The Look For Less: Sweets Bar Trend
Tonya Coleman here from Soireé Event Design – and I’m back with another “Budget Chic” guest post where I share with you my tips on how you can have a fabulous high-end looking table for less! And there’s an added bonus this time – I’m also giving away a $100 Gift Card to Target! See details on how to enter below.
Today’s post is all about the ongoing trend…sweets tables! What began as a trend has now become more of a staple at most events. If you’ve done them yourself before, you probably know the cost of sweets tables can totally bust your budget…especially when you’re matching the colors of your sweets to your event colors.
THE LOOK FOR LESS
Here I designed two different sweets tables at two different price points: high end and “budget chic”. For the high end designer table, I included treats by some of the most sought-after sweets designers.
For my “Budget Chic” table, I challenged myself to see if I could design a high-end looking, color-coordinated sweets table for less by purchasing all of the items from my favorite store: Target… affectionately known as “Targét!”
THE DESIGNER SWEETS
First, let me say that I have such love and appreciation for the tremendous artistry that goes into making some of the most elegant desserts seen on some of the pricier sweets tables featured in today’s hottest magazines and blogs. Sweets designers can match your design & color scheme perfectly by creating custom desserts that can match your printable designs or your source of inspiration. Here I asked them to match my source of inspiration- the awesome table runner featuring the Magnolia flower.
The high-end designer table features The Marshmallow Studio’s gorgeous flower marshmallow pops that matched my color and theme beautifully. The Gourmet Pop whipped up yummy cake pops, chocolate covered oreos and these super cute spoon cake pops all in my color scheme.
Finally, Vanilla & Chocolate custom created an iced cookie and Lynlee’s Petite Cakes created custom fondant flowers identical to the Magnolia flower used in the table decor which I used to dress up a STORE-BOUGHT 2 tier cake and powdered donuts. Totally custom and totally magnificent!
GOING BUDGET CHIC
But let’s get real! Not all of us can afford the custom options. If you are on a tight budget and can’t afford to custom ordered sweets, don’t worry! You don’t have to give up style and quality. In fact, Target has an array of candy and sweets – especially Super Target, which also has an awesome bakery with many sweets options. For example:
I created the ENTIRE Budget Chic table design using items found in Target including all the decor, linen and sweets all for less than the cost of ONLY the desserts on the high-end table! Here’s how you can do it to:
BUDGET-CHIC TIPS:
1. Look for candy that is wrapped or packaged in your colors like I did here with the blue-wrapped Hershey Kisses and Bliss Chocolates and the orange-wrapped Lindor Truffles.
2. Add in candy or sweets that are your colors like the orange sour rings, mandarin oranges, and blue frosted cookies.
3. Finally, get creative with store-bought items! Combine them or use them in creative ways for an additional wow factor and high-end custom look.
For example, marshmallows are all the rage right now and you can still get in on the trend for less by getting creative with how you use them. Create marshmallow kabobs by putting them on skewers like I did here with orange sour rings in between for a pop of color! I also used them to create custom jello parfaits.
Add decorations, like I did here with gumpaste toppers, from The Kupcake Spot for an affordable way to add a custom look to store-bought cupcakes. To get the cake pops for less, I put powdered donut holes on sticks and used blue sprinkles to match the color scheme.
DESIGNER CANDY AT TARGET
Target is about to launch (on May 6th) a brand new collection of designer candy available in their stores nationwide called “The Candy Store at Target“. Finally, they will have gourmet candy selections that include the jumbo swirl lollipops and taffy you see here at a price we can all afford. To get an exclusive first look at “The Candy Store at Target’s” full candy collection, visit my blog: The Girlfriend’s Guide to Party Planning!
SETTING THE SWEETS TABLE
Another key to a fabulous high-end looking sweets table is how you style it, all starting with the containers and platters. Using bright white containers in the very modern square design adds a touch of modern elegance to your table.
For the Budget Chic table, all the platters and candy holders came from one 16-piece dinnerware set from Target. You’ll have enough to completely display an entire sweets table and the fact that it’s white means you can reuse it all the time! I even found a way to use the coffee mugs in the box by turning the handles to the back so that they now look like little ceramic vases!
When looking for ideas to style your sweets table, don’t be afraid to look outside of the typical party and dining departments! To create this decor on the “Budget Chic” table I went to the bedding department and found the perfect furry throw blanket and fabulous white felt flower pillow that matched my theme perfectly and added a nice texture to the table and a wow-factor!
THE COST COMPARISON
Okay, okay, here’s the part you’ve been waiting for! Check out the cost comparison between the two tables:
HIGH END DESIGNER Sweets Table: $231
fondant 3D flower toppers $30/dozen
fondant flat flower toppers $30/dozen
marshmallow pops $48 ($4 each)
cake pops $24/dozen
spoon cakes $24/dozen
chocolate covered oreos $24/dozen
2-tier cake $18
flower shaped iced cookies $33/dozen plus $25 custom cutter fee
BUDGET CHIC Sweets Table: $66
donut holes $2.04 (1 bag)
frosted cookies $5.58 (2 containers @ $2.79 each)
mini marshmallows $1 (1 bag)
regular marshmallows $1 (1 bag)
cupcakes $7.99 (1 dozen)
cupcake gumpaste toppers $8/dozen
jello $2.24 (2 boxes @ $1.12 each)
orange gummy rings $2 (2 bags)
truffles $7.60 (2 bags @ $3.79 each)
hershey kisses $6.60 (2 bags @ $3.29 each)
bliss chocolates $6.60 (2 bags @ $3.29 each)
mandarin oranges $4.40 (2 cans @ $2.19 each)
swirl lollipops $3.49 (2 pops @ $3.49 each)
taffy $4.99 (1 container)
sprinkles $2.44
A cost savings of $165!
With that savings, you could purchase the ENTIRE table of all the decor elements purchased at Target on the Budget Chic table including:
- 16-piece dinnerware set $59.99
- tablecloth $12.99
- 3-tier pedestal serving plates $34.99 (only 2 shown on the table)
- clear ramekins $4.00
- white flower pillow $19.99
- furry throw blanket $19.99
AND….still have $17 leftover! Go have lunch with your girlfriends with your leftover cash and toast to your fabulousness!
