How to Make a Dessert Table

Whether you're arranging a dessert table for a wedding, anniversary celebration, birthday party, retirement dinner, holiday party or other special event, create a table that is visually pleasing, in addition to displaying mouth-watering treats. Base a color scheme for the table on the types of desserts you are serving, and give height to your table by utilizing tiered dessert trays. Make your dessert table festive by using seasonal embellishments, such as evergreen twigs for the holidays or pumpkin-shaped candles for Halloween. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Place any tablecloths and linens you choose over the table. Make sure the tablecloth is even on all sides, and use one that matches the general color scheme of the dessert trays and the desserts themselves. For example, if you're creating a dessert table for brownies and light blue cakes and cupcakes, use a light blue tablecloth that features brown stitching or use a brown-tinted tablecloth with one or two light blue linens over it.

2

Make a tiered dessert tray your focal point for the table. Place the tray in the middle of the table and stack desserts on each level as desired. You can choose to use one dessert only, mix and match desserts on each tier or alternate desserts by tier.

3

Set up candy dishes and smaller dessert trays on either side of the tiered tray and fill them with a variety of candy and baked goods. The dishes and trays should match the tiered tray and overall color scheme of the table, such as a candy dish full of blue candy-coated chocolates, if you're using a brown-and-blue color scheme. Arrange them in a symmetrical fashion, such as smaller trays flanking the tiered tray with two candy dishes on either side of the smaller trays. A balanced dessert table looks more aesthetically pleasing than one with trays and dishes strewn about carelessly.

4

Arrange napkins, flatware and dessert plates on one side of the table or use a separate smaller table for these items, if you find they disrupt your overall table design. Remember to use items that match your table's color scheme for best results.

5

Add any additional embellishments you choose -- such as scattered rose petals, candles of varying shapes and sizes, floral garlands or scattered faux jewels and sequins -- for that extra decorative touch.