Summer Champagne and Dessert Party

I love looking for interesting ways to display food at parties!  In this case a giant shell, resting in "sand" and surrounded by shells, makes the perfect fruit display! White cornmeal is the perfect substitution for actual sand...   

You don't have to be a fabulous chef to have a successful party.  Many places specialize in delicious pick-up food and this is a good way to have an interesting variety.  By creatively displaying these desserts, which were picked up from great spots all over town, the guests will be unable to resist and that is the difference between a good party and an AMAZING party!

There are so many great invitations out there, but I always try to come up with something that you don't see in the stores.  In this case, I took a close up photograph of shells and then printed it on matte photo paper.  After printing the party invitation on a piece of sheer vellum, I attached it to the shell photograph with a sheer organza ribbon at the top.  It looked really "summery" and set the tone for this fun, summer evening!

It's amazing how much white cornmeal really looks like sand... Not only is white cornmeal less expensive and more readily available than sand, the clean up is much easier!  You can find the glass votives with the candles included at most craft stores.  Usually, there are 12 to a box and reasonably priced! 

Layering different sized cake stands, adds height and interest to the dessert table and makes these desserts  look festive and delicious!

A little "sand", shells and white votives make the staircase much more dramatic... Candles are a great way to add a lot of pizazz to your parties without spending a lot of money.

This store bought cake takes on a more elegant look resting on a silver tray covered in "sand" with white shells.  Beautiful flowers, which compliment the centerpiece, are placed in the center of the cake.

I love spreading out the party by having several stations throughout.  The champagne table is located in another room from the food.  This keeps your guests mingling and your party from being congested!  Note how the "summery" theme is carried throughout each aspect of the party....

As an alternative to flowers, try a silver punch bowl full of shells.

After the perfect party, you want to send your guests home with a sweet reminder of a beautiful summer night!  "A Little Bubbly To Take Home!"    




A Champagne and Dessert Party is an elegant and fun party anytime of year, just change up the decorations.  Fall, Christmas, Spring,... any season or holiday works perfectly with this style of party.
  You can't beat Champagne and Something Sweet!