*****
$100 TARGET GIFT CARD GIVEAWAY
I hope this post has inspired you to think outside the box a bit when creating your next sweets table! And now, I’m giving away a $100 Target Gift Card to one lucky reader to help with the cost of creating their own “Sweets Bar Look For Less”! Good luck!
To Enter:
- Post a comment below, mentioning what item(s) you liked best on each dessert table.
- Giveaway ends Monday, April 23rd at midnight PST. The Winner will be chosen randomly and announced here after they’ve been notified and accepted the prize. Good luck!
- Table styling & design: Soireé Event Design
- Photography: Stay Classic Photography
- Fondant Flower toppers: Lynlee’s Petite Cakes
- Flower Marshmallow Pops: The Marshmallow Studio
- Cake pops, spoon cake pops & chocolate covered oreos: The Gourmet Pop
- Flower Iced Cookies: Vanilla & Chocolate
- 2 Tier Cake: Albertsons grocery store
- Flower mini gumpaste toppers: The Kupcake Spot
- All sweets, linen and decor on Budget Chic table: Target
- Swirl lollipops & taffy: “The Candy Store at Target” collection
342 Comments
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I love the cake on the high end table and the cupcakes on the look for less table!
On the Designer table I like the Petal shaped cookies.
On the Budget table the cupcakes.
The marshallow pops on the high end table look delish! And my favorite on the budget table has to be the pillow!
I love the cake stand on the high end table and love the table cloth from the budget chic table.
I love the magnolia flowers on the high end table and the cupcake stands on the budget one!
i like the high end flower marshmallow pops and the budget cupcakes
designer: spoon cake pops! soooooooo cute!!
budget: i love the jello/marshmallow parfaits!!
I liked the cake pops on the high end and loved the Jell-o cups on the budget.
Both tables look so great, but OH how I love those flowers on the 2-tier cake. And… also, I love the idea of using little marshmallows to steady the lollipops. So clever!
My favorite from the high end table are the cake pops. My favorite from the budget chic table are the marshmallow kabobs – so clever!
On the Designer table I liked the Flower Marshmallow Pops and on the Budget table the Marshmallow Skewers
I adore this idea!!! I love the splurge vs save idea for home decor, using it in party decor is such a grand idea.
I adore the fondant toppers in the splurge version.
I love using a regular place setting as serve-ware in the save version.
I like the BIG swirled suckers!
On the high end I love, the flower cookies. On the budget table I love the use of wrapped candies in corresponding colors. What a great idea!
Love the cupcakes! Of course I’m a cupcake-ateer. I also love the fondant magnolia flowers. My kids said they can’t wait for the giant sweetshop lollipops!
I thought the spoon pops were really cute but I also loved the blue jello with marshmallows – very cute!
LOVE the marshmallow and peach slices kabobs!
The precious magnolia flowers, and then of course the cake balls! YUM.
I love the cake pops on the high end table, and I love all of the candy on the budget table! I can’t wait for the candy at Target!
On the highend table, I LOVE the flowers..
on the budget table, I’m totally stealing the doughnut hole idea for my daughters 7th birthday! That’s genius!
I like the table runner from the high end table. I’m loving the budget table! The tablecloth, loft house cookies, and blue drink are my fav!
I loved the marshmallow-orange gummy ring-kabobs! What a lovely idea. I’m in the process of planning a “Lorax” themed party for my 6 year old. I’m going to use that one!!
I like the spoon cakes on the high end and the use of mandarin oranges on the budget table.
Love the donuts on the high end table but absolutely love the cupcakes and marshmellow skewers on the budget table. Tres chic!
I like the table runner on the high end and the cupcakes on the budget chic
I love the hello and marshmallows! Can’t wait to plan my next party!!
I love the custom fondant flowers on the high end table and the jumbo swirl lollipops on the budget table. Almost too pretty to eat! (Almost ;)
High End Designer: Cake Pops, of course! Cute & Delish!
Budget Chic: Love the marshmellow kabobs! Creative!
Great post! Thanks =)
I love the spoon cake pops on the designer table! (different test to make pops on a stick) and I loved the bummy rings added to the budget table for that pop of color!!
I love the cake on the higher end , but the budget table looks amazing love the use of the Marshamellows , lollipops I love it all!
Love the colors!!!
In the high end table I love the marshmallow flowers, a closer look lets you know they are a circle of hearts : )
On the budget chic table I loved the jello parfaits, and marshmallows skewers
So cool.
I love the cake on the high end table and the popsicle with marshmallows on the budget table!
I really like the powdered doughnuts with the flowers on top! My daughter loves those and I think the flowers on top would spice them up for her birthday party! Well done!!
I LOVED the flower marshmallow pops from the high end table! Almost looked to good to eat! I also loved blue jello with marshmallows on top in the cup! Genius idea! Thanks for posting!!
My favorite from the budget table is the COLORS! I love blue and orange together. Those Mallow kebabs are cute!! From the designer table i love the cake and the flowers. All of it is so beautiful, though!
On the high end table the marshmallow flowers are so creative! On the budget friendly table – it has to be the lollipops from Target. I am going to have to go find those!
i love the marshmallow pops on the high end table and the Candy Store pops on the budget table.
High End- Spoon Cakes
Budget- Swirl Lollipops
I love it all!
I love the custom marshmallow lollipop and the marshmallow kabob both super cute options! Excited about the Target candy shop opening. Sounds great!
I like the cake pops on the high end as well as the flower cookies
So wish I could afford a high end party my son’s 3rd bday
and LOVE the hershey kisses on the budget
The marshmallow pops on the high end table are incredible. I’ve never seen anything like it.
The furry fleece is a great way to integrate the tablescape. Who knew?
On the high end table I like the cake with blue flowers on it! On the budget table, I like the combo of blue jello, marshmallows on top, and topped off with a gummy ring! Great ideas!
