Sweet Tooth

Dessert Table: All-White Wonder

2012-01-26T17:10:00.003-06:00

An all-white dessert table works for every season. In Summer, it seems fresh and airy. In Winter, it feels icy and cool. This collection of simple cakes on simple stands would work well for almost any group gathering at any time of year. This Style Me Pretty spread as accents of soft peach, but you could use lilac, icy blue, or yellow to change the feel of the design.

images by The Nichols

Valentine's Visions: Felt Fortune Cookies

2012-01-24T08:08:00.000-06:00

Why not take a sweet cookie, make it out of felt, and fill it with candy? Martha featured these felt fortune cookies, which are perfect for Valentine's Day. Why are they perfect? They're inexpensive, they're easy, and they're unexpected, a veritable triple threat if you ask me. These would also make great wedding or bridal shower favors. Oooh, and baby shower favors! Imagine that the guests have to open the cookie to see the sex of the baby.

Check out the full how-to right here.

Valentine's Visions: Rolo Wraps

2012-01-23T08:35:00.000-06:00

I've had a long-standing love affair with Rolos. I mean, they're everything wonderful. Caramel, chocolate, and a bite-size that doesn't make you feel guilty (even if you've had two, or six). Well, with Valentine's right around the corner, I was happy to find this inexpensive, cute candy idea that incorporates my beloved sweet.

Simply grab a roll of wrapping paper you like. Cruise Target's Dollar Spot for inexpensive options. Use the Rolo wrapper as a sizing template, and get to cutting. Write a note on the blank side of the wrapping paper and seal with a small heart or XO sticker. Even my toddler could help with this project, and Grandma and Papa will be thrilled to get their treats for V-Day.

DIY Valentine's Brownie Toppers

2012-01-18T18:38:00.000-06:00

It's so easy to dress up treats and make them seem even more special. These arrow brownie toppers by Cyd of The Sweetest Occasion are a perfect example. You can whip up a batch of brownies or buy some, cut them with a heart cutter, and top them off with these felt arrows.

The steps are simple enough, so be sure to check out The Sweetest Occasion for the full tutorial.

DIY Donut Tower

2012-01-16T17:20:00.000-06:00

I love simplicity and towers of sweets, so this donut tower is right up my alley. Simply stack powdered donuts on a lovely cake stand, tuck in some fabric/paper/felt flowers for a pop of color, and just wait for the guests' oohs and aahs to roll in. What a great twist on a croquembouche.

images via CAKE

DIYs Around the House

2012-01-12T16:03:00.000-06:00

I've been pretty occupied lately with some DIY projects around the house, and although none of them are dessert-related, they are all Shauna-related, so I figured I'd share the results. As always, I convinced my husband to join in.

I made this golden sunburst mirror above the mantle using spray paint, a ceiling medallion, and skewers. All in all, the project was less than $12. A much better deal than the $150-$350 versions online. I also convinced my hub that we should build a wooden surround for our fireplace to cover up the majority of the hideous 13x13 builder-grade tile that was already there. I also got the idea to bring in some bookcases on each side of the fireplace. We decided to keep the mantle stained instead of painting it white so it would still tie into the cabinetry and trim throughout the house.

I chose this palette for our house nearly a year ago, and had a hard time finding decor items that incorporated all of them to unify the space. So, I decided to take this IKEA rug and painted it with the colors that we used throughout the house. Those stripes that look brownish are really a shimmery gold, which ties into the sunburst mirror above the mantle.

Did you guys tackle any fun/crafty projects recently?

