Create a Pinterest-Worthy Dessert Table

There's really no denying the appeal of a beautiful dessert table, whether it's a candy bar or an array of baked treats. Here are my surefire tips for ensuring your dessert display is picture perfect.

THEME

Cohesion is the name of the game when it comes to Pinterest-worthy dessert tables, so the first thing you've got to do is pick a theme or a color scheme and incorporate it into every element of the display. Of course, if the celebration has a specific theme, such as a Gatsby-themed wedding or a girly Super Bowl party, then the dessert table should follow that theme. 

VARIETY 

The key to a well balanced dessert table is variety. Even if you're only featuring one type of dessert--cakes, for example--offer guests a few different flavor options, but also include visual distinctions to make it aesthetically pleasing. Whatever treats you're serving, make sure you have a mix of different cake pedestals, plates, apothecary jars, candy dishes, and other serving pieces in different colors, textures, and heights. 

SPACE

Don't overcrowd the goodies. When you look at images of beautiful dessert tables you'll notice that there is always some space between the treats. Instead of having serving trays covering the entire service area of the table, which can look flat and boring, build your display upwards (see the next tip) and leave some negative space.

HEIGHT

Adding height gives your dessert table dimension and visual interest. You can add height by using apothecary jars, cake pedestals, and tiered stands of varying heights, or by placing boxes underneath the tablecloth to create flat surfaces for bowl placement. 

BACKGROUND 

Remember the backdrop! It may not seem like a big deal to have a backdrop for a dessert table, especially when you know all eyes will be fixed on the beautiful desserts, but it really is essential to have one. Even if none of your guests realize how much time it took to make all those tissue paper flowers, you'll be glad you took the time to do it when you look back at pictures.

DECOR

Decor elements such as flowers, figurines, confetti, candles, or any item that relates to your theme (a decks of cards for a game night, for example) help to add to the cohesion of your theme/celebration. Watch placement of the decor--if you cluster everything into one area the table will look unbalanced. 

LABELS 
Pretty labels really complete the presentation, plus they help your guests determine which desserts to choose. There are a bazillion websites and blogs that offer free printables (if you're willing to search), you can print your own, or you can hand write them for a personal touch. Another cool option--place chalkboard contact paper in a pretty frame and write out the dessert menu using a white paint pen or sharpened chalk.


images via 1, 2, 3, 4