I am an entertainer, so I purchased 50 of these cocktail plates {Crate and Barrel} several years a go. They were cheap and came in bulk, but C&B has free shipping and I was able to use the coupon when ordering. Also, search for shipping and coupon codes prior to submitting your online order. You will almost always find a discount.

Hit up your local bakery for small delicate treats, like macaroons and jellied treats in bold hues {Pix Patisserie}.

Skip the tablecloth and runner and dig around your linen closet for contrasting place mats and sprinkle dried flower stems for pops of color {World Market}

Beaker vases {CB2} from a previous party were used again to display the purple fleurs. Rearrange them for a different look.

 Shop ahead. If you know you will be hosting a BBQ next summer, be sure to stalk the end of season clearance sales. They will be  discounted up to 75% at most retail outlets and will save you a pretty penny as you decorate for your next gathering. Cheers!

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Figgy Fixed Up: Figs wrapped in a buttery and flaky puff pastry crust swims in a pool of chocolate.

Tasty Tartlets: Wrapped up like a little package, these tartletts having a demanding stage presense. Dress up with a scoop of ice cream or inhale on its own.

Eggs-cellent Cheesecake: Egg nog cheese cake makes a decadent dessert for the choosiest of eaters.

Gingerly Made: Panna cotta is a creamy Italian custard that melts in your mouth. This recipe is made with ginger and pumpkin making this a spicy and refined way to finish a fantastic meal.

Perfectly Peared: Naturally sweet pears are drizzled with a balsamic vinegar reduction and tossed with tossed walnuts. A simple and easy dessert that won’t burst your belly after a full Thanksgiving dinner.

What is your favorite Thanksgiving dessert? My favorite is pumpkin pie with fresh whipped cream and a bite (read: half) of my husband’s dessert.

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1) Wooly Wonder: This crunching cake pop is cuteness overload. Their sugar coat looks like cottony puffs. They are definitely cuter than just cake. The little feet are made of black licorice (ewe). I am not a fan of black licorice, but will appreciate it for it’s usefulness when replicating sheet feet. For your next sheep themed party (ha), use this recipe to conjure up cuteness.

2) Doh!: Homer’s weakness usually let him down the wrong path, but it would sweet victory once the donut hit his lips. This perfect prop like donut will melt in your mouth. Follow her simple steps on creating a delicious fried goody.

3) Single Slice: How can one make a slice of cheesecake look so decadent? Simple toppings that are commonly found in one’s pantry will make your dessert look like it came from a 5 star restaurant. The extra touches like chocolate lace squiggle, piped whipped cream, warmed raspberry jam and fresh raspberries really take the cake.

4) Pie on a Stick: What even better than cheesecake? Mini cheesecake! Anything that is miniature sized adds bonus points in my book. Decadent cheesecake pops are covered in chocolate (more bonus points) and rolled in dark chocolate shavings or sprinkles (Gah! Even more points!!!!). I am definitely making these for my next party.

5) Pomp and Circumstance: It must be that time of year. Graduates walk down the aisle towards the stage, while everyone and their mom capture the moment by snapping photos or recording the age old ritual. For the after party, this simple candy pop is a pleasant party favor to help celebrate sweet success. It is made with a mini Reese’s cup and Godiva squares. These candy caps will make a big impression on your party guests. The tassel might be a bit tedious, but it really makes the mortar board look authentic.

6) Cakes for Cancer: Mini cupcakes dipped in various colors of chocolate make for a great way to promote cancer funds and awareness. Our chef made these cake pops to sell at an American Cancer Societyevent and packaged them up perfectly. Maybe I should make these for my works’ booth at Komen? Do anyone know if there a “Eat for the Cure” option?

7) Citrusy Sweet: Oh lemon bar. How do I love thee? Let me count the ways. Is it the powdered sugar dusting or the crispy crust? Or maybe it is the sugared lemon concoction that keeps me coming back for more. Either way, this is a great refreshing treat for summer bbqs or liven up a dead-of-the-winter dinner party.

Which one is your favorite? For me, I want to try to cheesecake pops for an upcoming event. Of course, I will do a “test” batch for myself, just to make sure it is a yummy recipe.

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