Next week my friend Amy Atlas‘ new book, Sweet Designs hits the shelves. It’s a mega-manual of sugar and crafts that will help you create beautiful dessert tables like this one from the book called Honey, I love you.
Just looking at this photo has me buzzing with excitement. Dessert tables bring smiles and designing one is a great way to tap into your creativity. Plus, you’re playing with sugar so what’s not to like.
When you work on one, it’s very easy to get caught up in the crafting and design behind each dessert. You’ll experience a constant flow of ideas and won’t want to stop. Or at least that’s how I feel. Here’s a Super Bowl dessert table I helped my friend Julie with a while ago and we had the best time watching it all come together. I think we could create dessert tables everyday and never get bored. They are so visually appealing and full of yummy treats – I wish I could keep one on display at all times – magically replenished with desserts. That would be sweet.
Here’s a few extra shots from the full table. I zoomed in a little so you could see more of the detail.
…because the website just isn’t wide enough to do this entire spread of sweets justice.
Sweet Designs has more than 175 projects with tons of pictures throughout.
That means it’s huge… 374 pages huge.
Candy math… tools of the trade… candy index… the book is full of information to get you started on your own table designs.
And if dessert tables aren’t your thing, that’s okay too.
The book makes it easy to find individual recipes and projects from each table to bake or craft if you just want to start out small.
There’s also handy overviews in each chapter. Shop it. Display it. Switch it.
But I think my favorite is Find it. Thank you Amy for a detailed listing of all the items you used. Your book makes me happy happy!
You can pre-order Sweet Designs right now from amazon or look for it in stores next week.
But, you can also win one here. Signed by Amy. Yay!
Enter for a chance to win a signed copy of Amy Atlas’ Sweet Designs.
- To enter, leave a comment on this website post and just answer the following question.
- What theme do you think would make for a fun dessert table? (baby, owl, circus, safari, super hero? Nursery rhyme? Dinosaur? Dancing with the Stars? I don’t know – get creative…the possibilities are endless.
- Deadline to enter is Friday, April 20th at 5 p.m. ET. SORRY, TIME’S UP! Winner Announced below.
- One winner will be chosen at random and announced on this post sometime Friday evening.
Good luck – and now I need to go clear off my dining room table.
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We have a winner – and we have a lot of incredible dessert table ideas. Take a look at some of the comments for inspiration.
And the winner is:
Comment #1154 Michele M! Congratulations. It sounds like you’ll get some good use out of the book. Send pics of your table after the party.
I like to see all different types of dessert tables.. One that I think would be really cute and fun… 50’s diner theme.. Or even like a all 80’s type of dessert table.. I haven’t seen 80’s theme yet..
@ #99 above^ the mermaid beach theme song very cute.. Great idea!!
I think an owl table would be so cute…especially with all the cute little owl designs out there now!
Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory-That chocolate river could be a drink fountain, the edible teacups, the giant lollipops , the gumballs and gumdrops-OMG there would be so much you could do with that theme-Little edible oompa loompas! Adorable!
Video game theme! or Disney/Pixar theme!
Circus, so many cute colors.
I think it would be cute to do a Halloween table, and use a bunch of ghosts and witches! super cute!!
Moulin Rouge!
I think a Captain Planet theme would be cool, especially if you’re doing something for earth day. Each treat could be related to the Planeteers powers =)
I want to do a “Sprinkle” theme for a friends baby shower, and have little ducks and umbrellas, and rain hats and boots with lots of yellows and blues.
I would do 50’s theme with Chantilly lace, pink bubble gum
45 records made into candy dishes and soda bottles!
Halloween is my favorite holiday so I could go crazy with that theme! but also garden club, 50’s diner or movie nite would all make great themes too!
I started pondering an Alice in Wonderland/Mad Hatter’s Tea Party sort of vibe this morning while poking around pinterest …. I think that would be an amazing theme to work with!
Sea Life!
How about a Border Collie theme??
50’s sock hop would be fun!
50’s sock hop, would be fun
Oh, me! Oh, my! I got caught up in Amy Altas’ designs a few weeks ago when she had the bloggger scavenger hunt! The Honey, I Love You table is so creative; my daughter had a Beehive cake brought to her by friends for her twelfth birthday, so fun! I think blossoms and flowers would make a great theme for a dessert table! Love that spring is in the air! Thanks for the fun giveaway!
