Dessert Meets Design: Ribboned Romance Dessert Table Pt II

As promised, I'm back with a few more pics of the Ribboned Romance table I shared with you earlier today. These pics were taken by some of the photography students that Emily Steffen was instructing. I think you can agree, they did some lovely work.

Jennifer George shot these pretty images. She really zeroed in on the buttercream's texture and the pearlized pink and antique blue sprinkles on the cupcakes.

Jessica of Jeff Loves Jessica got a lot of great pics of the cake toppers. I created the flags, while Potter + Butler created the poms. She also focused on the textured white chocolates I made.

It's easy to see that these photographers are both well on their way to successful careers. Thank you both for sharing your images with me and the Sweet Tooth readers!

Dessert Meets Design: Ribboned Romance Dessert Table Pt I

Last weekend, I met up with several talented vendors to create an inspirational wedding shoot. I designed this pink, platinum, and antique blue dessert table to try to capture the soft, romantic vibe evident in the rest of the event. Lisa of Simply Fabulous Event Design came up with the concept and color palette, and she wanted to channel a Spring-y (but not Easter-y) feel. Emily Steffen shot these beautiful images.

Since this design is full of muted pastels, I chose to emphasize the texture of each dessert. Swirled buttercream adds an uncomplicated finish to two cakes, while the shape of the bundt cake, custom chocolates, meringues, and cupcake frosting all mimic each other.

Here are some more photos from the shoot, to give you an idea of how the dessert table meshed with the overall design without being matchy-matchy. I incorporated the ruffly hem of the bride's dress and the tissue paper poms into the tissue paper pom cake toppers.

I had the fortune of working with some really talented people on this project. Be sure to check out their sites for more images from this event, and other pics of their work.

I'll be back later today with some of the images that Emily's photography students took. They captured some really wonderful details, as well.

event design, concept and styling: Lisa of Simply Fabulous Event Design
photos: Emily Steffen Photography
venue: Mpls Photo Center
flowers: Sadies Floral
pom poms cake toppers: Potter and Butler
linens & rentals: Linen Effects
hair & makeup: Aubrey Thoren
paper goods: Birdy Blue Design

Dessert Table: Glitzy Goodies

This dessert table's coloring is evokes a completely different feel than today's first design. I'm beginning to realize that I'm a sucker for a pink and gold palette, because I really liked this holiday dessert table and this French inspired design. This Valentine's inspirational shoot via Grey Likes Weddings is full of glam details. The pinks and golds are beautiful against the silverware and silver flower boxes. That French design featured only two desserts, but this one is even simpler. By showcasing only gold foil wrapped cupcakes, this design is a perfect example of attainable luxe.

Honestly, who doesn't love a glittery cupcake?

photography: Joielala Photographie
styling: Megan of Forget Me Knot Weddings
styling: Tori and Myka of Sitting in a Tree Events

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: A Kate Spade Holiday

Yesterday, I shared this H&M-inspired favor idea that I created. As further evidence that dessert inspiration can come from anywhere, I bring you this Kate Spade-inspired dessert display by Styled Creative. The design team was blown away by a Kate Spade holiday window display, and enlisted photog Alison Conklin to capture these images for Style Me Pretty.

The chalk-drawn Christmas tree is a genius, inexpensive backdrop. Simply trace a tree onto kraft paper using an overhead projector. Gold, silver, and vibrant teal play nicely with blush pink to create a hip holiday vibe. Glitter-bedazzled forest friends add a whimsical touch.

This cake puts a glittery holiday spin on this art-y design I shared with you a few months ago.

I love, love, love Boston Terriers so I know I'd be tempted to give this cutey a cupcake of his own.

Next week, I've got another beautiful reader submission in store. As you gather with friends and family, be sure to take pics of your nephew gobbling up pie, the platter of cookies you made, or the cake your sister brought. I'd love to share them here, so email me at info {at} shaunayounge.com.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Dessert Table: Hanukkah's Silver and Blue

Hanukkah starts December 12th this year, which gives you plenty of time to plan, buy, and create some delicious treats for your guests. Blue and silver are the traditional colors of the holiday, and this time of year, there are sure to be tons of silver-y blue ornaments and decor to sprinkle across your table.

Glittery dreidels strung above the table make a perfect banner, while a tiered cake is sure to be a show-stopper. Have a baker (or your crafty self) handpaint a menorah on one side and a dreidel on the other for a 360 degree experience. Cookies decorated with royal icing can be packed away as favors or displayed during the party.

Table, Sufganiyot, Favor boxes (Martha Stewart), Cookies (Whipped Bake Shop), Hanukkah cake (Dahlia's Cakes)

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)