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.

Paula

Paula

Paula is a party-loving mom of two terrific kids living on the sunny beaches of Melbourne, Florida. She is the woman behind the frog at Frog Prince Paperie, a printable party shop and blog dedicated to making parties magical!

Comments

  1. Beth

    December 1, 2011

    Paula, I can’t wait to try some of these tricks. I especially love the cookies and marshmallow pops—so cute and easy!

  2. Lyssa

    December 1, 2011

    Paula I have followed you have about a year now. So excited to see you here at Project Nursery so others can share in your ideas :)

  3. Paula

    December 1, 2011

    Lyssa,

    That is so sweet, Lyssa! Thank you! :)

  4. Nicole @ Tradewind Tiaras

    December 1, 2011

    Brilliant shortcuts and tips! I’m definitely going to try those brownie pops soon.

  5. Dina - Deliciously Darling Events

    December 1, 2011

    Paula! Seriously, the brownie pops are genius! You are one talented lady! <3 it.

  6. Melanie

    December 1, 2011

    welcome to the team! I love your tips…especially buying pre-made cookies and jazzing them up. Easy and cute!

  7. Aaliyah @The Sweetest Affair

    December 1, 2011

    Thanks for the great tips Paula! Looking forward to your future posts!

  8. Debra @ TiTI's TuTu's

    December 1, 2011

    Brilliant!!!

  9. Jennifer Needham

    December 1, 2011

    Great idea about the brownie bites! I make brownie pops pretty frequently, but it never occurred to me that I could use the brownie bites. I will be making them your way next week!

  10. Lisa~The SweetTalk Shop

    December 1, 2011

    Thanks for the tips!!

  11. Bluebird Kisses

    December 1, 2011

    Love these ideas! I’m starting to make a list of what I want for baby J’s 1st birthday dessert table and I think you might have just saved me about a day’s worth of baking!

  12. The Party Wagon

    December 1, 2011

    Love the great ideas! The Oreos will make a great, easy Christmas treat!

  13. Paula

    December 1, 2011

    I’m so glad these tips are helpful! Can’t wait to hear what you all do with them. :)

  14. Keisha - Cupcake Wishes & Birthday Dreams

    December 2, 2011

    I’ve used some of these tricks before on my sweets tables – but had nooo idea about wetting a marshmallow!!! Thanks for sharing!

  15. katie

    December 4, 2011

    My husband calls this cheating, but heck, I do this all the time. It saves me time and energy, and I don’t get all stressed up.

  16. Christina DeJesus

    December 4, 2011

    Congradulations …love your designs !!!

    Moodylicious Childrens Spa

  17. Justine

    December 15, 2011

    love a good short cut and with my DD’s 1st birthday approaching fast, i could certainly use all the short cuts I can find! Thanks. Been following your site for a while… my pinterest is filled with your ideas for inspiration… keep them coming please :o)

  18. Paula

    December 15, 2011

    I’m so flattered! Thanks! And glad these little tips are going to help. :)

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