Children’s Literature theme would be fun! Since that’s such a broad category, maybe narrow it down by awards? Such as Newberry Winners, Coretta Scott King Awards & Honors, Caldecott Medlas, etc.
I’ve been dying to do a candyland themed birthday. the dessert table would take on the look of the board with the actual candies in place of the images on the board. Each “square” would be a cupcake…ah! my mind is all made up and now i just need an excuse to do it….!!!
Cotton candy, airy, fluffy, light, pastelly.
Movie Night theme!
or…
Gardening theme… lots of flowers and leaves and insects!
i think a garden theme would be cute! My soon to be 3 year old would love it!
I think an awesome dessert table theme would be Space Exploration. I made some super cute Saturn cupcakes not too long ago!
A nursery ryhme theme would be fun for a baby shower.
I’ve done a ladybug themed food/dessert table, Rock Star, and will be doing a Lego one soon for my son’s 6th birthday. I’d LOVE to have this book to give me more ideas and inspiration!
Hmm…a fun theme for a dessert table? Well an old-fashioned circus theme, of course! Flying trapeze, circus banners, rhinestone costumes, tightrope walkers, cotton candy…!
Something with lots of bright neon colors would be fun.
World of Warcraft would make for a really awesome dessert table!
I agree with a few other people that a Wizard of Oz theme would be awesome – it’s one of my all time favorite movies and with all the color in Oz and the Emerald City I think the possibilities are endless :)
Wow, people are so creative! Being a mom of 2 little boys that love cars, I’d say Grand Prix racing!
I’m inspired to do a “Vintage” themed table for my husband’s upcoming 50th birthday party! I would do different decades since his birth and theme the candies and desserts on what was in vogue at the time. Now i must get my hands on one of these books! Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy!
Woodland creature theme or a mountain (skiing) theme!! Both of which I LOVE!!
Dream Land theme – i envision something sweet and swirly.
btw: that initial photo made my jaw drop and heart beat excitedly!
A whimsical mad hatter tea party!
Peter Rabbit…I’d love to do one for a baby shower.
mickey mouse
mickey mouse!
archery
mickey mouse! touch of turquoise colour!
Candy land! :)
I recently went through a craze of remaking desserts, like twinkies, and hostess cupcakes from scratch, using no chemicals and nothing premade. I would love to do a display that looks like the boxes in the stores, but has all my homemade goodies.
I would love to do a party with a giraffe theme!
Nothing better than a wedding to do a dessert table. They are especially fun for an outdoor wedding. I have also seen them done at reharsal dinners (with a western theme) and it was really cute.
Kids theme,playful theme, or candy, caribbean theme
Luau…gotta get in a summertime mood :)
I’d like to have a Mardi Gras theme, using King Cake as the base for purple, green and gold cake balls!
I would love to throw a “Red Balloon” inspired birthday party!
Owls…my daughter just loves them. It’s the in thing currently.
I think a citrus theme would be fresh and springy.
A lamb theme!
I think a cool theme would be “Space”. Like black holes, stars, UFOs, the milky way. etc.
Just had my first daughter 7 weeks ago…in addition to 3 precious sons, we are complete!!! I had an idea to do a “Candy Land” theme for a first bday, since this will be the first time I do a bday for a “Princess” …or maybe a ” Sweet Shoppe” theme all in one color….desserts, goodies, treats and candies all in shades of pink and yellow…so sweet…literally!!!:)
I had a science birthday party for my daughter that was a hit. I think a dessert table in that theme would be fun to create!
I love kids themes so much play doh, light brite, easy bake-the good stuff from when we were kids!
I would love to see a Dallas Cowboys theme dessert table! My husband is a HUGE Cowboys fan and his birthday is coming up in June. Maybe I’ll give it a try.
for my girls, a Disney princess theme :)
I think a Candy Land theme would be fun, lots of old fashioned Candies and plenty of colors!
Well Id have to say Minnie Mouse of course! Since I’m doing one for my daughters 2nd birthday! :)
Candy Land – the board game.
I would love to see an April Fool’s Day spread, where all the desserts look like other non-dessert foods. What fun!
Four Seasons!
