Dessert Table: Red, White, and Mmmm

I immediately fell in love with this peppermint-themed event. Everything has been thought of, everything. The linens, the peppermint truffles, and the striped translucent favor bags can only be topped by the waiter serving peppermint martinis.

This is so lovely, and even better, it's attainable. Drape a white cloth over a table or console and use a red runner (or any red fabric) down the center of the table. You don't have to try to accomplish the large bow, simply having that shock of color will create a jaw-dropping effect. I used this technique for an event. Check out the pics here.

Although hiring a waiter might not be feasible, you can arrange the glasses on sliver trays. Put one tray on each end of the dessert buffet. Pour the drinks right before guests arrive and leave a recipe card for guest to refill for themselves as the night continues.

Place your tree or an attention-grabbing menorah in one corner to draw people into the room, and enjoy your handiwork.

Images (Brides.com)

Happy Thanksgiving!

I hope you're all somewhere enjoying friends, family, and lots of really great food! I'll be awake at the crack of dawn to get some of those Black Friday deals tomorrow. 

Happy Thanksgiving and happy shopping!

Dessert Table: Winter Wonderland

A winter-y dessert table is probably one of the easiest to create. Simply selecting different desserts and candies in white can create a snowy, shimmering display. For a truly luxurious look, mix in silver, gold, ice blue, or shimmery purple shades by using ribbons, tablecloths, or food labels. Avoid adding all these colors to the table, because you risk cluttering the effect of the white's crisp, sophistication.

Dessert table 1 & 2 (David Monn), Images 3 & 4 (Martha Stewart)

Nutcracker Christmas

These little treats would be perfect for the kids' table during the holidays. Save the fancy schmancy stuff for the adults, and let the kids enjoy a Rat King pop or shortbread soldier. The inspiration is right out of The Nutcracker Ballet. Finish off the night by reading the story around a cozy fire.

Desserts (Parents Magazine)

Dessert Table: Silver and Black

I love when dessert and design inspire each other, so when a reader told me of her desire to do a black and silver party I was motivated to help her come up with some ideas. Encourage your guests to wear shades of black, grey, silver, and white and create desserts to match their attire. Want to go really unconventional, try hanging your white tree upside down.

A dessert table inspired by a black and silver holiday party seems classically chic, not dark and depressing. Hopefully, Smitten Sugar, this will help you convince your family to get onboard with your upscale Christmas.



Foods as simple as silver Jordan almonds, powdered mini-donuts, and chocolate-covered Oreos can keep even a miserly Scrooge's dessert budget intact.

Party guests (Martha Stewart), Stacked presents (Blueprint), Dessert table (Country Living), Cupcakes (Sugarbloom Cupcakes), 4-tier cake (Brides.com), napkins (Brides.com), Silver Jordan almonds (Oh Nuts!), White and milk chocolate Oreos (Target.com), Upside down tree (Seattle Homes & Lifestyles)

Featured: Sugarbloom Cupcakes

Tall Cupcakes

Louis Vuitton Bags & Wallet

Twins' Cake & Cupcake Tower

Bev Perry, the owner and baker of Perth, Australia's Sugarbloom Cupcakes, makes the most amazing cakes and cupcakes. Her attention to detail is unlike anything I've ever seen before. I had such a hard time narrowing down just a few of her creations to show you, but I encourage you to check out her full Flickr gallery.

Inspiration: Pink and Chocolate Brown

The Party Dress blog featured this fabulous pink and chocolate brown inspiration board for a bridal luncheon. The dessert buffet features simple white china and gorgeous apothecaries. This is a great example of how a dessert table can blend cohesively with an overall decor concept. The table becomes a part of the event, not just an add-on. Truly lovely.

Dessert Table: Winter-y Pink and Gold

I love the idea of a pink and gold Christmas. It has a warm, cozy vibe that you just can't accomplish with a traditional white and silver palette. Fill gold favor boxes with light pink Jordan almonds, or let guests fill their own boxes at the end of your party. Did you notice the old-fashioned rock candy swizzle sticks posing as drink stirrers with the tea? Little details like that are simple, but unexpected.

Is anyone else using an untraditional palette for their holiday festivities?

Pink dessert table (Martha Stewart), Cupcakes (Brides.com), Tea cups (Wedding Things), Gold favor boxes (Priceless Weddings), Christmas tree (High Fashion Home)

Cookie Craze

Every Wednesday, Oprah's featuring a different holiday cookie. This week's is what any former Girl Scout worth her friendship badge would call a Thin Mint. But for trademark and licensing purposes, Oprah's calling it a chocolate-covered chocolate-mint cookie. Po-tay-toe, po-tot-o. They're my favorite no matter what you call them.

Cake Meets Catwalk: Runway-Inspired Confections

It seems obvious that fashion and food go hand-in-hand. For me, if it doesn't look good, I won't even try it whether it's clothes or cake. So, I really loved the couture cakes created by some world-renowned fashion designers. Betsey Johnson's cake mimicked the petticoats in her Spring 2009 collection, while Tracy Reese's cake captured the vibrant watercolor designs featured in her show.

Couture and confection, now that's a happy marriage.

Cakes (InStyle Weddings), Betsey Johnson dress (Posh24.com), Tracy Reese dress (About.com)

Contest: Sugar Shacks - Update

I've gotten a few emails about the gingerbread contest. Many of you want to participate, but don't have the time because of the overall chaos of this time of year. I completely understand, because I'm feeling much the same way. So, we'll postpone the contest and we'll just have to live vicariously through this great Rebecca Russell creation.

Featured: Jack and Izzy

If you haven't discovered Etsy, you are truly missing out. One of my favorite shops, Jack and Izzy, features some great DIY options for the host(ess) who is short on time or crafty-talent. Designer and owner, Sarah, has created a DIY printable party pack that is simply chic.

You choose the color of the labels, the letter (or number for birthdays and anniversaries) style, and Sarah customizes the labels. You can use them for cupcake toppers, napkin rings, favor bag closures, invitations, and just about everything else. You get your personalized label on disc and reprint as many as you need for your event. It's an easy, inexpensive way to create a cohesive look for your own dessert table.

Contest: Sugar Shacks

It's that time of year, so get out your graham crackers, frosting, and gum drops. Martha has a collection of different gingerbread houses, that range from unconventional black and white to classic candy cane fun. My attempts have been lackluster in years past. Here's hoping to a better outcome for the '09 model.
I'd love to see your gingerbread houses. Send your images to info {at} shaunayounge {dot} com and I'll post them! The best gingerbread house's creator will get a $10 JC Penney gift card! Become a follower to get the latest updates on the contest and see the winning house.

*All submissions must be received by Nov 20. Winner will be announced Nov 23.*