Sweet Idea: Pie on a Stick

2012-01-11T15:10:00.001-06:00

Pies are fabulous, but mini pies that are mess-free and don't require a plate and fork are sublime. These are great for a dessert table or party, because they're so low-maintenance. Keep your crusts traditional or cut out cute shapes. You can even get creative with the display or wrap the pies in ribbon-tied cellophane for guests to take home.

images: Spoon Fork Bacon, Pinterest, Borrowed and Bleu, Cakewalk Desserts

Dessert Table: Fishy Affair

2012-01-09T21:23:00.001-06:00

This cake is beautiful! It looks like it has iridescent scales on the second layer. Just look at the way photog Caroline Tran captured the light bouncing off of it. Delicious! The soft peach and pink tones of the cake are echoed in the candies that fill out the dessert spread. There are other fishy details around the table, like the fishing pole and paper fish hovering over the table.

via 100 Layer Cake

Dessert Table: Modern Femininity

2012-01-06T07:00:00.000-06:00

This pretty little dessert table, which was shot by Augie Chang for Style Me Pretty, has some of the softest shades of pink and caramel that it's just dreamy. Gourmet marshmallows, jelly beans, and poufy flowers create a girly vibe, while a modern all-white cake keeps it unexpectedly fresh.

Dessert Table: Saturated Sweets

2012-01-03T13:11:00.000-06:00

I love all of the gold, fuschia, and teals on this dessert table. Every inch of this table, which was styled by A & B Creative, is saturated with vibrant color. It's awesome.

images by Eric McVey Photography via Style Me Pretty

Sweet Visions: Pavlova

2012-01-02T12:02:00.003-06:00

My friend recently tried and fell in love with pavlova and is on the hunt for a bakery that makes them in her area. The conversation with her made me start searching for some yummy pics to share with you.

I love the imperfection of this dessert. No need to stress about making everything look meticulously styled. You gotta love that!

pics: What Katie Ate, Martha Stewart, Pinterest

Ornament Gingerbread Cookies

2011-12-22T12:52:00.000-06:00

Classics are classic for a reason. Sometimes, it's nice just to get back to the basics. Nothing is more traditional during the holidays than ornaments, mittens, sleighs, and gingerbread. You can find more yummy pics and the recipe at The Patterned Plate.

Sparkly Peppermint Macarons

2011-12-21T09:21:00.000-06:00

Glitter this time of year (or any time really) just makes me giddy, so anytime that glitter is edible, I pretty much squeal with delight. These red and white macarons from Kevin & Amanda are so festively fabulous!

Still haven't gotten your fill of glittery goodness? Be sure to check me out on Pinterest, where I pin lots of delicious, pretty things that don't make it onto the blog. You'll probably love the Dessert Meets Design pinboard and the A December to Remember one, too.

Also, cruise by Kevin & Amanda to get the recipe for these pretty macs.

Sweet Brands: Happy Lab

2011-12-20T08:19:00.000-06:00

I love this geeky branding by confection shop Happy Lab! Test tubes, beakers, and other science-y dodads pose as candy containers, while the employees wear lab coats.

If you can't make it to the Australian-based shop, consider adding candies to beakers and giving them to a child who just mastered a Chemistry test. I would have loved to get these after every Organic Chem test.

Dessert Table: Minty Merry Christmas

2011-12-15T08:01:00.000-06:00

It's not often that a soft shade of green gets attention during the holidays, but this dessert table by Mrs A in The Cove incorporates the pretty color perfectly. Lovely cakestands, candies, cupcakes, and cookies all match the palette.

I love the chevron favor bags!

Gingerbread Village Table Runner

2011-12-14T07:18:00.000-06:00

Photog Rebecca Hansen captured this edible winter wonderland for Snippet & Ink. Gingerbread houses sit atop a kraft paper runner that's sprinkled with powdered sugar "snow". This would make any kid happy to sit at the kiddie table if you made a smaller version to line their shorter table.

Already maxed out on time? Opt for graham crackers or pre-made gingerbread house kits to make your little village.

Cookies with Giant Flavor

2011-12-13T07:37:00.000-06:00

The holiday issue of Sweet Paul Magazine hit the virtual newsstand last week, and the feature on cookie recipes is delicious. Not only are the pics of mini-admirers cute, but the recipes are drool-inducing. Be sure to check out the feature and the entire issue for lots of great holiday sweets.

