Dessert Table Shortcuts

I’m so excited to be joining the Project Nursery team. I’ve been professionally designing parties at Frog Prince Paperie for little ones for about two years now, and I have so many tips that I can’t wait to share with you all that make entertaining for kids and baby showers just a bit easier and a little more fun.

I thought we’d start with dessert tables—a huge trend that’s now become a party staple. Everyone at some point has seen the gorgeous dessert spreads at parties where every little sweet is picture perfect and thought, “I want do that!” And then reality sets in—you would  have to spend hours (and hours) making all those treats or spend a small fortune to buy them all. But really, you don’t! With a bag of candy melts and a few sprinkles, you can make store bought goodies look stunning.

Here are a few quick tips to make dazzling desserts in a fraction of the time:

Make brownie pops. They’re an even tastier substitute for the cake pop. Buy two-bite brownies pre-made, then mash and roll each one into a ball—no bowl needed. The brownies are moist enough all on their own to keep their shape. Dip into candy melts just like you would a cake pop, but now you’ve skipped the cake-making work. These are also great rolled in coconut!

Buy your cupcakes. Order them at the grocery store with just the frosting, and then add your own sprinkles, flowers or toppers. You’ll match your party exactly, get that designer look and save yourself a few hours in the kitchen baking and frosting.

Jazz up pre-made cookies. You can buy cookies at the grocery store and add a little candy melt drizzle and a few sprinkles or candy to the top for a treat that looks like it took hours. This is an especially great trick for fudge covered oreos.

Sugared marshmallow pops. This is a ten-second designer dessert. Put a lollipop stick into the end of a large marshmallow, moisten the marshmallow slightly with water, pat it mostly dry and then roll in colored sugar. That’s it! These pops look great displayed in painted flower pots or small vases.

With a few basic ingredients, it’s easier than you thought to create your own gorgeous dessert table that’s sure to impress.