I think on the first table, surprisingly what I like the best is possibly the most inexpensive thing: The Blue Stones! I love the way they catch the light.
On the “Budget” table, I really love the use of marshmallows as a counter-color to the beautiful blues and oranges. Such a simple, inexpensive way to dress up the jello!
I LOVE those marshmellow & candy kabobs. My daughter is always wanting to help and this would be a great idea for her to do and would be fun for kids to eat!
I love sweets tables! I do them for all the parties I throw and I am planning to do one for my wedding later this year! On the high end table I love powered donuts with the foundant flowers…genius…and on the budget chic table I love the marshmellow/peach ring kabobs!
Both tables look fab! I love the orange and blue cake pops on the high end table and the pretty blue taffy on the budget table. Lovely.
I love dessert bars! I do them at all the parties I throw and I am planning on doing one for my wedding later this year! On the high-end table I lvoe the powdered donuts with the foundat flowers, so cute! On the budget-chic table I love the marshmellow/peach ring kabobs…adorable!
I love the color scheme of both tables. I love how a piece of fabric can inspire an entire table. On the high end, I love the table runner and on the low end, I love the table cloth.
I loved the cake pops in the spoon and will try to create those tonight. On the budget table I loved the idea of serving fruit that matches your color scheme. A lot of times, there is just too much candy and not enought healthy foods on the table so appreciate the mandarines here. :)
All things marshmallow! They’re pretty cheap, easy to decorate and as these photos show …very versatile. I love the marshmallow kabobs. :) Second place goes to cookies. Mmmm, I’m getting hungry!
I love both tables. If I had to pick, on the high end table: I love the marshmallow flowers and the donuts with the fondant flower. On the budget table: I love the blue throw, the flower pillow, I love the jello cups and the donut pops.
I am loving the designer candies by Target! Not only do they look fabulous, the packaging is perfect!
My favorite thing is the marshmallow and gummy ring skewers— so clever!
On the designer table~ I love my girl, Lynlee’s magnolia toppers. Especially the 3D toppers~ Go Lynlee! : )
I also love the cute layered marshmallow kabobs on the Target table, I love anything on a stick, but these are especially cute…and inexpensive!
xo
They are both beautiful! In the expensive one, I like the marshmallow flowers. And in the budget one, I like the tablecloth and the marshmallow Kabobs.
I like the “Sweets Bar Designer Cake Cookie” – wow! That sounds like something I’d love to try!! Yum!!
I like the marshmallow pops on the high end table and I also like the swirl candy pop decor on the less table
I LOVE the color blue…so I guess that will be my most favorite thing ‘the color scheme’. I also love the table cloth, pillows, and mandarin cups. Everything looks yummy, so chic, so beach like. Thanks for a chance to win the fab prize.
I love the jello cups!!! It is so cool that they look like a cloudy sky.
I love the inspirational table runner and also the cake from the designer table, and I love the cupcakes and the use of serving dishes on the budget table.
Thanks for providing these budget friendly ideas! I love the fancy cake pops, but the budget friendly doughnut holes look great too. I can’t wait to explore the new Candy Store at Target.
I liked the flowers on the cake of the designer table and the pillow on the budget chic table.
i loved the flowers on the cake on the high end table and the cupcakes on the budget table. :)
My favorite sweet at the high end table are the cake pops. They are simple, but oh so chic! My favorite at the budget table is actually the marshmallow pops. It is a simple, budget-friendly creative sweet!
I love the marshmallow flower pots by marshmallow studio. I am so thrilled that you posted on this because I have to do a dessert table next weekend!
i like the cake pops on each table
I love the simplicity of the mandarin oranges (they’re my favorite!)
$$$$- The Magnolia Flowers
$- love the jello cups with marshmallows! Soo cute!
The entire budget dessert table is my favorite! I absolutely love this post. The comparison and the pics were SO helpful! There should be more posts like this…less is always more and the budget table looks SO awesome! I’m a money saver so I love looking for ways to make events/designs/decor LOOK pricey. Classy is key. ;) Love you HWTM! Thank you!
I love the cake-pop spoons on the designer table and the marshmallow skewers on the budget table! I am totally going to use some of your ideas for the sweets table I am putting together for a baby shower!
I looove the fondant flowers atop the powdered donuts on the high end table and the marshmallow skewers on the budget table. So creative!
On the Designer Table I love The Marshmallow Studio’s gorgeous flower marshmallow pops. They really make it!
On the Budget-Chic Table I love the Blue Jello with the Marshmallows! Super cute dessert that it relatively low in calories and sugar but is super cute.
I love using the wrapped candies in coordinating colors. Easy and works so well!
On the high end, the Flower magnolia pop. On the budget, the lollipop swirl! Can’t wait to find these at Target!
on the high end table i loved the smooth blue eye catching stones the cake pops were held up with.
on the chic table i thought the “table cloth” was outstanding and added so much the the table!
Love it all but especially the color combo and on the budget friendly table, those pillows!
Can’t wait to get my hands on those Target Lollipops. Love to use them in Tablescapes. Also the Target white pillows are going to look pristine in my beach house. LOVE YA TARGET
I love the cake pops and spoons on the high end table and on the low end I love the swirled lollipop.
I love the color scheme for both of these tables! My favorite piece of the expensive look are the fondant flowers! And for the budget table, I love love love the sprinkle-covered donut hole pop sticks! Those are so creative and cool!
I love the cake pop spoons from the first table and the pretty flower pillow from the budget table.
From the “high end” sweet bar, I love the cake pops standing up in the blue crystal like stones. From the “budget end” sweet bar, I love the blue jello in the clear glasses with the marshmallows and orange rings on top. You did an AWESOME job!
I love the comparison of the two tables, and I love Target! My favorite element of the high-end table is the cake- great idea to dress it up with custom flowers. My favorite part of the budget-chic table is the marshmallow kabobs- how fun!
I’m a sucker for cake pops… so I’d def. pick those from table #1. As for table #2 I love the simplicity of the Lindt balls & Bliss chocolate.
I love both, Great Job! The oranges look so refreshing!!!
