Creative Ways to Incorporate Dessert Into Your Next Event (that aren't on the dessert table)

Having a cake and a dessert table has become insanely popular at celebration events. Dessert tables, in particular, have become as commonplace as cake. However, there are so many creative ways to use desserts at your party that aren't just on the dessert table. These ideas will not only help you create a unique party but also save on decor by using desserts as a two-for-one solution. Let’s get to it!

Place Cards/Seating Chart 🍰 I love the idea of using individual desserts to let guests know where they are sitting. Individual desserts, such as cupcakes, can be placed on a wall seating chart, each cupcake displaying a guest's name or even a photo of the guest with the bride or groom for a more personal touch. Or consider cookies with each guest's name written on them for an elegant touch. Guests will love this sweet, practical, and interactive touch.

Favors 🎁 Favors are often one of the hardest things to plan for when organizing a party. You want to gift something practical and usable, not something that will end up in the trash. What better favor than a personalized cookie or cake pop? It can be as simple as a chocolate chip cookie with a thank you tag, custom-designed cookies or cake pops, or, for a big event like a wedding, a slice of cake matching the couple’s cutting cake. Guests will appreciate having something they don’t have to worry about keeping, but that also brings up fond memories of your event.

Centerpieces 🌸 Centerpieces are a fun way to display the theme and personality of your event. They can add a special touch that ties your event together. If you’re looking for something creative, consider a small cake for each table, decorated in your party theme. Guests will have something pretty to look at, and when it’s time to cut the cake, each table has its own to share. A centerpiece cake is also a great idea if you have guests sitting at a long farm table for your reception or dinner. Additionally, you can have a small display of cupcakes or other desserts on each table, like mini dessert tables.

Invitations/Save the Dates/Proposals 💍 We’ve seen rings stuffed inside cupcakes and cake slices, but instead of putting the ring in the dessert (the teacher in me can only think about how this is a choking hazard), how about making the dessert an integral part of the proposal or invitation? Custom sugar cookies would be perfect for asking someone to marry you—whether the cookies spell out "Marry Me" or even have your favorite pictures of you two on them. These cookies would also be great for asking someone to be your bridesmaid or groomsman—a creative and simple way to ask your closest friends to stand by you on the big day. This would also work well as part of an exquisite invitation package to wedding and party guests, giving them a preview of the amazing event to come.

Cocktail Hour/Late-Night Snacks 🍹 This is a more traditional approach, but consider not relegating dessert to right after dinner. Include desserts and pastries as part of the cocktail hour spread, especially if you have coffee and tea served as well. This works particularly well with pastries. If not before dinner, consider specialty desserts as a late-night snack. An ice cream or churro cart, or a popsicle truck, are perfect ways to end the night and will definitely make your event memorable.

Don’t let dessert tables be the only way you serve dessert—consider any of these ideas for a memorable and unique event.

Do any of these ideas sound perfect for your next event? I’d love to hear what you think about these ideas in the comments!