Check out these amaretto dreams and coconut & cherry cookies.

These caramel sauce cookies and marshmallow & hazelnut cookies look amazing.

Wouldn't you love to ice skate on a lake of caramel? What could be better?

images via Hector Sanchez for Sweet Paul Magazine

Cookies To-Go!

2011-12-12T08:25:00.000-06:00

Presentation is everything! If you want an inexpensive gift for your co-workers, neighbors, and other random folks simply whip several batches of cookies (homemade or mix) and package them beautifully. They'll be safe to ship without breaking, and the package elevates them from ho-hum bake sale staple.

ideas via Martha Stewart

Girly Gifts

2011-12-07T21:02:00.000-06:00

Today, I guest blogged on my husband's blog, Well-Groomed. I gave his male readers a few tips on what to get the women in their lives for the holidays. I figured I'd share the post here as well, in case any of you are looking for some inexpensive, pretty, unique ideas for your moms, sisters, and friends.

There are gifts here as affordable as $10, so be sure to check them all out. Isn't that earring book awesome? What a clever way to store earrings and even travel with them.

Vosges Toffee Trifecta, Kate Spade ribbon ring, iomoi small zig zag tote, Anthropologie Prospero diary,Ban.do heart pin/barrette, Not A Jewelry Box earring book, Banana Republic belt, Hammocks & High Tea chevron drawer liner, Coach snowman key ring, Leif serving spoons

Dessert Meets Design: Fox News Interview

2011-12-06T07:52:00.000-06:00

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

DIY Elf Donuts

2011-12-05T08:01:00.000-06:00

Everyone thinks of leaving cookies for Santa, but what about treats for his miniature helpers? These tiny "donuts" for elves are just the cutest seasonal goodie. Using Cheerios, chocolate, and sprinkles, The Unconfidential Cook created sweets fit for an elf.

Simply roll the cereal in powdered sugar or cinnamon to create the non-sprinkled version. Easy, inexpensive, and creative. You can't beat that.

Dessert Table: Peppermint Party

2011-12-01T14:47:00.000-06:00

'Tis the season for red and white stripes (and touches of light blue). Such a simple, but bold palette. I love this dessert table by A Little Polkadot via Design Dazzle. It's fun and none of the sweets are cute and uncompliated. The North Pole cupcakes are one of my favorite elements. No, no. It has to be the meringue snowmen. Yeah, for sure the snowmen. Or the white chocolate truffle tower...

Want to try some of these goodies yourself? Breeze on by Design Dazzle for the recipes and how-tos.

Festive Cookie Wreath

2011-11-30T08:02:00.000-06:00

Ok, so every year I'm like, "I'm gonna make a gorgeous, crafty, colorful wreath for the front door." I'll admit, that I haven't accomplished that goal most years, but maybe that's because I haven't thought of making a wreath I could eat.

This cookie wreath by Julia Usher via Sweetopia is creative, beautiful, and tempting, right?

Even better, there's a kit to make it full-proof and easy.

This wreath would be awesome as the centerpiece of a holiday dessert table, right?

Ornament Cake Balls

2011-11-28T08:20:00.000-06:00

I loved these giant cake balls earlier this year, and I'm loving the wintery ornament-esque twist applied to these ones by Cotton & Crumb. The intricate, detailed iced designs pop beautifully against shimmery, almost iridescent backgrounds.

I say, "Bring on the shimmer!"

Pumpkin Pie Goodie Bag

2011-11-21T07:34:00.000-06:00

This is the cutest idea! A faux pumpkin pie acts as a festive goodie bag, er tin, for kids. I mean, they're bound to get restless while waiting for Thanksgiving dinner to be served, and this printable pie top from One Charming Party is the perfect solution.

Swing on by OCP to print your own faux pie top.