On the highend table I love the marshmallow pops or the cake pops on the spoon. On the budget table I love the marshmallow kabobs and swirl lollipops
I like the gorgeous cake!
I live that flower pillow!
Absolutely LOVE this color combo.
My faves are:
From designer table: how cute are those cake spoons. I’m going to use that idea on my next party. Love the endless possibilities with that and I’m thinking it’ll be a bit quicker to make than cake pops.
From budget chic table: adorable jello cups — these can totally work for both kids and grown up parties (just don’t mix them around…LOL!). I’d love to try multi-flavor/multi-color jello cups.
Love the cake pops on a spoon- never seen those before! And
The marshmallow skewers are super cute!
I love love LOVE the entire dining set on the budget table and the swirly lollipops! I like the marshmallow pops the best on the high end table.
I love the blue cups with marshmallows on top!
LOOOVE the flower marshmallow pops on the high end table. Wish I could make them.
On the budget table I’m loving the jello marshmallow parfaits. I might have to make them for me and fiancee before we create our wedding candy buffet! <3
I liked the two tier cake on the high end table and the Lindor Truffles on the budget table. Yummy!
High end: the cake.
Budget: lollipops.
I love truffles which could be made into pops on a stick. Love to include fresh fruit at all parties for those people who can’t have sweets or just a healthier choice. Cupcakes are always a favorite! I did like the cake on the high end table.
On the designer table, I really liked the spoon cakes idea. I’ve seen chocolate on spoons, but not cake.
On the budget chic, I really liked the marshmallow kabobs. I’d never thought of that.
I LOVE the marshmallow/peach ring skewers and the spoon cake pops! Can’t wait to try them both! 8)
I love the marshmallow flowers and how the peach rings were used as a cool accent color.
I love the cake pop stand on the high end table!! And I love the idea of sprucing up a store bought cake!!!
Those flowers on the designer budget are amazing!!!
Cupcakes on the budget table look delic too :)
I love the blue magnolia flowers, the cake pops, and the flower iced cookies. On the budget design I love the blue drink, mandarin orange idea, and the white flowers.
The spoon cake pops (never seen that!) and the peachie-o’s MMM
I like the marshmallow flowers on the the high end table. But I love the cupcakes on the budget table along with the blue jello with the marshmallows!
Wow! Love your creativity! I would never have thought about using orange & blue together but it looks great!! On the high end table, I love the cake & the marshmallow pops. On the budget table, I love the swirly lollipops & that pillow! Need to make a run to Target…..can’t wait for your next blog!
I love the fact that on the ” budget chic” table there are way more options to choose from….and i like that container with the blue rocks holding up the cake pops on the high end table….=)
The cupcakes and the marshmallows are a nice touch on the budget table. The cake pops are my fave at the high end table! :)
I love the cake on the high end table and the dishes on the budget table.
I love the spoon cake pops on the designer table & love the swirl lollipops
on the budget chic table. :)
I liked the cake best on the high end table, and on the budget table, the jello parfaits are so cute!
I love the marshmallows flowers and the marshmallow-topped jello cups.
Love the cake & both the marshmallow treats – beautiful blues!
I love the marshmallow flowers! The jello cups with mini marshmallows are cute too. Great ideas!
I love the cake pops on the high-end table and the marshmallow skewers on the budget chic table.
Cake Pops and Spoon Cakes on High End Table and Swirl Lollipops and Cupcakes on the Budget one…
I like the spoon cakes on the high end. I’m inspired to try it myself. On the budget table, I like the flowers that top the cupcakes. I also like the jello cups.
The donut holes are my favorite idea. Genius! Plus I love powederd sugar donuts, so bonus! Donuts in the afternoon!
The flower marshmallow pops are amazing on the high end table. For the budget table, I like the marshmallow skewers and the lollipops. I am so excited to see the new line at Target!
i am super excited about the high endy candy from target ob your budget chic & that cake! O-M-G kinda need it for my birthday
I love the spoon cake pops from the high end table and love the marshmallow kabobs from the budget friendly table.
I like marshmallow pops on HIGH END DESIGNER Sweets Table
On the high-end table I love the large magnolia cookie pops. They offer a really nice backdrop for the rest of the sweets. On the budget table I love the mandarin oranges because of their simplicity. Just because it’s a sweets table doesn’t mean it needs to be complicated!
I love the use of the powdered donoughts on both the high end and the target table.
I love the flower toppers for the powdered donuts on the high end table. I loved several things on the budget table; including the marshmallow & orange gummy ring skewers. Great color scheme!
I love everything marshmallow… the kabobs are the cutest!
I LOVE the idea of using doughnut holes as a quick and inexpensive way to create the cack pop look, VERY creative!
I love the cookies on the high end table and the cup cakes on the budget table. Thanks for the chance to win!
I love the cookies on the high end table and the cupcakes on the budget chic
I like the marshmellow pops on the high end and I like that you used the 16 piece dinnerware on the budget chic table.
Cake pops! I just love them! The swirl ones on first table are beautiful, and the sparkly dusted ones on second table look oh so sweet!
I think the spoon cakes sound great. And the table cloth on the budget table is great!
I think the cupcakes look great.
Love those cupcakes and the cake spoons.
I really like how you found candy that tied into the color scheme. I love how colors create the story :) Beautiful
Love the square plates presented at the front of the table!!! LOVE the Pillow, gives the table a different element and of course the cake pops!!!
I really liked the hershey kisses, marshmallow drinks, and of course it goes without saying…the cake pops. The flower cookies are a cute idea as well. The color scheme is fabulous as well
I loved the jello, the cupcakes, the pillow, and the swirl lollipops….but to be honest with you it was nicely done so everything went together perfectly!
For someone who doesn’t eat marshmallows, I have to admit they are my favorite part of both tables. The flower marshmallow pops on the high end table are amazing. And the skewered marshmallows on the budget table are too cute.
I love the flower marshmallows on the high end. On the lower budget I like the marshmallow skewers. This is such a great comparison. I have found myself you can go all out and spend a lot and it will look great. Also you can have a small budget and it can still look amazing. Marshmallows are always a great inexpensive filler.
