Dessert Table: Macarons at Midnight!

It's that time of year, and another one is nearly over. 2013 is right around the corner, so my thoughts turn to glitter, sweets, and the big countdown. Last year, we participated in a progressive dinner for NYE. A ton of scheduling conflicts have kept us from doing a repeat, but I'm still in the mood for some yummy midnight macarons. Jade & Matthew Take Pictures captured this Gray Harper Event Maker dessert table filled with mini-champagne, colored popcorn, and sparkler topped macarons in all its festive sparkle.

What are you doing for New Year's? I think we'll be just hanging out at home doing a movie marathon once the kids are asleep.

pics via TKB

Bring on the Glitter!

For some reason, the holiday season always makes me think of glittery, shimmery prettiness. I know, I should probably think of berries and holly or turkeys and feathers, but that's just not me. So, this glittery cake by Sweetapolita caught my attention right away. So pretty.

Doesn't that little cake just scream icy, winter wonderland? The bigger cake looks like a News Party just waiting to happen.

image via Pinterest

Dessert Table: Sparkling New Year's Eve

If you loved the metallic sparkle from today's first post, and the simple opulence of today's second post, then this luxe dessert table will send you over the moon.

Martha Stewart Weddings recently featured this inspirational photo shoot on their blog, and I immediately filed it away to share with you for a little New Year's Eve party eye candy. So, as you prep your place, think about incorporating some of these shimmery accents.

Isn't it fabulous how well the dining table coordinates with the dessert table's design? That's no accident. By using the same linens, flowers, and decorative vases, the design crew is able to use a mixed collection of plates, risers, and chargers to display the desserts without creating a disjointed look.

Of course, you have to end the festivities with a midnight kiss. I'll definitely be planting a big one on my husband and daughter. Last year, they were both passed out by ten o'clock and I watched the fireworks out of our bedroom window while I reflected on the blessings of the year past.

No matter who you spend the holidays with, I hope you can reflect on 2010 fondly. See you in 2011.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

production:  Be Inspired PR
photography:  Jose Villa
event styling: Canvas & Canopy
desserts: Cupcakes Couture
props: OC Prop Girl
tabletop decor: Small Masterpiece

Dessert Table: Have a Vibrant New Year

I don't want to send you into sugar shock, so we'll work our way up to today's glammed-out, super luxe shoot. If you loved the ease of those metallic champagne cupcakes, then this simple dessert table will be an attainable step up.

Inspired by This featured this Isari Flowers inspirational New Year's Eve party shoot. A few reflective surfaces, some gold and silver balloons, and one stunning cake make this fete simple, yet glamorous.

Mingle glass candle holders and gold foil-wrapped candies in apothecary jars to make a second, no-fuss dessert station. Don't have mirrored tables? Mimic the look by placing frameless mirrors on the table, and place your desserts and dishes on top of the mirrors.

Although he's not featured with the desserts, I wonder if dogs in chairs will be one of the new photo shoot trends of 2011. I shared this pooch at a party with you just last week.

Hopefully you didn't go into a gilded sugar coma, because I've got another sensational dessert spread coming your way today. Stay tuned.

Cupcake Countdown to 2011

Today, I have three New Year's Eve dessert posts for you. Each one is more metallic and festive than the last, so be sure to check in throughout the day to see each shimmery sweet.

This simple, gorgeous cupcake by Sprinkle Bakes somehow manages to epitomize the festive nature of the perfect New Years Eve party. It's nearly effortless, but it comes alive in the details. The metallic dragees and the hidden champagne filling are easy to pull off, but will definitely have your guests talking.

Simply scoop out the middle of the cupcake to add a surprising filling inside.

Stay tuned for today's second post. It's a metallic dessert table with a single vibrant punch of color. Be sure to check out the recipe for the sparkling champagne cupcake and the champagne pastry creme filling here.

So tell me, how do you plan to ring in the new year?

