Dessert Table: Unicorn Birthday Party

A unicorn party? Seriously? Yes! Absolutely! After seeing this super cute dessert table, I don't know why this theme isn't featured more often on the kid birthday circuit. I mean, who cares about Dora the Explorer and the Bratz when you can have a whimsical, girly fete like this? I stumbled upon this fanciful creation on my Pinterest feed, and I must say, Natalie Spencer Photography did a great job highlighting each and every frilly detail.

pics: Natalie Spencer Photography via on to baby

Dessert Meets Design: Geometric Valentine's Dessert Table

Get your eyeballs ready for some geometric, Valentine's awesomeness, because it's coming at you full force today. Hopefully, yesterday's DIY candy necklace got you in the holiday mood, because it was just a warm up for today's spread. By now, you know that I'm also one of the head honchos (honchos?) of Confetti Pop, and we dreamed up a geometric theme for Valentine's Day. And, because we like to make every shoot a party, we invited a team of great local creatives to join the bash, including my husband, Darren of Well-Groomed, and photog team Jeff and Jessica of Jeff Loves Jessica. 100 Layer Cake was kind enough to feature the entire shoot as well, so thank you ladies!

Now, on to the pretty. I designed a gold, purple and pink geometric cake that mimicked Maddy's DIY table runner. Gold candy, custom truffles, and favor boxes with custom labels were fun additions to Rolos with printable wrappers. I lined the platters using this Confetti Pop set of printable papers.

Want even more eye candy for the day? Well, if you think you can handle it, be sure to visit Confetti Pop for more pics of the entire event, visit Well-Groomed for close ups of the groom, and check out 100 Layer Cake to see which pics their editors liked best.

styling/concept: Confetti Pop

printable invites: Confetti Pop Shop
images: Jeff Loves Jessica
venue: 514 Studios
florals: Prairie Fair
groom's styling: Well-Groomed
makeup: Asia Marie - asiaschulz@live.com
hair: Melanie Rivers
bride's wardrobe: BHLDN Feria dress, BHLDN Lambent shoes
groom's wardrobe: Old Navy shirt, Men's Wearhouse bow tie, Target pants, Target boots

Week In Review & Purple Passion

As you can probably tell by my website and blog color palette, I like purple. A lot. So, when I saw this purple explosion I just had to share it with you to wrap up this week. Three purple cakes of different shapes and sizes, plus cupcakes. What more could you ask for?

image via Tumblr 

This week on Sweet Tooth:

I found out that a pic from this dessert table I designed was featured in the newest Minnesota Bride.
A reader submitted this colorful, youthful birthday table for a Guest Desserts feature.
We took a candy shop tour of Sugar Sugar.
I fell for this dusty pink dessert table inspired by a 1950s French theme.
Many of us oohed and aahed over these Punxatawney Phil cupcake toppers.
I shared these two new cupcake liner DIY projects.

This week on City Pages' The Sweet Life:

I discussed the Top 5 dessert trends for 2011 and gave Twin Citians tips on where to find them.

Next week, we've got some really gorgeous posts coming your way. Lots of great Valentine's ideas and a fun event on the horizon for me, but I'll tell you more about that later.

Have a great weekend!

Fresh Palette: Thanksgiving

If you remember this Valentine's dessert table or this Fall dessert table I designed, then you know I like to use unexpected color palettes for holidays and seasons. This year, I think a fresh red and purple palette is perfect for Thanksgiving. So, here are a few images that are great inspirational starting points.

A small table or bench is a great place to display pre-dinner snacks like cheeses, crackers, grapes, and glasses of cider. That will keep hungry guests satisfied while you put the finishing touches on the main course. It will also eliminate the dreaded, "Is it ready yet? I'm starving."

Pomegranates are in season and are the best shade of deep red. Set one on each guest's plate with a handwritten greeting on a little slip of paper.

Who says you have to have turkey at Thanksgiving? If you're in the mood for a no-mess, stress-free holiday, consider Chinese takeout. Served your favorite dishes on beautiful china, rather than paper boxes, to infuse a more formal feel.

Are you planning a traditional Thanksgiving with turkey and stuffing or do you put a different spin on the holiday?

Image 1 (Country Living), Image 2 (Martha Stewart), Image 3 (Randi Brookman Harris)

Dessert Table: Jelly Bean Bar

I absolutely love this unique idea featured on Green Wedding Shoes! The team at Amorology created this wonderfully homespun-looking jelly bean bar by arranging a variety of jars and vases on these antique wooden shelves.

I love how unplanned and effortless this arrangement feels, almost like the couple gathered the elements together from a collection of vases from friends and families. Can't get enough? Check out Green Wedding Shoes for even more yummy pics here.

Cyber Sweetness: The Party Dress

Kelly, of The Party Dress, created an inspiration board and included this dessert table. Swing by the blog to see her other inspirations for a purple-hued event.

Dessert Table: Mpls/St. Paul Weddings Magazine Bridal Party II

Yeah! They're here! Pictures from the dessert table I designed for the Mpls/St. Paul Weddings Magazine Bridal Party were just hand-delivered by my fave photog, Tricia Little of Sweet Shibui Photography. The table was designed based on this inspiration board.

 

 

I had so much fun designing this table and participating in my first bridal expo event. I met so many energetic brides and talented bridal industry insiders. The table featured custom macaron towers, a chic grey cake that echoed the gown's floral bodice, custom shortbread cookies, and grey hand-painted truffles.

I have to thank some of the amazing vendors who helped bring my design to life. Karen of Sugar and Flour, Patrick and Amy of Patrick's Bakery, Lynn of Franklin Street Bakery, and Krista and Ly of Sweets Bakeshop.

I want to say a special, heart-felt "Thank you" to my friend Calie of Love Barklee who stood in heels for six hours touting my skills to any and every bride willing to listen.

Dessert Table: Mpls/St. Paul Weddings Magazine Bridal Party

Some pictures from last month's 2010 Bridal Party at The Depot are finally here! I was so excited to view my proofs last night. To refresh your memory, here's the inspiration board that inspired the table's design.

 

The bride's bodice is beaded with sparkly cherry blossoms, which are echoed in various ways throughout the table. As promised, Trish Little's pics put my hurried shots to shame. 

It's going to be so hard to narrow down all of the beautiful images, but I'll have more for you Friday. I'll also fill you in on some of the great vendors who helped bring my design to life.

Images: Sweet Shibui Photography

Inspiration Board: Grey, Lilac, & Plum

I mentioned earlier this week that I'd be displaying a table at the Mpls/St. Paul Bridal Party this Sunday. I thought I'd share the inspiration board I created a few months ago to help focus the design for the table. Hope you enjoy a peek into my designing process.

I love the idea of the rebellious bride bucking tradition and choosing a grey dress (even if it makes  granny faint from the very thought of it).