I love the cake spoon pops on the high end table and on the budget chic table I ADORE the pillow! Target just keeps finding all sorts of new ways to be even more wonderful!!!!
I love the spoon cake pops from The Gourmet Pop and I like the marshmallow kabobs.
I love the cake!
I adore the flower marshmallow pops on the high end table. As for the budget table, I’m a sucker for salt water taffy!
I love the swirly pops from “the candy store at target” and i think those marshmallow flowers are so cute!
I love the marshmallow flower pops on the high end table. My fave on the budget table I love that you used the white pillow to add texture, it can be used everyday after the party!
I like the cake pops the best! Gorgeous colors!
I love the magnolia flower candies and the giant swirl lollipops.
I loved the look of both tables – in particular the magnolia touches of fondant & gum paste. But my favorite tip was to use the store bought bagged donuts! I’m never making cake pops again!!
I love the flower marshmallow on the more expensive table, and Love the blue jello with the marshmallows on the budget table…also love love the pillow from target…awesome…gotta go get one!!!!
On the high end table i love the flower cake toppers and on the budget table i love the pillow.
Love the magnolia cookies and the swirl lollipops!
I absolutely love the cake pops on the high end table and I think using the powder donuts to get the same effect on the “budget” table was GENIUS!!!! Target has awesome bakery items!
I love the marshmallow sticks with the orange rings on the budget table, and the sugar cookies on the high end table :)
From the “high end” table, I loved the custom flowers. It’s worth the expense to carry out the theme. From the “budget” table, I loved the way you use color to carry the theme. I do that a lot.
You saved so much and the budget table looks just as good as the expensive one! I love the cake pops on the high end table and love the table cloth on the budget chic table–so cute. :) I was just at Target today and saw a bunch of items similar to more expensive items I’d seen around the web.
Love the high end cake pops! Love love love the low end “candy store” sweets!
On the high end table I love the gourmet pops in the aqua beads. On the budget table I live the jello with the marshmallows and the orange rings. Simply georgeous. Tonya you have always been extremely talented. Keep up the great work. Everything you do is fabulous. Xoxoxo
LOVE the idea of the marshmallow-orange sour ring kabobs! Also, really love the orange, white and blue color scheme!
I LOVE your blog. I check my google reader every day to see your new creations!
High End Table: I love the cake!
Budget Table: Marshmallow skewers, cupcakes & Bliss chocolate! :)
I love the cake pop spoons on the high end table. This is a great altenative to the stick and I love the ease of eating it off the spoon. On the budget table I’m loving the donut hole cake pops, such a great time saver!
I like the marshmello, jello, orange ring cups, My daughter would love it as it hhas the three of her favourite!
Thanks for sharing
i love the white flower pillow and of course the blue table linen too!!! So chic!
I love the cake pops on the high end table and the marshmallow skewers on the look for less table.
Love the classic white platters on both table settings. The tablecloth on the budget table goes so well with the color scheme. Love it! What a great idea of Mandarin oranges on a sweets table!
I love the 3-D fondant flower toppers on the high end table… and I love the fast cake pops made of donut holes on the budget-minded table! Great ideas!!!
I like the fondant custom flowers on the high end & love the donut hole cake pops from budget chic :)
The marshmallow flowers are my favorite item on the high end table and the mandarin oranges are my favorite item on the budget table.
I love the marshmallow kabobs…so cute!
I loved the blue and orange cake spoons and the chocolate covered oreos (i am using that at my next event for sure!) i also loved the cake, the magnolia flowers were simple but stunning and extremely visually exciting.
i loved the use of the colored wrappings, it was simple and easy but had a really big impact, i also loved the marshmallow kabobs and the creative use of the 16 piece dinner set.
i actually like the budget friendly table more.
High end- i loved the oreos on the budget- the dount holes!!
My favorite from the high end table are the cake pops. My favorite from the budget chic table are the marshmallow kabobs – so clever!
I love the marshmallow pops on the high-end table, and the orange gummy rings (seriously, how are those things so delicious?) on the budget table.
I would have never guessed those plates were all from the same set. What a great idea!
High end flower cookies… I can never do them so clean. Budget: swirl lollipops! And jello cups!
I love the marshmallow flower pops on the high end table (even though I’m not a huge fan of marshmallows) and the pillow on the budget table. So cute!
I love the cake spoons from the high end table and the marshmallow/gummy ring kabobs. So cute!
you are so creative!!! loved the table.
High End Designer Table: flower table runner
Budget Chic Table: table cloth
I love the magnolia flowers on the high end table and the cupcakes on the budget one
I like the cake pops on the high end table and the cupcakes on the budget table.
Mmm I love mandarin oranges! Those white pillows on the budget-friendly table are adorable and the high end cake pops look perfect!!
Great job, Both tables look amazing.
I love the marshmallow flower pops! on the high end table.
And I will be ordering that table cloth from Target off the budget chic side!
I love the decorated cookies on the designer table and the jello cups on the look for less table.
I love the Flower marshmallow pops on the Highend table and love the target suckers from the budget chic table. So excited target is getting so fancy but still affordable!
I love the marshmallow pops on the high end table, I’ve never seen those before and think they’re super cute! I also love the dinnerware set used for both tables, super chic!
I love the idea of using donuts holes to mimick the cake pop!! Quick and Easy!!
On the high end, I love the cake pops in the glass stone display. On the budget chic table, I love the different textures – pillow, table cloth, furry blanket.
High end table- I always love cake pops! The spoon pops are genius.
Budget table- love the cupcakes!
I love the cake on the designer table, especially the flowers! On the budget table I liked the jello parfaits. Love the fact that you can save time and money with already store bought items…just takes some creative juices to get some really cute and cheap ideas.
I loved the cupcakes on the budget table, and the marshmallow flowers on the high end table.
I’m a sucker for cakepops!
I love the gorgeous magnolia marshmallow pops on the high end table on the budget friendly I love the playful and soooo inexpensive jello parfaits!!
