How to Create an Upscale Dessert Bar for Your Party

Serving gourmet cupcakes is one way to sweeten up your guests.

For many people, the measure of a good meal or get-together is sprinkled in the dessert. So give your guests some savory choices that they won't be able to resist. Read on to learn how to create an upscale dessert bar for your party.

Things You'll Need

• * The name of a good, reliable baker
• <br>* One or two recipes you can make at home that will appear "store-bought" or "gourmet"
• <br>* Cute bowls, plates and napkins to display the desserts
• <br>* An eye for detail and a knack for arranging items--like desserts

Instructions

1. Think about what desserts go with your party or that time of the year. If it's Christmas, you'll want to go heavier on the Christmas cookies and peanut brittle. If you're throwing a cocktail party, then chocolate shells with liquer fillings may be the way to go.

2. Come up with a list of desserts you'd like to serve. Pick a few staples, like one cake, batch of cupcakes and sweet breads.

3. Choose one dessert item that you really want to highlight and display, and order that item from an upscale or kitschy bakery. Cupcakes and cakes shaped like unique objects (bronzed baby shoes, a college mascot) always make great displays and conversation starters.

4. Buy some chocolate fondue that you can make/heat up at home and dip items like strawberries, bananas, pretzels, marshmallows and graham crackers.

5. Find one recipe that you would really like to try that is not too messy and will display nicely. Make the dessert before the party starts.

6. Clear off a long table where you can display your desserts. Put your desserts on fancy or theme-appropriate plates. If you are going to serve cupcakes, purchase a cupcake tier. Put any cakes on a cake display plate. Arrange the various chocolate-dipped fruits in a nice design.

7. Add little touches like candle votives, flowers or rose petals to the table. Buy paper plates and napkins in a theme-appropriate pattern.