As a veterinary student I feel like an animal or puppy theme would be adorable, especially since we love having dinner parties with our classmates!
I think a Sugar Skull theme would be pretty awesome to do. There’s a lot of colors to work with.
I am doing a “cute as a button” baby shower next weekend and a Peter pan birthday in July. I love going all out for someone’s special day.
Watermelons! What could be better for summer fun? My daughter’s birthday is coming up in June and I am going to have a watermelon party for her! Think of the games: seed spitting contest, greased watermelon in the pool. The dessert could be heavenly incorporating watermelons in them and the colors great for boys or girls!
Macarons + eclairs + cupcakes = Marie Antoinette dessert table!!!
Mario theme!
Well recently there has been a lot of coworkers and friends who are expecting babies so I have baby showers on the mind. I would LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this book. Thanks for the opportunity to win.
I think a Halloween theme would be so much fun!
I think a “springtime” theme would be fun.
I would do a purple theme! For my wedding!
Washington State University Cougars or Seattle Seahawks! We have a lot of get togethers revolving around these two football teams.
I would love to make a picnic themed dessert table for a fun summer get together! What a good time that would be!
My male friend and his wife just announced their pregnancy. So I would love to see a non-girly coed baby shower party — with “cravings” as a theme.
My sons name is Theodore aka Teddy and my BFF had a teddy bear baby shower for us. A dessert table themed with teddy bears would be awesome.
This has sparked a family conversation. My nerdy-online game addicted husband to be (who, I should also mention that I love dearly) says: World of Warcraft. lol My 3 year old daughter says: Barney or Puppies. My 4 year old daughter says Barbie Fairytopia AND I say that Alice in Wonderland would be the most awesome display ever. So many nice colors and whimsical fantanty-ish things to play around with. AWESOME.
Something magical and colorful. A rainbow display with unicorns and fairies would be adorable!
Great British picnic theme
A board game theme would be great! Something like monopoly or Life would be very fun.
A doctor/med school themed one. My husband graduates next year and I already want to start planning a party!
Orchids! Mine are blooming beautifully and would be great for luncheon, wedding , shower etc.
my bug and biology voice wins out: a close-up of a rainforest floor–the soil, mushrooms [ok, meringue fungi], vines, understory, and trees all done in sugar. and of course the wildlife–take out your ancient “creepy crawlers” kits.
Lego Star Wars! It’s the ONLY theme that seems to be going on at my house lately!
All Pink! Not the most creative but it is my favorite color. :-)
i would make a military-themed dessert table to welcome my brother home from his deployment! camo cookies, a cake shaped like an mre package, and beverages for hydration!!
I think a Peacock theme would be so beautiful…you can make it fun and ellegant all at the same time.
Flowers – Flowers – All kinds of different flowers – with loads of colors!!!!!!!!! Can’t wait to get started!!!!!!!!!
Survivor / deserted island theme!
Since it’s supposedly the end of the world this year, I’d think it would be hilarious to do a theme mocking this supposed disaster.
Sci-Fi would be so fun. Star Trek would be great.
My daughter is in love with all things Disney Princess and her birthday is coming up, so I love to see a dessert table with that theme. Another great idea would be teacher appreciation.
Know what I would love even more? Winning that awesome book!
something like a rustic vintage display with bunch of DIY decorations would be great!
Butterflies and Dragonflies! Love them!
Butterflies!!! My daughter just loves them. And I do too. I would love to win a copy of this book!
How much fun would a “The Voice: Finale” theme be? Or maybe even “Glee” or “So You Think You Can Dance”? I love to host viewing parties for season premiere’s and finales! I really need this book!
laker theme! in honor of the upcoming nba playoffs. :)
I want to do a roller derby themed dessert table. I haven’t quite figured out how that’s going to work yet :)
I would love to do a girly baby shower dessert table with a gold, lace, and pearls are only for the sweetest little girls!
I would love to make a pink and chocolate themed dessert table :D
My aesthetic is retro western. I would *love* a dessert table covered in rodeo, old-time western, 1950s children themed fun. I’m getting giddy just thinking about it!
Oh my gosh i just saw the comment for Charlie and the Chocolate factory and that would be the BEST!
