Sweet Idea: DIY Fringe Firework Cake Topper

The 4th of July is right around the corner, and for me (and a lot of my family members) it's also time to slice up birthday cake. As a kid, I got pretty accustomed to sharing a cake with all of the late-June and July birthday folks, so when Confetti Pop needed a patriotic DIY this one seemed like a no-brainer.

A great twist on this fringe firework topper? Well, we opted for red, white, and aqua to make it feel a little fresher. Check out this super-simple tutorial here.

Guest Desserts: Under the Sea Birthday Dessert Table

I'm warning you now, you're going to totally swoon over this sugar-y, aquatic-themed dessert table. Why, you ask? Let me count the ways.

1) Eboness Belin of Fleur de Lis Events design this bash for her daughter Emerald's 3rd birthday.
2) Her daughter's name is Emerald (so cute!)
3) There are a ton of pretty aqua-hued sweets.
4) Did I mention Emerald?

A ruffle cake, star fish cookies, rock candy, and cotton candy? What more could a little girl wish for? I know, salt water taffy and shimmery gum balls. That's what.

Eboness: I used inexpensive crystals to line the edges of all of the mirrors that the cookies were served on. It transformed ordinary, to "phenomenal"!  

Eboness has a few tips to share for those of you tackling a DIY dessert table: 

- I used lots of clear acrylic risers on the dessert table to add visual interest with varying heights and to make the desserts appear like they were floating underwater.  

- Create your own vision of what you'd like your party to look like first and use that as your guide (Pinterest board, photos on a bulletin board, etc).  Don't be afraid to be different- your design ideas are yours so explore what "you" envision to come to the final result.  

- Start early in planning your party. You'll discover tweaks that need to be made along the way as well as unexpected 'aha' moments that will encourage you to carry on when you are tired, or discouraged.  

Eboness created this Sheer Bliss Chiffon Chandelier when she couldn't find a more sophisticated option in stores or online.

from Eboness: [T]his piece was truly a labor of love. Light and floaty, the chiffon circles offer a dreamklike aesthetic, and certainly transport you to a different place. I offer it in my Etsy shop for others going for the same look. It can be used in a nursery, baby shower, or wedding!

more from Eboness: I created the design on Publisher and printed myself on pre-boxed plain wedding invites.  The border had a satin/pearl finish which played into the theme quite nicely. 

All I can say is, "Wow!" Thanks for sharing this darling dessert table and party with us, Eboness!

Concept/Event Design: Fleur de Lis Event Design and Catering Co. 
Photography: Catie Ronquillo Catie Ronquillo Wood 
Sugar Cookies: A Cookie Jar Cupcakes/Cake: Kroger/Mansfield TX

Do you have a dessert table, recipe, or other sweet idea to share? Check out the Submissions page for details.

Week In Review & Behind-the-Scenes

It's been a busy, but wonderful week. I've got some fun behind-the-scenes pics from my stint on the KARE 11 Today show that photog (and super friend) Emily Steffen kindly shot. The host Pat Evans, was really sweet.

On Sweet Tooth:

I made my first TV appearance on KARE 11 to share this pink, tangerine, and aqua Valentine's table.

We saw more evidence of the Pooch at a Party trend here and here.

Pink and gold won me won on this shimmery Valentine's Day dessert table.

This Cinco de Mayo dessert table was the perfect balance of cultural and classy. 

We chatted on Facebook and Twitter about this golden heart shaped chocolate cake.

I shared this incredibly easy, incredibly Valentine's Day favor idea.

On The Sweet Life:

I interviewed the owner of Sweets Bakeshop to find out what their plans are for their new shop.

I also guest blogged for my friend Maddy Hague on The Inspired Bride, because she's sitting shiva.

This cake is so breathtaking, that I had to share it here with you, too.

images by Emily Steffen

Dessert Table: Vintage Sunshine

This sunny dessert table featured on The Sweetest Occasion is one of the brightest and cheeriest I've seen. I love the few splashes of aqua mingled in with the white and yellow to add a cool, vintage vibe. The little tissue pom poms look like sunbursts. Photographer Nicole Hill Gerulat took full advantage of the natural light streaming into the room.

Sweet & Saucy Shop designed this beauty for the In The Now Weddings + Events bash.

Check out Cyd's full post for more pics here.

Dessert Table: Glitz & Glamour

This sparkly delight was featured on Style Me Pretty. I love all of the event's details, but the glittery desserts really take the cake.

Dazzling pinks and vibrant aqua play beautifully together. You wouldn't think such an unusual color combination would be so over-the-top lavish and glamorous.  

For even more sparkling pics of this three-part post, click here.

**Come back later today for a second post sparked by a good conversation I had with a reader last week.**