Kiddo's Winter Wonderland Birthday and Dessert Table

Hey sugar addicts! I'm so jazzed to share kiddo's 5th birthday party with you. The ladies of 100 Layer Cakelet were kind enough to share some images with their readers, and I wanted to highlight the dessert table here. I designed this invite, and it inspired everything else, so I guess I should give you a glimpse of that first. And, before you zoom in all close, just know that this isn't my real address. It's not that I don't trust each and every one of you, but…

I wanted to keep the dessert table pretty simple. It is for children, after all. But, I still wanted to add enough custom details to delight my girl. Let's just say, this is probably the first time in history anyone has ever squealed about a milk bottle label. She was like, "That says, 'Averie! It's fabulous, dah-ling!'" She has flair. If you follow me on Instagram, you're well aware.

Check out this gold confetti plate and that little owl! So fab. Both of those beauties were contributed by Land of Nod. They're a perfect fit this white and gold, wintry theme.

Shop Sweet Lulu kindly let me pick some products from their shop. I designed wrappers for the white ice cream cups to match the back of the invite and labels for the milk bottles with each girl's name. I also put a faceted 5, like the one on the invite, on top of each milk bottle. 

Candy Warehouse hooked us up with plenty of candy to fill up the gold faceted piñata I made.

This is one of my favorite pics of me, Darren, and the kids. So cute!

Pop on over to Confetti Pop to see the rest of the party and the DIYs I designed to create my girl's modern, wintery bash.

dessert table, invite, custom labels & wrappers, piñata, cake topper: Shauna Younge for Confetti Pop
Photography: Angela Rose Photography
candy: courtesy of Candy Warehouse
gold confetti plates & animal ornaments: courtesy of Land of Nod
white ice cream cups, plastic milk bottles, biodegradable spoons: Shop Sweet Lulu

Dessert Meets Design: Modern Man

Just check out these truffles! Last Fall, I designed this modern yellow, grey, and white dessert table for Zoe and Josh. It was my first experience working with a really involved groom, and Josh was great. In fact, he made every selection, and the dessert table was really a surprise for his bride. He knew what he wanted, and I think the table's overall design reflects a more masculine, modern vibe than some of my other work. My girl Kirsten of Fab Events designed the rest of the event and photog Emma Freeman took these lovely pics.

The design included graphic truffles, macarons, S'mores cupcakes, cake pops, and a custom cupcake tower that I designed to house the mini varieties.

I love when a guy backs stereotype and actually cares about the wedding details. So sweet!

pics by Emma Freeman

Dessert Meets Design: Fox News Interview

I never thought my name would be in the same context as Fox News, but here we are. I was recently interviewed for my two cents about macarons and their future as the next dessert fad.

Here are my thoughts about the little French cookies, but be sure to click on over to Fox News (seriously can't I'm saying that) to read what other foodies and food writers have to say.

Over in the foodies-who-know savvy city of Minneapolis, sweets blogger and dessert table designer Shauna Younge analyzes the growing popularity of the macaron in her hometown,...

 “French macarons, not be confused with macaroons, have all the appeal of cupcakes along with an air of sophistication and novelty to catapult them into ‘Next Big Thing’ territory,” Younge says. “With fillings like salted caramel, cranberry cheesecake, and white chocolate ganache, they're nearly impossible to resist.” 

“As a dessert table designer, my clients love how easily [the] cookie shells can be customized to match the palette of their weddings, parties, and events. With more bakeries across the country specializing in macarons and mega-retailer Target adding them to their bakery shelves, it's only a matter of time before they become truly mainstream,” said Younge. 

image by Nicole Rupersburg via Fox News

Dessert Meets Design: Southern Weddings Feature

I shared the Southern Weddings spread with you earlier today, and I'm back with some pretty close-ups. We had a subtle Kentucky Derby theme to our shoot, so it's only a given that we shoot on a farm with real horses, include some pony details, and have a fabulous large-brimmed hat for the bride.

As for desserts, I made a rick rack cake with a silver horse topper, sugared pecan-topped cupcakes, mini peach cobblers, and chocolate cake pops. We didn't want this "wedding" to seem too polished and slick. We were aiming more for Southern charm and to represent a slower pace of life. So, you'll notice that I didn't use linens and instead used a distressed, painted table. No macraons and fancy truffles here.

Here are some of the phenomenal details the rest of the team came up with to bring this Southern-inspired shoot to life. One of our big goals was to make sure the Kentucky Derby theme wasn't "in your face" and too literal, so the horse motif is subtle, don't you agree?

