A dessert table isn’t just a way to serve sweet treats — it’s a show-stopping feature that draws guests in and adds a playful, indulgent element to your celebration. Whether for a wedding, birthday, baby shower, or corporate event, a beautifully arranged dessert table can double as a focal point and a memorable photo opportunity.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating a dessert display that wows your guests, with a special spotlight on why lollies make the perfect favour.
1. Choose a Theme and Colour Palette
Your dessert table should complement your event’s style. Start by deciding on a theme — elegant, rustic, whimsical, modern, or seasonal. Once you have your theme, select a colour palette of two to four complementary colours.
For example:
- Elegant wedding – white, gold, and blush pink.
- Kids’ party – rainbow brights.
- Garden tea party – pastels and florals.
Matching your desserts, linens, and decorations to your chosen palette creates a polished, cohesive look.
2. Select a Variety of Desserts
A great dessert table offers variety so every guest finds something they love. Mix textures, flavours, and portion sizes — think cupcakes, tarts, slices, macarons, biscuits, mini cheesecakes, and of course, lollies.
Pro tip: Balance your display with different heights and shapes. Cake stands, tiered trays, and platters add visual interest and make your table more inviting.
3. Feature Lollies as Both Decor and Favours
Lollies are a must-have for any dessert table. They’re colourful, nostalgic, and incredibly versatile. Here’s how to incorporate them:
- In glass jars or candy bowls: Choose sweets in your event colours for instant visual impact.
- As personalised favours: Fill small bags, jars, or boxes with a mix of lollies, add a custom tag, and let guests take them home.
- As table fillers: Use wrapped lollies to fill gaps on your dessert table, adding pops of colour while keeping the display full.
Not only do lollies enhance the look of your table, they double as a sweet thank-you gift for guests to enjoy later.
4. Arrange with Balance and Height
Place larger items like cakes or donut stands in the centre or towards the back, with smaller treats at the front. Use risers, crates, or stacked boxes covered with fabric to create different levels — this ensures every item is visible and prevents your table from looking flat.
5. Add Stylish Signage and Labels
Labels help guests know exactly what they’re choosing, especially for dietary-friendly desserts. Small chalkboard signs, printed tags, or acrylic name cards add a professional touch. For your lolly favours, consider a sign that says “Love is sweet — take a treat” for a charming send-off.
6. Don’t Forget the Little Extras
Fresh flowers, greenery, fairy lights, or themed props can elevate your table from pretty to Pinterest-worthy. Just make sure decorations don’t overwhelm the food — your desserts should remain the star of the show.
Final Thought
A dessert table is more than just a place to grab a treat — it’s an experience. By carefully planning your theme, variety, arrangement, and decorative touches, you’ll create a display guests will remember. And with colourful, delicious lollies pulling double duty as décor and favours, you’re guaranteed to leave everyone with a sweet taste of your celebration.