Dessert Meets Design: An H&M Holiday

Yesterday, I featured a reader's Guest Desserts submission. Laura invented this Brunette Torte for her pastry chef training final exam. If you haven't seen it, be sure to swing by and let Laura know what you think of her creation.


Now, on to today's first post. Perhaps you loved some of the great cookie recipes I featured in the Crafty Cookie Box tutorial for the 10 Days of Craftsmas, but you don't have time to stain and craft the box. Using H&M's holiday catalog as inspiration, I designed these fast favor presentation options using satin, lace, and tulle.

Here's H&M's holiday campaign:

I especially loved the lace peekaboo dress and the red headband on the model in the center image. The contrast of the black lace against her skin is really lovely. To recreate that in a favor, I dressed up a brown favor box in black lace and red satin ribbon (second row, far right).

 

You don't have to rely on boxes to contain your sweets. Simply create a ribbon-cinched tulle sack or a lace-wrapped cookie sleeve.

You really can find inspiration for your sweets anywhere. Next time you flip through your favorite magazine, think about reinterpreting an appealing ad into an unexpected dessert idea.

Later today, I'll be back with the fourth post in the Holiday Recipe Heaven series. If your holidays include an array of desserts, be sure to take a pic or two before everyone devours them. I'd love to share them as a Guest Desserts feature. Email me at info {at} shaunayounge.com.

H&M image: The Demoiselle

10 Days of Craftsmas!: Day 2 - Gingerbread Place Cards

It's the second day of the 10 Days of Craftsmas, which Maddy of Somewhere Splendid and I dreamed up to provide you with lots of holiday baking and crafting ideas. Today's project was actually a component of yesterday's gorgeous Rustic Rosette Runner table decor idea. These gingerbread reindeer cookies do double duty. Of course they're delicious and easy to make, but they also serve as seating cards for an intimate holiday party.

The 10 Days of Craftsmas!

Last week, I had a few double posts instead of my typical one post per day. In case you missed any, be sure to also check out The Gift Guide I compiled featuring lots of delicious goodies for your friends and family in the US and abroad. You can also read my Star Tribune interview on holiday dessert table and decor ideas. Now, on to today's holiday goodness!

Today is the first day of The 10 Days of Craftsmas! Along with my friend Maddy Hague of Somewhere Splendid, I designed ten holiday crafts and favors for you to recreate for your festivities. We have some great printables, easy recipes, and festive decor ideas along with tutorials and how-tos to help you bring it all together. Whether you want to create a homemade holiday, find new craft ideas, or just look at pretty pictures, this series is for you. I'll be back with the first craft later today, so check back for that. 

Follow along all ten days and have yourself a Merry Craftsmas!

Roar! The Year of the Tiger

Well, the Chinese New Year has begun. 2010 is the year of the tiger, and what's better than a few treats to celebrate?

LSU tiger cake (Cake Central), Tiger cookies (Disney), Tiger wedding cake (Pink Cake Box)

Have a Little Bubbly

Happy New Year! If you can't enjoy a glass of bubbly at midnight, try these champagne lollies instead.

Tick Tock: New Years Goodies

 

 

I think any message is sweeter when you say it with cookies. It'd be tough not to nibble during the 10 second countdown.

Clock cookies (The Decorated Cookie), 2010 & Countdown cookies (I Am Baker)

Preston Bailey's New Year's Picks

Event designer to the stars, Preston Bailey, discusses his idea of a perfect New Years Eve bash (and the desserts to go with it). Bailey tells People that 10 pm is the best start time. Guests have already eaten dinner, which leaves you free to serve sweets and fruits. That's much more economical than trying to serve plated dinners or even finger foods for a group.

"I always have something decadent for people when they walk in," Bailey says. His three go-to desserts are chocolate-chocolate cupcakes, mint chippers, and black and white chocolate chip cookies.

 

 

Images (People.com)