Both tables are so whimsical; I love it! I adore the spoon cakes on the designer table, and the marshmallow skewers on the budget chic table.
Those spoon cake pops on the high end table are gorgeous and so unexpected! But the table cloth on budget chic table looks like a million bucks!
The magnolia cookies are so beautiful, but the jello parfaits are genius!
LOVE the cake pops on the high-end table (I am on a cake pop kick, especially since I tried to make them an now know the amount of time they take), but the marshmallow pops on the budget-table are a FAB alternative!
I loved the use of mandarin oranges as a food and a great pop of color!
I love the lollipops from the Target Sweet Shop, I can’t wait for that to be available, I have so many showers & graduation parties coming up! I also love the flower cookies on the high end table, they match so well.
I love the spoon cakes (I’ve never seen those before but you could totally do those low budge as well!). I also loved the jello, I haven’t thought to use jello and the color is so pretty! Totally using Some of these ideas for friends weddings and bridal showers I’m helping with this summer!!!! Thank you!
On the high in table I love love love the cake and flower cookies!!
The low end cake, love how everything was from target and the cupcakes! I also like the pre wrapped candy, can’t believe how nice it looked!
I love the flower cookies on a stick on the high end table. I like the use of marshmallows on the budget table.
I like the cake pops on the high end table. Never thought to use a pillow for the budget table. Good ideas!
that cake is fabulous! and, the marshmallows with the gummies are so cute, my kids love mandarin oranges, and those lollipops are so sweet!
This was fantastic, great information. Thank you :) My favorite thing on the high end table has to be the marshmallow pops, ingenious! And on the budget chic table I just love the design on that tablecloth (and I also love the furry throw).
designer: spoon cake pops!
budget: using donut holes and puting them on sticks. Great idea!
Love you blog!! :)
I love the Marshmallow skewers on the budget chic one and the cake pops on the high end table.
I love the cake pops on BOTH tables — on the high end because they are gorgeous, and on the budget table because I would actually do those!
I love the marshmallow flowers on the high end, and on the budget, I love the pillows! Also, I am so excited for the candy store to open at Target!
Quite honestly I am really impressed by your talent:) High end table-the marshmallow pops are soo pretty…the budget chic table the the dinnerware set and the flower pillow
thanks
I love the runner on the High End table. But I especially love the marshmallow and peach ring skewers on the Budget Chic table. Two of my favorite candies and they look great together!
The cake on the high end table and the cute cupcakes with the blue sprinkles on he low end.
I love the marshmallow flowers on the high end table, that could even be done at home with a good homemade marshmallow recipe and sprinkles!
As for the budget table, i liked the idea of making individual jello cups. There are so many posibilities for designs and color combinations with cheap Jello.
Thank you so much for showing us this.Yes as much as I would like to order Custom made items, its just too expensive and the budget goes out of the window.I try to mix and match adn come up with different ideas to stay within the budget but lets face it, we do go overboard in trying to give the best to out kids and parties.
The Jello MArshmallow parfaits….wat an awesome yet simple idea.The marshamallow kababos…..kids are gonna love it.
Target is my to go place for every little thing and cant wait now to visit the candy store.Its opening right before my party on the 12th for my daughter’s Birthday and I could use some candy!
Thanks again…
Pallavi
On the Designer table I love the flower shaped cookies! On the budget table I really like the swirly lollypops! They are very pretty and whimsical.
I love the fabric on the high end table and love the pillow on the budget table!
I love the cake pops and if I make them they are much cheaper! I also love on the budget table how everything is on white plates, it really pops and those are my regular plates so free!
I love the marshmallow flowers on the high end table and the pillow from the budget chic table…Tonya I love all your designs!!
HIGH END DESIGNER Sweets Table I loved the Marshmallow pops.
On the budget table I loved how the marshmallows were used. I see this used often but have yet to incorporate in my desert tables.
on the high end table, i like the spoon desserts.
on the budget table, i like the blue with marshmellow cups! so cute!
I love the cake spoons on the high end table. Great idea! On the budget chic table I like the idea of the donut holes on a stick.
I love the simple styling of the chic table and the use of the dinnerware set of the budget table!
ON the designer table, I loved the use of all those glass pebbles and the spoon cake pops were awesome! On the budget table, I really loved the jello cups with the marshmallows on top – so cute!
Those jello parfaits with the marshmallows are too cute. Thanks for the giveaway.
The cake pops on the designer table look yummy but so do the marshmalloe kabobs on the budget friendly table. I’m hosting a baby shower this July and this is such a great reminder that I don’t have to go over budget to have a great party!
Love, love the magnolia flowers on the “high end” table. On the budget table, I love the pillow
I love the flower marshmellow pops on the high end table and the cupcakes on the budget friendly table!
I loved the cake pops on the high end table and The Candy Store lollipops on the budget chic table!!
The spoon cakes and the taffy! I am going back and forth having a sweet table at our wedding…this has been very helpful!
On the high end table I love the cake spoons and on the budget table I love the classic cupcakes always a fav!
Can you ever go wrong with cake pops?
I like the cake spoons on the high end table and the marshmallow/gummy rings on the Target table.
Thank you for your post! I’ve always loved sweets bars, but it really is a challenge somegtimes to think of how we can create a beautiful table with yummy desserts. I love the idea of using marshmellos as cup fillers and the marshmello-candy skewers :)
On the high end table – love the spoon cake pops! Clever…and on the budget table love the marshmallow skewer.
The Marshmallow flower pops are so cute!! And Target’s lollipops? AWESOME!!
I love the Marshmallow Kabobs! What a cute, easy idea. Honestly, I like the Target table better.
The gorgeous cookie flowers and the delicious looking cake pops on the high-end table make my mouth water… but I LOVE the simplicity of the marshmallow skewers and marshmellows with jello! i’m going to “borrow” that one :)
I love love love the lollipops! And also the idea of choosing candy wrapped in your color scheme, great idea!
I love the marshmallow pops on the high end table, they are adorable. And the frosted cookies from the budget table, yum!
On the high end table – love the idea of the cake on a spoon
On the budget table – love that a dinnerware set was used as the display vessels.
