Many are the merits of hosting a dessert party, especially as we head into the holiday season. Those beautiful and extravagant offerings add such a festive note to any occasion — especially  when paired with bubbly — and give a party the sense of a big splurge! I’m remembering the happy grins at past parties; one friend whispered that she loved that night because it was as if I’d given everyone permission to indulge. Who doesn’t want to eat desserts?? So right there you are guaranteed a party that will be a hit.

Some points and details to consider for a Dessert Party…

1) It is usually held within a time slot that is easy to schedule into a busy holiday calendar. Begin your party at 8:30pm or 9:00pm as other events are finishing.

2) It is cost-effective; the goodies are easily outsourced or created by someone else (from a friend to a hired chef) eliminating the issue of having to cook.

3) Planning is simple as it doesn’t require a lot of details…just desserts and bubbly (which can range from expensive champagne to Italian Proseccos, Spanish cavas and French cremants).

4) So take advantage of the time you’re saving and enjoy being  creative on the dessert menu. Shoot for the moon!I had this copied from a party I did years ago in Atlanta…chocolate roulade, bathed in chocolate ganache that covered the entire silver tray. What a statement!

5) Choose that statement creation to be the highlight of your table..and cross “table centerpiece” off your to do list. The popular French dessert for centuries, the Croquembouche (which means “bite in the mouth”) — designed to displayed as the centerpiece of a festive table. It’s created by stacking cream puffs in a conical shape and adhering them together with spun caramel.

In fact, a buffet of desserts become their own styling statement…sometimes even occupying an entire room.

6) Bring out, or borrow, your best eye-catching china and glassware; keep in mind, if you need to rent or buy, that dessert plates (at only —x—) are not that expensive.

7) Be inspired in your selection of the size, shapes and heights of the serving pieces for each dessert; they will help carry out the theme you’ve chosen. Note: Tiered pieces allow you to go up if space is tight on your table.

8) Desserts allow you to play on so many themes…Color…Holiday…Venetian.

9) Be a guest at your own party—and enjoy yourself!

Happy entertaining!

All Images Courtesy of Kim Fuller Photography (unless otherwise noted).