This book looks great….I’d love to have a copy! I once did an Asian themed dinner party for my daughter’s birthday and it was a huge hit.
well, i have a son that loves super heros….. so super hero it is.
thank for the chance,
mary
“Frost Yourself” dessert table – glamour, diamonds, sparkle, bling. Yep, totally got the idea from How to Lose a Guys in 10 Days.. bahaha :)
Rainbows!
A carnival theme
charlie and the chocolate factory!
Watermelons….to celebrate summer!
My son wants a Skylander birthday party so I would love some great ideas for that!
I would do a floral theme (spring blossom) for my sister’s surprise party!
I adore her work! I’m a super-fan of her recipes and decorations, her ideas are very very lovely!
I would like any work with romantics ideas, flowers, hearts, I adore flowers…..
I’d like to get his book! Ohhh my Good. It’s fantastic!
Thank you!
I love a beach or swimming pool party theme!
I think it could be fun to do a zombie-themed table for a Halloween party. With brains, and open graves, maybe chainsaws some how?
I love to travel, so maybe some international themed dessert tray
I think an English tea or High tea themed dessert table would be yummy and very shabby chic!
Buffy the Vampire Slayer!
Oh my gosh the possibilities could be endless! But I think that a Christmas theme would probably be the cutest. There are sooo many possible things you could make and get creative with. Christmas is also one of the most jolly times of the year!
I love dessert tables – they are so much fun and Amy Atlas is amazing. Since the Kentucky Derby is coming up, I think a Derby Dessert Table would be fun!
I’m doing a construction vehicles theme for my sons 2nd birthday. Dirt cake and creatively styled cake pops (attempting bulldozers!) are on the menu. :)
Rainbow!! Or glitter or something equally sparkly
Winnie the Pooh & the Hundred Acre Woods. I’d not heard of Amy’s blog before coming to your site & I love it. So many great ideas, thanks!!
A Hunger Games table because I am a huge fan!! Or a beach party inspired table because this great weather we are having in Cali is making me excited for summer!
Parisian tea party! =)
we raise honey bees and I have always wanted those pans and that book it great I would love it!!!
I think owls would look lovely.
I’d love to see an Olympic themed dessert table for this summer’s Olympic Games!
surf safari!
I think a ladybug themed dessert table would be so cute!
I have three boys that play baseball, so I would love to make a Yankees theme dessert table for them. :)
My theme would be a picnic. How cool would that be with red check gingham tblecloth and napkins, ants made of licorice…strawberry shortcake…I’m getting hungry just thinking about it!
As I plan a trip to San Francisco, I would want to make a city with bridges and line them up with edible cars, bicyclists and pedestrians !
Thanks for the opportunity ! :)
I would like to do a graduation theme!!!
One of the very nice moments in person’s life
bring on summer party!
PINK! Just a pink, sparkly explosion of confections! That would be an incredible sight :o)
I’d have to go with Star Wars. My youngest son is all about Star Wars. All. The. Time.
I’d love to see one for Relay for Life! I’m a committee member and team captain and would LOVE LOVE LOVE to see one that celebrates our fight against cancer and our survivors. Also honoring those who have lost their battle.
I think a diorama of jurassic park would be ammmaaaaazing. maybe even throw in a volcano. cinnamon could coat the outside with crushed gramcrackers as pathways or dirt roads.
With Earth Day upon us–The Lorax would be sweet…
I think a floral theme, with insects included.
Under the Sea theme with the focus on sea turtles. For my daughter who loves turtles so it has to have some pink worked in.
Dinosaurs!!
I would make Alice in Wonderland!
Spring! Flowers, bunnies, birds and bees. What a beautiful table it would create!
How about a military theme to honor all of those in the armed forces??
LOVE Amy Atlas!!!
I think “For the love of Chocolate” would be a great heme. Oh, think of all you could do with that!
Pirates!
Oh there are so many options! I’d have to say a camping theme! Tents, fires, s’mores, ect… There would be so much to work with!
Boy, good question! I would have to go with a tropical theme for me. But if it was left up to my 3 yo, I’m sure he would pick something like pirates or Cars. haha!
Biology! or Anatomy! (total bio nerd right here) :) Wouldn’t it be great to celebrate the end of finals/college with a nerdy themed party?!?
OK, so I know it has been done a million times, but my favorite theme would be a candy store. Too old to like candy as much as I do :)!
