How to Decorate a Chocolate Fountain Table
Chocolate fountains create a dramatic focal point at parties. Guests marvel at the flowing brown confection for a few minutes before one pioneer dares to catch some of the sweetness on a cookie or a skewered strawberry, and others quickly follow suit. Although it stands alone as the star of the table, a chocolate fountain is even more inviting with a few decorative touches.
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Table Coverings
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To accent the rich brown of the chocolate, cover the table with a crisp, white linen tablecloth that barely touches the floor. Use smaller tablecloths in colors that match the party decorations to crisscross the table in front and on the sides of the fountain. The smaller cloths will catch the most chocolate drips and can be periodically replaced as they become soiled. Floral or patterned cloths will hide spills better than solid color cloths.
Depth and Drama
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You can showcase a chocolate fountain by building tiers on either side and draping them with cloth to create a waterfall effect that contrasts with the chocolate flowing from the top of the fountain. Place the fountain base in the center of the table and stack sturdy cardboard boxes, plastic craft store cubes or large books on either side. Starting from the rear of the table, arrange the items from largest to smallest in symmetrical patterns. Drape the groups of boxes with brightly colored cloth to cover them completely and create a flowing effect that mimics that of the streaming liquid chocolate.
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Lights and Sparkles
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Clear white light accentuates the rich brown tones of chocolate. Decorate the tabletop with an assortment of low-profile ice sculptures or simple ice blocks that enhance the beauty of the display without competing with the fountain centerpiece. To add sparkle to the layout, edge the base of the fountain with tiny clear holiday lights intertwined with greenery that reflect off the shiny surfaces of the melting ice. For more demure reflections, use white pillar or votive candles instead of lights. Place the candles near the back of the table, well out of the way of guests with flowing clothing, to prevent a fire hazard. Display the dipping foods on large silver and gold platters to jazz up the presentation.
Flowers and Fruits
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Bursts of color from bouquets of freshly cut flowers and crystal bowls filled with seasonal fruit play well off the chocolate brown and sparkling ice and lights. Intersperse the flower vases with vases filled with preskewered “stems” of confections and fruits for dipping in the chocolate. Create levels of visual interest by placing some of the shorter flower-filled vases on top of the ice blocks.
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References
- Photo Credit Amanda Edwards/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images
