Change up the family party this year with a Christmas dessert table filled with everyone's favorite sweets.
Are you dreaming of a spectacular Christmas dessert table? You don't need to be a pastry chef to pull off a delicious centerpiece that's sure to impress your family and friends. With a few easy recipes and some helpful tips, you can create a Christmas dessert table that will make the holiday season even sweeter.
Learn how to put together a beautiful dessert table that seals the deal on this year's Christmas festivities with these inspiring ideas. From decadent Christmas cookies to attractively frosted cupcakes, you'll have all the inspiration and guidance you need to create a glorious display of sweet treats that will be the highlight of your holiday season.
How to Make a Stunning Christmas Dessert Table
If you're looking to change up your typical holiday party food, why not try adding a Christmas desserts table this year? This is the perfect way to add in a nice touch of elegance while getting a small sampling that will satisfy your sweet tooth. This is the perfect option to have at your Christmas party, a family gathering or even a wedding reception. But first, you'll want to set the mood.
Party Theme
Before you get too carried away with the idea of all these delicious homemade desserts, be sure to choose a theme to go along with your color scheme and Christmas decorations. After all, you want the perfect holiday setting to go with festive desserts.
Pick a party theme that is classic Christmas or another variation based on a favorite color scheme. You could even base it off of a favorite Christmas movie or song and have it playing during your gathering. Include simple decorations that will not overwhelm your table, because you will have plenty of eye-catching desserts to act as a focal point.
I opted for simple greenery and loose ornaments. It adds a little bit of color while not taking too much attention away from the collection of sweets. Spread garland around dishes or along table runners. Add loose ornaments around dishes or place them in smaller bowls or glassware for decoration.
A few other holiday decorating options are:
- Add pine cones for a nature vibe (grab some on Amazon if you don't have a tree that drops them)
- Use a glass lantern
- Faux candles
- Poinsettias
- Mini Christmas trees
Supplies You'll Need for a Christmas Table
- Decor for table - see ideas above
- Cake stands, tiered trays or food platters
- Glass jars or dishes for small treats
- Dessert plates and utensils
- Drinks
- Christmas desserts and candies that go with your theme
- Serving utensils
These include some of my favorite cake stands I use for our parties.
But I also have all of these trays and party essentials! Tiered trays are a nice touch to your holiday table because they provide needed height and dimension. The glass jars are one of my favorite ways to display small candies and special desserts.
Assemble the Dessert Table
When you have gathered all of the decor and kitchen items needed for displaying your Christmas dessert board, it's time for the best part - adding all of the sweets!
Dessert for Your Centerpiece
Begin with either one main focal point or a few great desserts that will be the stars of the show. Place those in the middle of your table. I like to use bigger items or something that really has a colorful design that is fun to look at.
Because our sweets table is more family friendly, we opted for big donuts with a white frosting and holiday sprinkles. I layered these donuts on a cake stand for added height and to create a fun centerpiece. I also filled a cake stand with homemade red velvet cupcakes and green frosting and sprinkles. These two big items make a fun display.
For those who are wanting a larger display or something a bit more fancy, why not choose holiday cakes or apple pie? See these recipes for some super easy homemade cakes that are sure to impress. Simply add some broken bits of candy canes or a white chocolate drizzle and you're all set!
Fill in Around Your Main Centerpieces
Use smaller platters and dishes to fill in around your dessert centerpieces. We went with a few classics that our family loves, including chocolate frosted cake donuts with sprinkles. Plus, small M&Ms in red and green as well as a small bowl of Hershey kisses.
Cookies are also an excellent option because they are easily eaten without utensils. Finger food options are some of the best desserts for convenience.
We picked up these frosted sugar cookies from the local bakery and they taste divine while adding a fun splash of color.
Other great food options for a Christmas dessert table:
- Peppermint bark - Easy to make at home and eat with hands
- Fresh fruits in holiday colors (think red, green and gold)
- A charcuterie board - Easy to use and doesn't require a ton of dishes
- Gingerbread cookies - See my amazing frosting recipe here!
- Fancy bars like lemon bars or even peanut butter chocolate bars
- Try out a hot cocoa bar - Let guests customize their toppings for a truly wonderful treat!
Final Decor Touches
And of course, don't forget the icing on the cake! It's the details that really make the difference. I complete the look by filling in a smattering of cedar branches and small ornaments that compliment the color scheme.
However, feel free to use any holiday greenery that tickles your fancy. Garland or pine would be just as beautiful and smell great. Christmas florals are another beautiful choice.
You can even throw in a few colored balloons for a child-friendly party.
A Christmas Event to Remember
A Christmas dessert table is more than just a tasty treat, it's an opportunity to showcase your creativity, celebrate the holiday season, and bring family and friends closer together. To create the perfect dessert table, have fun with colors, shapes, and backgrounds. Let your imagination guide you!
As you plan and prepare your desserts, remember that it's not just about the treats, it's about creating an experience full of joy and cheer. Make this the Christmas season where your dessert table is the star of the show!
Happy Entertaining!
Brooke
Vesna says
Such a beautiful story! Best present for Christmas anyone can have!!
Happy Birthday to your beautiful girl and Marry Christmas to you and your family!!
xoxo
Vesna - Home Chic Club
Two PlusCute says
Happy birthday to your 7 years old!
The setting looks lovely (and those light blue chairs really make the whole room stand out).