A great event planner pays attentions to the details. So make sure that dessert doesn't go by the wayside when you're focusing on the dinner menu.
Whether you’re planning a holiday party or a wedding, a dessert buffet is an excellent idea since it gives your guests a wide array of options, and also encourages mingling after dinner has been served.Who doesn’t LOVE dessert?
Here are the top nine dessert buffet ideas that will make you wish you served dessert first.
1. Themed Macarons
Macarons are one of the most chic and versatile dessert buffet ideas. The French delicacy is made with meringue and egg whites, and filled with ganache, buttercream, or jam. Macarons boast an array of colours, allowing you to customize the presentation based on your theme.
Use your company or bridal colours, or if it’s a holiday party, use light blue macarons with snowflakes stencilled on them. One of the hottest dessert trends right now are macarons dusted with gold flakes. Macarons will surely be the most Instagrammed feature at the buffet.
2. Cheese Plates
A cheese plate is the perfect dessert option for those with a not-so-sweet tooth.Imagine a “cheese cake” made with different sized rings of beautiful artisan cheese, and decorated with grapes, figs and fruit.The perfect dessert cheese plate will offer a trio of cheeses, including a soft cheese; blue cheese; and a sharp, hard cheese. Offer some crackers, honey, and fruit for a well-rounded platter.
3. Fruit Platters
Fruit platters are a great way to accommodate multiple dietary restrictions and guests who opt for a healthier option. Choose heirloom and locally grown fruits to end the night off on a high note. Offering honey or melted chocolate will take a regular fruit platter to the next level.
4. Eclairs
Another French staple that's one of the must-have dessert buffet ideas is the éclair. An éclair is an oblong pastry that pairs a creamy filling with a flaky crust. A selling point of éclairs is that they come in a variety of flavours. Éclairs are the perfect way to highlight some of this year’s top flavour profiles, such as matcha or burnt marshmallow.
5. Bubbly
When brainstorming dessert buffet ideas, don't forget to pair the sweets with drinks. Champagne or prosecco are the go-to drinks to pair with desserts. Or if you're winding down for the night, offer your guests a tea and coffee station.
6. Cheesecake Squares
Cheesecake squares with a hazelnut cookie crust are the perfect option if your guests want to mingle while they snack. If your event or wedding has a colour theme, choose a cheesecake flavour that matches, and get creative with your toppings. Assorted colour-coated candies or fresh fruit are our go-to options.
7. Mini Wedding Cakes
Plan to skip the messy tradition of cake cutting and offer your guests individual wedding cakes. This option saves you some trouble, and looks very fancy. Decorate the mini cakes with piped lines and edible flowers, and your mini wedding cakes are sure to steal the show.
8. Donuts
As one of the hippest desserts in the last year, it’s no wonder donuts are one of the top dessert buffet ideas. The choices for flavours and decorations for donuts are endless.
If you really want to get your guests talking, have mini donuts made on-site with a donut machine. The smell will be irresistible!Pair them with a coffee bar for a great dessert station.
9. Mini Pies
Pies are the perfect dessert for a low-key or more rustic themed event. Jazz up the classic treat with fancy lattice, crumbs, or cut-out shapes. If it works with your venue, offer a little ice cream on the side for anà la mode!
Choose pie fillings that are in season and feel free to get creative by mixing uncommon pairings, like ginger and pear.
