How to Set-up a DIY Dessert Table

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}

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.

• • 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.

• • 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.

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!

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

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