It's Raining Macs!

I'm seeing a trend developing here, and I'm lovin' it. Last week, I shared this post about bunny-shaped macarons. Today, I'm swooning over these cloud cuties, which would be perfect for a baby or bridal shower. In fact, they'd be fab as an addition to this simple rainy-themed dessert spread.

You guys know I'm obsessed with macarons, and now that people are experimenting with macaron shapes, I think my obsession has no end in sight.

images via Carnets parisiens

Dessert Trend: Veggie Cakes

Remember this incredibly life-like asparagus cake? Yesterday, I came across these cakes that are made to look like vegetable gardens. I don't remember seeing a lot of veggie sweets as a kid, so I wonder if this is a newer trend as people strive to get more and more creative with their confections.

No garden is complete with a gnome or two.

I love that the first cake even has the picket fence around the garden. That's a great touch that really completes the theme. I think the gnomes would be great party favors for the green thumbs in your life. I'm going to attempt my own veggie garden this year, and I'd love to have a veggie cake awaiting me when I finally get the garden up and running. Perhaps I'll whip one up.

Dessert Trend: Pinwheel Cake Toppers

Over the last couple of weeks, we've discussed some different DIY cake topper ideas like this bunting and this flag trend. When I saw this pinwheel topper, I knew it should be added to the debate. There are tons of pinwheel tutorials online, so this is another truly doable topper concept.

So, now that we've got a third DIY topper in the running, which one is your favorite?

image: Ruffled Blog

Dessert Trend: Flag Toppers

Last week, I shared this DIY cake bunting tutorial that I made with my friend Maddy of Inspired Bride. It's an easy, but wonderful way to dress up a cake. Well, I'm back today with another cake and cupcake topper trend that's just as simple.

I've noticed that flags are popping up on all sorts of goodies, and I must admit that I think they're just charming. Imagine giving someone a homemade (even if it's from Betty Crocker) cake that doesn't require mastering fondant or having impeccable frosting skills. You could even buy an undecorated bakery cake and dress it up with little color coordinated flags.

Which look do you like better? The bunting toppers or these flag toppers? And, really I guess there's a third option of not really liking either. Let me know what you think, and be sure to sign up for email notification because I respond to your comments and questions.

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images via Pinterest

Dessert Trend: M&M Cakes

We've got a few different dessert trends emerging this year. I noticed the pooch at a party trend, followed by the pony at a party concept. After sharing this candy covered Valentine's cake with you, I came across this blue and yellow version at a real wedding on Style Me Pretty.

Other blueberry and lemon treats compliment the cake's motif, while an M&M-lined tray displays seating cards.

I wonder if M&Ms will become a frequently used decoration for cakes. You might remember this pink and red M&Ms cake that I featured around Valentine's Day. It seems like an easy enough element to add to a cake. Since the candies come in so many colors, I imagine you could find any combination you need for your party. 

Do you like this trend?

Dessert Table: Modern Bohemian Bash

I just may have to eat my words. Although it seems I predicted the pooch at a party trend pretty accurately, I didn't think we'd see too many horses at dessert table shoots. Well, this romantic, bohemian bash featured on 100 Layer Cake and designed by Nancy of So Happi Together and Melissa of The Loveliest Day does indeed feature a pony at a party. Along with this shoot, today's post makes two ponies in less than a week!

I love the custom bottle labels and cupcakes toppers featured here. I'm also a big fan of cake pops, cakes, and macarons, so this spread is right up my alley. There are frosted, mini cupcakes on the dessert table, but unfrosted large ones serve as seating cards at each place setting.

Dessert Table: Succulent Sweets

I've got two great posts for you today, so let's kick things off with a beautiful dessert table. This Cinco de Mayo inspired butter was featured on Green Wedding Shoes and is full of succulent plants and luscious flowers. Soft hues and subtle cultural elements make it feel more like an intimate Mexican party rather than a loud, late-night fiesta. The cake is strung with a traditional papel picado banner, while margarita cupcakes, candy favor bags, and churros sit amongst glass covered succulents and rock beds.

Just look at how well the dessert table coordinates with the event's other decor. In all dessert table planning, this type of cohesive design is my ultimate goal. I want the buffet to be a seamless addition to the look, rather than just a random assortment of sweets. That doesn't mean everything has to match or be mirror images of each other, but the dessert table should feel like it belongs in its surroundings rather than being just a colorful afterthought. I also thought this dessert table was fabulously cohesive.

I really like how the entire design reflects a Mexican theme without seeming cliched or gimmicky. It's subtly is it's beauty. You can tell from its styling that it's a planned design, but it doesn't feel too structured. It's much more organic than that, and it's lovely. What's your favorite element of the design?

Don't forget to come back later today for the second post! See you soon.

Dessert Table: 1950s French Garden

In the past, we've discussed dessert tables on chairs, dressers, and shelves. Today, I've got a dessert table on a piano to share. This 1950s fete,  shot by The Nichols and featured on Style Me Pretty, was inspired by French gardens of the time. The entire event is fabulously styled, and the dessert table's soft pink and peach hues stay true to the overall feel.

