Pepper Design Blog

{Pink & Lace} Tea Party Cupcake Toppers

What is it about Valentine’s Day that makes me reminisce about tea parties… maybe it’s the vintage lace doilies, pink & red palette or delicious finger food treats. Lemon scones and mini buttercream cupcakes, anyone?

The super-creative Etsy artist JeanKnee makes these beautiful cupcake toppers by hand (see above) for just such occasions to add a little elegance to your petit fours, ice cream sundaes (served in tea cups?) and of course, cupcakes! How perfect for a bridal shower or little girl’s birthday party, too.

Check out her shop here. And don’t forget to mention you found your cupcake topper “sampler set” on PDB and receive 30% off of your order!

Oh yum. Now I’m ready for a cup of hot English Breakfast tea and an afternoon with the ladies…

Image credits: JeanKnee, Le Cupcake, Martha Stewart table setting, Martha Stewart tea cups

Easy & Pretty Handmade Cake Stands

Here’s a recent idea I found for an upcoming shower… I’m so excited to give these a try. I have a special affection for all things cake stands, especially pretty ones that make lovely silhouette shapes in my kitchen shelves!

Handmade cake stands are simple and easy, here are two tutorials that outline the step-by-step directions for (1) an eclectic vintage mix and (2) a lovely all-white dessert buffet:

Kate’s recycled cake stands (shared on design*sponge back in 2008) make the perfect eclectic tea party addition. These would make beautiful table centerpieces for an outdoor shower as well.

I originally found this classic white dessert bar tutorial on Weddings & Cookies, but Renee’s creations are featured here on design*sponge as well! I love the clean, crisp look of all white – it would make a lovely dessert buffet for a wedding or party.

These would also look perfect lined neatly in a buffet cabinet or on floating shelves in the kitchen/dining room (for a fraction of the price of a store-bought collection!)

Can you believe they started as this?

Before we jump into the How-To, be sure to check out great Etsy artists like Burlap & Blue as an easy alternative if you’re looking for an option to purchase.

More pictures (and the How-To) after the jump! Read more »

A Pink & Grey Valentine’s Dessert Party

Amy Atlas recently designed and shared this dessert buffet: the perfect reason to host a Valentine’s Day party for friends & family {how delicious!}. This makes me want to throw on the apron and get to work asap!

Bubble gum pink and grey in a quilted diamond pattern set the tone for Amy’s “Love is the Key to My Heart” table theme. The quilting is repeated in the backdrop, on the key cupcakes and all over the custom paper products (beautiful!).

A macaroon tower, ruffled buttercream cake, strawberry milk served in “Be Mine” glasses, heart cookies and custom chocolate bars are just a few of my favorite confectioneries. Mix in pounds of pink candies (in every shade) and you have the perfect girl’s night, too!

I love the thoughtful details of paper flags in cups of strawberry milk… If you’re planning on a special evening for two, choose your favorite desserts and deliver in a simple to-go box to make your sweetie smile {strawberry milk in thermos optional!}. Amy’s little pink boxes tied with a light grey ribbon make a pretty little delivery package. Read more »