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How to Set-up a DIY Dessert Table

6 min read

Parties nowadays won’t be complete without dessert tables. From baptisms to kiddie parties, even to weddings, dessert tables have become a staple in the party scene. I, for one, am a fan of it! So today I’m sharing with you my step-by-step process in making a drool-worthy dessert table, plus some DIY styling tips here and there! Oh but before that, watch how we styled a simple sweets table in the video below!

You’ll probably say it just looks easy on videos. Well, it is easy in real life too! I promise not to give you over-the-top “tips” on how to come up with an elaborate party spread. We’ll focus on DIY-able, achievable and making-a-dessert-table-without-breaking-the-bank tips! Here goes:

1. Pick a theme or color scheme. This helps narrow down the things you’ll need. Trust me, you’ll see a lot of pretty things from your home, the party stores, etc. and you’d want to use them all. Having a theme and color scheme helps you decide what you should use for your dessert table and what to save for the next one. In the video above, I didn’t necessarily have a theme, but just focused on pink and gold (and white) elements.

2. Find a bare or blank wall.  The less busy, the better! This way, you can create your own backdrop without irrelevant objects getting in the way of your set-up. More on backdrops later, but another way to approach this is – integrate the backdrop with your set-up. In the tropical party below, I used the plants as the backdrop because we didn’t have a bare wall to set-up against. {more of this party here}

Homemade-Parties_DIY-Party_Tropical-Party_Coco09

3. Create a Backdrop. Having a backdrop helps define the space and adds depth to your party spreads. It frames your table and, yes, they make photos Instagram and Pinterest-friendly! There’s a myriad of backdrops you can choose from that you can DIY but there are also ready-made things you can buy and use like fabric or shower curtains or dividers (like in the video!)
4. Dress-up your table. We have to break this down to several parts, but for starters, the easiest way to decorate a table is to have some sort of symmetry – start with a focal point in the center, working your way out with elements mirrored on each side. The dessert spread of our diner party is one example of how to achieve this look.

Take us to the #50s! #DIY love for my little one who's turning a year old tomorrow. #lucasdiner #ishereallyonealready #homemadeparties #party #weekend #diner #coke #cocacola #shareacoke #dinerparty #50sdiner #myhomemadeparty #trylocalph #jaimelucas

A photo posted by DIY Party Inspirations Blog (@homemadeparties) on Feb 22, 2015 at 4:30am PST

You can always go the asymmetrical route and decide to have a focal point on one side, like what I did with the cake on the spread below. The tower of donuts on the opposite side balances the look, making it visually appealing. {more of this party here}

We're ready for a crafty afternoon with our HMP friends! Let's get crafty! (Of course, we have to have some sweets on the side!) #handsoncelebration #hmpturnsone #myhomemadeparty #trylocalph #hmpblog

A photo posted by DIY Party Inspirations Blog (@homemadeparties) on Nov 14, 2015 at 11:00pm PST

On the next page: decor elements.

Remember to also have height. Cakes and other treats in varying heights add to the visual impact of your spread. Having cake stands and risers will help you achieve this.

Other decor elements:

    • Table cloth and runner. It doesn’t necessarily have to be an actual table cloth or runner. Repurpose. Use blankets, bed sheets, curtains, even shower curtains if you must. If you’re lucky, the shower curtains would even have those cute prints perfect for your themed-parties! In lieu of regular table runners, you can use crepe paper, gift wrappers, etc.
    • Plates, jars, bowls and platters. Start collecting basic pieces in white or clear glasses because those can go with any theme or color scheme. You can also spruce up your plain plates, like what I did here. A simple addition of food-grade colored paper brings another level of charm to your platters.

Homemade-Parties-How-to-do-DIY-Dessert-Table-08

    • Decor elements.  Fill up your table with some decorative elements like balloons, floral arrangements, books, frames, toys that match your theme, etc. In this kitchen-themed bridal shower, we incorporated some kitchen and baking things into the spread. One of my favourite DIY decorating tips is to shop around your house. No need to buy for new things! Whenever I’m preparing for a party, I always go around my house (and my mom’s!) first to look for things just in the house that I can use.

homemade-parties_diy-party_bridal-shower_kitchen14

    • Labels and other paper decor. Add printables like cupcake toppers or food labels. These help tie the theme even more. I don’t use food labels often, but when I do, it’s because I have creative names for the food or treats. In our kitchen-themed bridal shower, we incorporated some cute kitchen quotes. These are inexpensive things you can put that adds character to your spreads. Look for free printables online or check our supplier directory for suppliers who can do them for you.

I was finishing up with the table when one of the 4-year old guests approached and exclaimed "Wow! Star Wars! I should've worn my mask!" Little things like themed food labels, standees and cute cake pops already get them excited! Spend time on the details! How would you like some FRIESlo Ren? ???? #starwarsparty #hmptips #starwars

A photo posted by DIY Party Inspirations Blog (@homemadeparties) on May 26, 2016 at 7:50am PDT

5. Fill with treats. Of course, everybody’s favorite part! I like to mix “designer” or custom-made treats like cakes, cupcakes, and cookies with some store-bought items. For this cookies and milk party, I got some custom cookie shots and cupcakes and just mixed it with commercial cookies you can find in the grocery. It’s also good to add variety and mix sweets with other tasty treats like biscuits or chips. They don’t all always have to be sweet!

A #throwback to my baby's #diy #baptism party before we end the night. And here we are, a few months after, and my little boy is already one! ???? #cookiesandmilk #milkandcookies #diyparty #diy #diymom #kiddieparty #diybirthday #myhomemadeparty #trylocalph #jaimelucas #hmpthrowback

A photo posted by DIY Party Inspirations Blog (@homemadeparties) on Feb 26, 2015 at 5:45am PST

6.  Finally, after all the stress fun of DIYing a table, I usually stand back, take lots of photos and admire our dessert table before the guests arrive!

Follow these simple tips and you’ll surely have a table that’s not only a feast for your tummies, but a feast for your eyes as well! Now that you have some tips in setting-up your dessert table, it’s time to make your own! I’d love to see your DIY spreads!

Republished with permission from: Homemade Parties

If you have any insights, questions or comments regarding the topic, please share them in our Comment box below or check out theAsianparent Community for more insightful parenting news and tips . Like us on Facebook and follow us on Google+ to stay up-to-date on the latest fromtheAsianparent.com Philippines!

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Written by

Monica Arcinue

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