Photography: Paper Antler // Styling: Maddy Hague of The Inspired Bride // Floral Design: Studio Fleurette // Dessert Table: Shauna Younge Dessert Tables // Paper Goods: Amy Hardy // Model: Joy Phillips of Wehmann Models // Hair: Brittany Moreland // Makeup: Jody Olson for Makeup Savvy // Wardrobe: BHLDN // Swing Top Favor Bottles: Specialty Bottle // Paper Rosettes: Pom Flair // Program Fan Handles: Perfect Stix // Rentals: Lime Canary Vintage Rentals // Washi Tape: Cute Tape

SYDT on KARE 11 Today! - Spring Weddings

After my first appearance on KARE 11 Today, I was lucky to be invited back to the show. Yesterday on the show, I shared a few tips to help couples design a dessert table for their wedding. Many of you will probably recognize this dessert table as the one I designed for this inspirational wedding shoot. You'll also notice that I made a few tweaks to the design and layout to fit the tv station's set up.

I hope you all enjoyed the video. I'll be back later today with a second post that features a gelato-themed design. See you soon!

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

SYDT on KARE 11 Today! - Valentine's Day Dessert Table

I'm so excited to share my segment on the KARE 11 Today show with you. A few weeks ago, KARE 11 emailed me to ask if I'd like to be on the show. Of course, I said, "YES!"

I visited the KARE 11 studio yesterday to show Twin Cities viewers how they can make a fun, easy dessert table for Valentine's Day. Unlike some of my more elaborate designs for clients and events, this table was designed to be kid-friendly, quick, and easy so it incorporates a lot of craft projects. Many of you helped me finalize my color palette by responding to my Twitter and Facebook musings about ribbon colors, so thank you for your input.

In the video, you may notice that I'm wearing a bracelet. There's another bracelet in the front center of the table in a jewelry box. I made those out of gumballs! The host of the show, Pat Evans, discussed the bracelets and showed close ups of them in a separate segment of the show.

This was my first tv experience, and it was so much fun. My friend (and fab photog) Emily Steffen came along to help me set up and to take some behind-the-scenes pics. I'll share those with you in the coming days. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy the video.

SYDT on KARE 11 Today!

Today, I'm prepping for an appearance on KARE 11's Today show. If you're in the Twin Cities, be sure to tune in around 11:40 to get some easy, inexpensive ideas for your Valentine's dessert table.

SYDT in Star Tribune!

I was recently interviewed by the Star Tribune about desserts and holiday color trends. I'm so thrilled to share the article with you, that I couldn't wait until tomorrow to post. So, here is my interview with the Star Tribune (upper right column).

Can't read that blurry article? Check out the much more legible version here. You can also get a better look at photog Emily Steffen's pic of the table. I'll be sharing more images from that dessert table with you in the coming weeks so stay tuned.

If you're interested in some other holiday decor ideas, check out the gorgeous mantle decor featured on the center of the page here.

Fall Dessert Table, Sketch, and Printables!

Remember this fall-inspired dessert table that I designed for Mpls St. Paul Magazine? Well, today you can visit Eat Drink Pretty to see the sketch of the table before the shoot and to print out the custom chocolate bar wrappers I designed. There are two versions of the wrapper, so be sure to check out both.

In case you missed it, you can also check out the tutorial to make the faux bois cupcake toppers. Have a great weekend!

SYDT in Nonpareil Magazine!

I'm so excited to share the current issue of Nonpareil Magazine with you. Issue 6 launched last night, and I was asked to contribute a few projects. Why am I so excited about the projects editor Maddy Hague and I created? Because they are so simple and inexpensive that I think you all will really enjoy using them for your events and parties. Photog Emily Steffen really put her talents to work. Her images look great!

The first project is stained glass cookie escort cards. I made these cookies very quickly using a standard sugar cookie dough and punching out the table numbers with number cutters. Melted candies create the stained glass effect.

After placing each cookie in a glassine bag, they were pinned to a color coordinated board. Custom labels finish off the bag.

The next project is another unconventional edible escort card. We found sodas in the same color as our palette and attached custom labels to help guests find their table.

I also created the fabric floral arrangement you saw on the cover!

Be sure to check out the latest issue of Nonpareil Magazine to see these and other unconventional party ideas. You can also print all of the custom labels and get detailed instructions for the projects in each article. Enjoy!

SYDT in Mpls St. Paul Magazine!

Yesterday, I shared the cover of the current Mpls St. Paul Magazine with you. Today, I'm back with the feature. Editor Melissa Colgan's only requirement was that the table have a Fall theme. I chose to go with an unconventional color palette instead of the more expected red, orange, and yellow hues that are synonymous with Autumn. Thankfully, Melissa was on board with my concept. I hope you like it, too!

To further turn convention on its head, I made an all-white abstract leaf cake with a flowery brown topper. Custom bird cookies, these faux bois cupcake toppers, caramel chocolate apples, and pheasant feathers share the spotlight with whiskey-infused chocolate figs, white chocolate cocoa, and cinnamon truffles. I designed corduroy, burlap, and wool favor bags to bring some typical Fall fabrics to the design. I also chose chocolate brown velvet ribbon to add another cozy element.