Thank you for all the inspiration! Audra
I liked the cake pops!
Besides some amazing icing work, I actually loved the “pop” of color given by items like the mandarin oranges. Everything looked beautiful!
I love the spoon cakes & the doughnut holes!!!
First time I see cake on a spoon! What an awesome idea from the more expensive table. The marshmallow skewers on the budget chic are super cute, got some great ideas for my baby’s 1st birthday party.
I LOOOOOVE the cake pop on a stick idea! I’m sure it’s better than trying to stand the cake pops upright and it just looks so CHIC!
On the budget friendly table I really like the marshmallow and peach ring skewers. Really cute and fancy looking and obviously super budget friendly.
Love the cake pops and the cupcakes….my two favorite things!
I love the cake pops on the spoons- never seen that before. I also LOVE the idea of marshmallow kabobs! Great! Thanks!
The thing I love most about this, is everything has it’s own 3D texture to it. The colors may be simple but the texture makes everything pop!
I adore the marshmallow and Gummy Ring skewers! What a cute idea :)
I love the flower topped donuts on the high end table–so unique! And on the budge chic I love the swirl lollipos–can’t wait to be able to get those at Target! Thanks for posting this comparison, very inspiring.
i love the cake on the high end table and the sweet little gumpaste flowers on the look for less table!
i think i liked the fillers most! you don’t realize how much color or dimensions they bring in! so the blue beads from the top and the marshmellow fillers from the bottom
Those lollipops are the best! I can’t wait to get them for my boys when they hit our local Target! YEAH!
On the high end table, I love the spoon cake pops! How fun.
On the budget table, I thought the donut holes as a substitute for cake pops were clever!
I love the flower marshmallow pops on the high-end table and the budget cupcakes.
I love the colors on both tables! The bright blue and coral orange are bold and energetic! I especially love those 3D fondant flowers on the cake… Worth the splurge!
high end: love the flower marshmallow pops
budget: cake pops with donut holes..so creative!
Where did you purchase the container with the cake pops in?
I am looking all over for one. Thanks!
Wow, what a great post! My favorite on the high end table are the flower marshmallow pops. On the budget chic table, I love the cute jello cups with marshmallows.
I like the table cover and the blue ruffle cover under the cupcakes on the budget table!
I love the spoon cake pops on the designer table and the marshmallow kabobs on the budget table.
I love the marshmallow pops on the high end and the tablecloth on the low end!
Love the cakepops on both tables!
I love the marshmallow flowers up top and the kabobs below. The funny thing is I don’t even like marshmallows!
I can’t wait for the Target candy shop. Too bad it launches on the day I’m throwing my best friend’s baby shower.
OMG!!I just love it all.. :)
Love the flowers on the cake on the first table and love the blue jello with marshmellows and “lifesaver” ring on the second table!
I loved the crazy cool spoon cake pops on the high end table and I loved the custom-looking cupcakes on the budget chic table. What a great idea to just add a couple of touches that make it look fabulous!
Love both the gumpaste toppers and fondant flowers on the cakes.
I love the cake pops on the high end table and the marshmallow skewers on the budget table
On the highend table I liked the dressed up powder sugar donuts and the marshmallow flower pops.
On the budget table I loved the tablecloth and the jello with marshmallows topped with the orange gummy. Super cute!
High end: Sugar cookies…so cute and custom!
Low end: Marshmallow kabobs…great way to stay on budget and match color scheme!
Love the “cake pops” on each table. Very clever.
The table cloth print is great! Also, how well all of the colors coordinate.
On the high-end table, I liked the marshmallow flowers, and on the budget- chic table, I liked the plates ! Thank you for the great tips!
I liked the cake pops on the high end table and the lollipops on the budget table. Thanks so much for this opportunity and information. We have to design a light blue and white candy/dessert buffet on a strict budget,so everything helps!!!
What first stood out to me on each table were the colors. They are gorgeous and really stand out.
The item I like best on the first table is stunning cake. On the budget table, I love the marshmallow kabobs. I may have to borrow that idea!
Thank you.
The fondant flowers are gorgeous!!! And I’m a big fan of the pillow on the budget table.
I thought the flower cookies on the high end table were amazing. And I loooove the marshmallows on the budget table. I am doing a lemonade themed party next month and I think I’m going to do that but with lemon slice candies!
I thought the spoon cake pops and marshmallow, peach ring skewers were super creative. I love a good candy table, both of these were beautiful.
Wow, that is an impressive and creative dessert table!! I love the colors that were used and the creative marshmallow kabobs. Thanks for the great ideas.
I love the magnolia flower cookies and those budget flower pillows!
Those flower pops are to die for! And the cupcakes look delicious. I love the concept of the high and low budgets. I’d do a mix of the two.
I really loved the jello with the marshmallow topping and the peach ring “cherry on top”! I will definitely use that at my next party!
from the HIGH END DESIGNER Sweets Table I like the chocolate covered oreos
from the BUDGET CHIC Sweets Table I like the donut holes!
I absolutely love the fondant flowers, they are gorgeous and the cake pops on the designer table! And for the budget chic, I love the marshmallow skewers, what a great idea.
I think the cupcakes and cake bites are super cute! I had cupcakes at my wedding instead of a tradtional cake.
Love the fancy cake pops! And the cupcakes on the budget table are adorable!
High-end table – love the blue marbles that the cake pops are standing in. Makes it look like they are floating in water.
Budget chic – love the fuzzy blanket and the donut hole/blue sprinkle pops are very clever!
I’m hosting a Mother’s Day tea in the next few weeks and might just use some of these ideas!
I love the marshmallow flower pops & the donut hole pops!!
Loving the flower cookies, they look beautiful in the first table pictures.
Then loved the marshmallow kabobs on table two. I am always amazed at the beauty of your designs and look at them often to get ideas, also they are just so very beautiful and creative.
The cake pops display on the first table is so much fun; I love it! The small mandarin orange cups on the second table seem like such an easy addition and the pop of color they add is wonderful! Thanks for the giveaway…
loved the marshmallow flowers on the high end table and the table cloth on the low end. Beautiful!