I am planning a bridal shower for my niece in August. This book would be a great resource!! i am thinking Neopolitan – like the ice cream. Sweetapolita has a cake on her blog that inspired me.
I would love to see a movie night/concession stand type table! Such a beautiful, beautiful book!
I would do a Harry Potter theme and make all the desserts that they mention in the book! Cake pops decorated as Snitches? I think so.
It would be jungle, with a few Jungle Book or Lion King items :)
I would have trouble just making one table… My first thought would be to make a circus themed table!
I’d love to see a tulips/two lips engagement party. That would be fun!
Would love to do a flower theme, can just imagine all the colors and different varieties :)
Polkadots would be fun and all the food could be circular in shape.
I’ve got three graduations to do so I thought Graduation theme would be a great way to do it. I could use the help from this book. If not, I will definitely get one.
Rainbows….on a rainbow striped tablecloth and in each color on the tablecloth would be sweets that color…I think that would look really neat…. :)
Black, white & Pink Zebra theme. My daughter wants a cake like that and think you could come up with some neat idea’s.
I would probably do a garden party theme for some great girl friends – maybe tea and biscuits style.
Star Wars! :)
Safari theme
Cinco de Mayo!!!
I would do a table themed after candy favorites…I love candy!!
I’m a huge Futurama fan so I think that would make a fantastic dessert table!
We are doing a PROM redo for all the adults at our church who either didn’t go to prom or just want to go with their spouse. It’s kinda a retro theme. I think that would be fun to see.
cinema theme.
I think a fun theme for any age would be The Wizard of Oz!
I’ve been compiling notes for my husbands upcoming 40th bday..he’s British so i’m trying to sort out an England theme…lots of options English candies, the Royals, Union Jacks, tea cups, etc..
I think a garden party theme would be fun, or since my sisters and I all play stringed instruments, a classical music theme would be fun too.
Minkey mouse disney that would be cute for any party.
Chocolate for sure!
I am always the stark advocate of a Disney Princess theme, but I think a Jane Austen theme would be amazing!
I’d love a theme like old-fashioned soda shop!
Since I just made a Mario and Yoshi cake yesterday for a little boy’s birthday party, I think a full Super Mario themed dessert table would be adorable!
Rock band!!!
Alice in Wonderland would be so amazing….
Crossing my fingers…
horton hears a who
Saved by the Bell….duh!
What better theme than a Candyland theme! I think bringing the game to life would be such an experience, especially if you thought the cardboard version was tasty. This time, you actually can eat the trees!
Monsters! In fact that’s the theme I have picked for my son’s (aka my little monster) 1st birthday party…5 months from now.
I think a will love to make it a formula 1 theme!
I want to do a cupcake theme for an upcoming birthday, but now I want to do a honey& bee theme!
I would love a theme based on my favorite children’s book “goodnight moon”
I think a World theme would be fantastic- different sweets and treats from around the world
Green for Hope, Future and Past.
I am actually doing a green and pink dessert table for my parents Silver Wedding in June so this could really help for some good ideas.
I’m sure it has been done before, but I would do a Harry Potter dessert table with chocolate frogs, butterbeer, pumpkin things and a feature cake of the Whomping Willow!
Ocean theme would be cool!
Hey! i would love to see a dessert table inspired by The Beatles an London in the 1960s….you know with the Union Jack, some records and cake pops that look like the members of The Beatles :-)
spring in the air!! butterflies, daisy chains, bunnies, daffodils bright colours. park kids playing and ducks on pond !!!!
I think the classic ”Marie-Antoinette” (frenchy pastel colors and ribbons) always give the perfect touch to bakery !
I would love to see a vintage/retro table filled with candies and goodies from the past..whether it be 50’s / 60’s themed with candy dots on paper and record shaped licorice…. or totally vintage/antique going to the Victorian Age for inspiration
i’d like a creamy theme.
Twinkle twinkle little star
I think a fairland would be so sweet!
I’m throwing my best friend a Hunger Games-theme birthday party in a couple weeks with desserts and foods representing each District, so I think having a Hunger Games dessert table would add an epic touch to our already pretty monumental party planning.
It depends on the ocassion, but I’ve always wanted to make a fairytale-inspired one :D
I would love to see a Nightmare Before Christmas dessert table. :)