall delicacy always included in candy bowls and trick-or-treat bags. If you’re planning a fall-themed party, consider adding these delicious, seasonal candies to your spread. They come in the same brilliant colors and distinctive triangle design but with a crunchy twist.
Freeze dried Skittles
Freeze dried Skittles come in a stunning rainbow of colors that promise an explosion of taste. These small spheres of joy have been freeze dried to perfection, resulting in a crisp and airy texture. As you pop a handful into your mouth, be prepared for a fruity experience. The outer covering splits with the slightest pressure, revealing a delicate inside changed by the freeze drying process.
Freeze dried Milk Duds
The name, "Milk Duds" is a wordplay on the candy's original name, "Perfections." The candy was dubbed "duds" due to its irregular form, and the "milk" in the name relates to the fact that it was created with real milk chocolate. The uneven form of Milk Duds becomes even more irregular when freeze dried, but the delicious caramel/chocolate flavor remains unchanged.
Freeze dried Sweet Tarts
Freeze dried Sweet Tarts are another excellent choice for a dessert spread. These treats have a unique texture and flavor compared to their traditional, non-freeze dried counterparts. Freeze drying removes the moisture from the candy, leaving it lightweight and crunchy. The process also intensifies the flavors, creating a sweet, tangy, irresistible flavor.
Freeze dried saltwater taffy
If you enjoy saltwater taffy, consider adding its freeze dried counterpart to your next dessert spread. Taffy typically has a chewy, soft texture, and its flavors range from fruity to creamy to more traditional candy flavors. When freeze dried, the texture transforms into a crisp and airy form. Many people prefer the flavor of freeze dried taffy, as it packs an irresistible punch.
Freeze dried Big Hunks
If you typically avoid Big Hunks for their sticky texture, the freeze dried alternative might be for you. You get the same deliciously creamy flavor but with a much smaller risk of losing teeth. The nougat and peanuts add a crispy, airy texture, like that of your favorite crunchy cereal. After the initial crunch, you’re met with an influx of creamy flavors that melt in your mouth.
Freeze dried Mambas
Freeze dried Mambas are another delicious treat to balance out your dessert table but be prepared for them to vanish quickly! The texture is like that of a meringue cookie — crisp on the outside and delicate on the inside. After a gentle crunch, these little pieces of heaven melt in your mouth, leaving you wanting more.
Elevate your dessert table with freeze dried sweets by Candy Jan!
If you’ve been tasked with making a dessert table, Candy Jan is here to help! We invite you to explore the fascinating world of freeze dried sweets and candy to take your spread to the next level.
Delight your guests with delicious, unique treats that will please and surprise them. If you’re new to the world of freeze dried snacks, begin your experience with one of our taster packs. Or explore our selection of classic favorites if you're already a seasoned aficionado!
Visit Candy Jan, and explore our extensive collection of freeze dried delights. Discover what makes Candy Jan Freeze Dried Goodies stand apart by indulging in their distinct tastes. If you have questions or need help planning your dessert spread, contact Candy Jan right away, and we'll be happy to help!