Ideas for Dessert Tables

Many guests at a wedding reception or any other celebration that involves eating look forward to dessert more than any other aspect of the celebration. A dessert table is a perfect way to serve guests the sweets they love. Instead of the expected cake and mints, create a dessert table that will surprise and amaze your guests. Does this Spark an idea?

Candy Bar

If you plan on having a dessert table at your event, consider setting up a candy bar as a fun alternative to a traditional dessert table. Purchase a variety of clear jars, canisters, bowls and candy dishes in varying sizes and heights. Fill the clear containers with the candies of your choice; for a chocolate lover's table, serve candy-coated chocolates, truffles, chocolate peanut butter cups and chocolate bark or create an old-fashioned candy bar buffet featuring swirled lollipops, rock candy suckers and gumballs. Alternatively, design a color-coordinated candy table by purchasing a variety of candies that match your event's colors. Provide guests with takeout boxes or goody bags to fill up with the candy.

Ice Cream Sundaes

Another alternative to the traditional dessert table is an ice cream sundae bar. Purchase a variety of ice cream flavors, including chocolate, vanilla, strawberry and mint, and display them in tubs of ice on the table. Set out dishes of toppings, including nuts, sprinkles, chocolate chips, whipped cream and cherries, and plenty of sauces, including hot fudge, caramel and strawberry sauce, served in squeezable bottles. Provide glass ice cream dishes for an old-fashioned twist or disposable cups for easy cleanup.

Miniature Desserts

Miniature food is a sleek and elegant way to serve your favorite foods in a smaller size; consider creating a dessert table with a variety of miniature desserts. Serve miniature cupcakes in several different flavors and icing colors, bake miniature pies in single-serve pie tins or serve petit fours as bite-size treats. Create single-serve portions of creme brulee in small ramekins and use shot glasses as vessels for parfaits, strawberry shortcake and pudding desserts.

Cakes and Pies

If you are a cake or pie lover, consider making cakes or pies the theme of your dessert table. Serve full-size or miniature pies, including traditional apple and cherry or more elaborate pies such as a layered chiffon or ice cream pie. Cakes can be baked full-size or made into cupcakes; flavors include red velvet, German chocolate, tres leche or traditional white. Reduce the extensive amount of work involved with baking many different labor-intensive desserts by making the dessert table a potluck; ask guests to bring their favorite cakes and pies to share.