Along with this full-page spread, the magazine also featured another page with some info about me and the firm.

I'm really thrilled to be featured in Mpls St. Paul Magazine, and I'd like to thank the awesome local bakers and artisans who helped bring my vision to life. Check out the article for more info about each vendor.

So tell me, do you prefer unconventional color palettes or traditional ones when you decorate for the seasons/holidays?

Shoot Prepping at SYDT

Hi everyone! I'm busy today prepping for a shoot with photog Emily Steffen and stationer Bethany Hway. I'll be back tomorrow with a look at the dessert table I designed for Mpls St Paul Magazine's October issue, which is on newsstands now.

You may remember this inspiration photo that I used to create the table and this behind-the-scenes peek.

If you're in the Twin Cities, be sure to pick up a copy. See you tomorrow!

SYDT in the Aisle File & Weekend Update

I was pleasantly surprised yesterday to learn that Shauna Younge Dessert Tables was included in this month's Mpls.St.Paul Weddings' Aisle File. My work was featured alongside two other Minnesota artists who create custom pieces. Be sure to check out Third Willow Weddings' beautiful clutches and an amazing Tara LaTour gown.

This weekend, I'll be teaming up with Maddy Hague of Nonpareil Magazine to bake and make some items for an upcoming photo shoot with photographer Emily Steffen. I'll be Tweeting along the way, so follow along this weekend for all of our baking hijinx. Be sure to come back Monday for some behind-the-scenes sneak peeks. If you haven't checked out the new issue, yet make some time to flip through it today.

If you're new to this blog, you can also read Issue 4, which features an Alice in Wonderland dessert table I designed on page 18. It's inspired by Tim Burton's dark, moody interpretation of the classic film, so I hope you like it. I also designed a Marie Antoinette-inspired macaron display stand for this issue, which you can find on page 100.

I'll see you Monday. Have a great weekend!

Minnesota Bride Magazine Feature

Yesterday, I showed you the beautiful cover of the Fall/Winter 2010 issue of MN Bride. When I received my copy of the issue at the gala, I was thrilled to see that Shauna Younge Dessert Tables was featured!

If you haven't already, be sure to pick up a copy of MN Bride on newsstands now!

Have a great weekend. I'll be back next week to share a new dessert table trend. Need a little more sweetness in the meantime? Follow me on Twitter or like me on Facebook.

Behind the Scenes: Magazine Shoot Prep II

This week, I'm taking you all along as I design a dessert table for a magazine feature and source the items I need to bring all of the elements together. After selecting a color palette and mapping out the dessert table's design, it was time to go shopping for the ribbons, fabric, and vessels I need. First up, a stop at Jo-Ann for fabrics.

I wanted some heavier weights for the fabric elements of the design, so I checked out the apparel section for chilly weather fabrics. These fabrics don't work for this project, but I still like to look at all of my options. Inspiration might strike that leads you in a new fresh direction, so it's always good to keep your eyes open for alternatives.

These moleskins were a better match for the warmth and texture I wanted, but still not quite right. After a lot of searching, I decided to go with caramel-hued burlap, wool, and corduroy.

I also needed ribbon. For this project, satin and grosgrain just didn't seem to fit the warm, cozy vibe I'm looking for. But, I definitely had a lot of options to choose from.

I grabbed a green, translucent ribbon. I'm still not sure that it will be used, but it fits the color palette and the no-fuss, down-home feel that I want.

Next, I visited Bachman's. Here, I hoped to find a flower vase that with a refined, rustic look. Bachman's is a Twin Cities-based floral and gift shop. I've shopped here for several other dessert tables, because they have a great selection of garden and outdoor decor. I loved the urns and potted ivy, but they weren't quite right for this project.

As I walked around, I found so many ideas that would be perfect for other designs. Bachman's has lots of vintage milk glass and unusual glass bottles with cork stoppers. I'll have to remember that in the future.

One of my coolest finds at Bachman's was this corrugated cardboard riser. It would be great for displaying glass jars full of candy, or as an eco-friendly, recyclable cupcake tower for an environmentally-focused event or client.

I still need a few more types of ribbon, so one last stop to a larger fabric store was in order. There were so many different types of trim. Suede cords, leather fringe, and bedazzled trim of all kinds. I chose a chocolate brown, velvety cord.

Even though I didn't find the vase I was looking for (I ended up making my own last night), the trip was still totally worthwhile. I saw items that sparked inspiration for future projects, and other hard-to-find goodies.

If you follow along on Twitter or Facebook, then you already know that I also got two more Minnesota vendors onboard for the project last night. One, is Sheela of Cake Eater Bakery, and the other is a Brainerd-based crafter. Early this morning (about 6 am), I added another local baker to the team.