To stay true to their French theme, the couple chose a variety of macarons in different vessels, rather than mixing in cupcakes and candies of all kinds. By selecting a bunch of mismatched white and silver dishes, the table feels more organic than rigid and structured. You almost feel like these are pieces they've loving, carefully collected over time.

Doesn't the dessert table make a beautiful backdrop for the newlyweds?

I really love the simplicity of choosing only two desserts, cake and macarons, and contrasting that with ornate dishes and silver platters. The couple did such a wonderful job designing their French dessert table, er piano, that you'd never guess they were in Austin, Texas.

My favorite part of this design is the dusty rose background, which gives the entire room a beautiful glow. What's your favorite part?

Dessert Table: A Taste of Italia

Cyd of The Sweetest Occasion showcased this charming country dessert table, which was designed and photographed by Chiara of Le Frufrù, Valentina of Cut and Paste, and Michela. Although it's pegged as an inspirational Christmas shoot, the three Italian designers who styled it could easily make this display work year round.

It appears the bureau trend I wrote about here, here, and here is alive and well, even overseas.

This table has so many great touches. Various colors of yarn balls in apothecary jars are easy additions to any design. Simply open up a drawer on your buffet to reveal jars of homemade granola or homemade preserves. I really love the crochet, doily-inspired cookies. What a stead hand those must have taken. They look flawless.

What's your favorite part?

Cocoa Couples

This summer, I shared this photo shoot trend with you. I still plan to have one of these fun baking fests in some fabulous kitchen for family photos some day. Lately, I've noticed the "couples with food" trend has taken a decidedly winter-y turn. 

Green Wedding Shoes featured this inspirational Camilla Photography photo shoot of a couple stylishly sipping cocoa in a winter wood. The fur shrug and the can of pink peppermint cookies are just fabulous. What a great mix of luxe and everyday pleasures.

Emily Steffen, who photographed this and this design of mine, braved an eight degree Minnesota day to take these cocoa-centric pics with a happily engaged couple. This couple chose a more relaxed vibe for their shoot. It really looks as though they were just walking down this path, enjoying cocoa, and a few moments of fun before running inside to sit in front of a fire.

I've gotten used to the Minnesota climate over the years, but I have to admit, both of these couples have earned my respect for facing these conditions for their shoots.

Have you taken some fun baking or hot chocolate pics this winter?

couple 1 (Camilla Photography), couple 2 (Emily Steffen Photography)

Dessert Table: Mix n Match Cupcakes

We started the day with the Jingle Bell Gift Card Holder for the sixth day of the 10 Days of Craftsmas, and I'm back with this sugar-y spread. Amber of Enjoy Cupcake created this fabulous cupcake bar for a photo shoot that she shared with Jen of Green Wedding Shoes. This idea is perfect for a stress-free party at your home.

You don't have to worry about perfectly icing a lot of cupcakes. Simply bake a variety of cupcakes, add a ring of frosting, and let guests mix and match their choice of fruits, syrups, and sprinkles to adorn the little cakes. I love the idea of using little pumpkins to hold the sprinkles.

This DIY cupcake bar is a brilliant mix of this pumpkin pancake breakfast, this and this cupcake buffet, and this dessert table trend. It's a perfect storm of sweetness!

If you're  joining the Craftsmas fun midstream, be sure to check out all of the projects in this holiday DIY series here.

images: Enjoy Cupcakes

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.

Dessert Table: A Gourd-geous Whoopie Pie Feast

I'm a big fan of whoopie pies. Anytime you can sandwich inventive frostings between two layers of moist, flavorful cake, I'm on board.

Like macarons, whoopie pie flavor options are nearly endless. You can find or make whoopies in tons of cake-y flavors like carrot, double chocolate, or pumpkin. Of course, you could try traditional vanilla if that's your preference. The options don't end there. You can also fill the soft sandwich cookies with all kinds of delicious frostings, like mint chocolate chip, chai tea, or coconut. Again, you could stick with traditional chocolate or vanilla buttercream.

When I saw this whoopie display yesterday on 100 Layer Cake, I knew I had to share it with you. You'll recognize the bureau trend that I wrote about here and here. Along with the trendy table, the stylist also added lush flowers, caramel and sunshine-hued gourds, and birch bark stumps to create a gorgeous Fall backdrop for pumpkin whoopie pies.

Simple brown bag favors are dressed up with custom flavor labels.

Want a little more whoopie goodness for your Friday? Check out some of the dessert tables I've designed using whoopie pies. I selected giant apple spice ones for this Autumn dessert table, and custom chocolate ones for this Alice in Wonderland dessert table for Nonpariel Magazine. These custom lavender vanilla ones were a big hit a MN Bride Magazine's Best of 2010 gala.

So tell me, have you tried whoopie pies? What flavor were they?

Image 1 (The LDS Grandparent Place), Image 2 (Scott Clark Photo)