I loveee cupcakes :) Besides the cake this is my favorite treat to eat at any party. I would use this gift card on my nieces birthday party coming up in June :)
On the Designer table I like the Petal shaped cookies. On the Budget table I like the pillow :)
Thanks for this useful article in your wonderful blog!!! ★
A 2 tiered cake always makes a party extra special and is worth $18 for a high end or budget table. And I never thought of buying a modern white dish set! That is a brilliant idea. Before I was buying platters individually, now I have a plan to get that set! Thanks for this post, it really will make a difference at my next family gathering.
On the high end table, my fave part is the cake pops and on the budget table my fave is the big suckers although it was hard to pick just one because they are both so fantastic
Love the cupcakes and cake pops! Both tables are beautiful!
I live the marshmallow flowers on the high-end table & the flower cupcake tippets on the budget table! Great Ideas!!!
I meant…I love the marshmallow flowers! & the flower cupcake toppers!
I love the fondant toppers created by Lynlee and the ruffle pillow is darling!
Never thought of the “cheaper” substitutions to use for the candy table! I love it!
I love the cupcakes!
i loved the high end sppon cakes so unique and the low end of the powdered sugar donut holes so was very unique to i cant wait to try these.i love reading this blog well written and informatified
I love the flower cookie pops on the high end table and the cute flower topper on the cupcakes on the Target table.
I like the flower marshmallow pops from the high end table and the donut hole pops with blue sprinkles on the budget table.
I LOVE the spoon pops on the high end table and LOVE the white dinnerware on the budget table.
I love the cake pops standing in the blue beads on the high end table. And the blue frosted sugar cookies on the budget table are fabulous! They are always available in a variety of colors based on the season/holiday ;)
The spoon cakes on the high end table are very fashion forward. Love it!!!!
On the high end table I loved flowers! On the budget I loved the jello cups with marshmallow and gummy ring!
I like cake pops on the high end table and marshmallow kabobs on the budget table!! Thanks for a great idea!!!
I love how the cake pops are styled on each table with the glass beads for the high-end and marshmallows on the budget-friendly table. Both would look great for any occasion!
I actually love the way the budget table turned out much more than I do the high end table. The marshmallow kabobs are great! My daughter loves marshmallows and I can’t wait to try these for a party, there are so many possibilities when making them.
I love the use of the blue stones under the cake pops on high end and the jello cups with marshmallows, peach rings on the budget table.
On the budget chic table, because I’m budget kinda girl, I am lovin’ the Cupcakes, simple, sweet and adorable, they are absolutely beautiful.
On the high end, the cake is gorgeous. However, on the budget end, I am loving the idea of the marshmallow kabobs!
On the Designer Sweets table I like the donuts. I didn’t realize that’s what they were at first until I read the description. Really smart and creative idea. I also like the fondant flowers….
On the Going Budget Chic table I love those marshmallow kabobs…They have so many possibility for sure and the marshmallows on the jello look like little clouds, Just so pretty.
I love the marshmallow flower on the high end table and the skewers on the budget table. AWESOME ideas!
I loved the cupcakes … and the pillow! :)
I loved the spoon cakes! That’s so creative!
I Lvoed the marshmellow flowers and the marshmellow kabobs
the candy store big suckers!
The cake pops! I love no-mess foods like that for parties…
I like the assorted cupcakes and the decorative fondant flowers were fantastic! Thank you for this great giveaway! I truly enjoyed reading this post.
I love the spoon pops from the high end post and I love the donut holes with the sprinkles idea, I am totally going to make those.
I love Lynlee’s Petite Cakes fondant flowers – simply stunning! On the budget table – love the use of the mandarin oranges. My little one loves them!
My favorite items are the beautiful cake pops and the glasses filled with the marshmallows and orange gummies!
I love the marshmallow flower pops on the high end table. They are like a work of art with the intricate design. They are sooo perfect I wouldn’t want to eat it. The matching flowers for the cake were wondeful as well.
The buget chic table I loved the cupcakes. They are just perfect with blue flowers and sprinkles. You have done a wonderful job designing the tables. I appreciate your work and your advice. You’re wonderful.
I really love the marshmellow flowers from the high end table.I also liked the combination used on the Jello cups.Love your budget friendly ideas !!!!!!!
On the high-end – I love the marshmallow flowers! On the budget end, I thought the flowers were a nice touch to the store bought cupcakes!
The cake pops in the gems is my fav… so easy and glamorous!
I loved the idea of the donut hole cake pops! ive been looking for quick easy desserts and that’s as easy as it gets!
I love the spoon cakes on the high end table and the donut holes on the low end. I actually had to go back to see the donut holes, I would have never guessed it! Love the idea!
I love the chocolate covered oreos on the high-end table and the Hershey kisses on the budget table! :)
On the high-end table: I love the magnolia flowers! On the other, I love the marshmallow kabobs! :) Such a beautiful design, both tables look of equal value. Beautiful!!!!
Love the pillow on the table…so unexpected. Also, loved what you did with the doughnut holes and also the marshmellow skewers. Made the table look so classy.
Love what you did with the pillow…so unexpected. Also, loved what you did with the doughnut holes and also the marshmellow skewers. Made the table look so classy.
I am giving my sister a baby shower soon and this awesome table setting gives me great ideas to set a table for her. Thanks for the good ideas. Tammy
I also like the cake and the way you made the flower cookies.
On the high end table, my favorite was definitely the spoon cake pops. I could make those myself!
On the budget chic table, I LOVED what you did with the marshmallows and peach rings on a skewer. I am probably also going to borrow that idea for my own table. Thank you!
On the high end table I love the cake pop spoons. On the budget table I love the marshmallow kabobs.
I Love the Swirly Lollipops!! I didn’t know Target carried them and I plan on using the Blue design for my next event! Go Target!!!
I love the Lollipops on the budget table and the table runner on the high end table.
This is so awesome to see the comparisons. :) Im planning my daughters’ party for the end of April. Very helpful. On the high end table , I like the blue flowers surrounding the cake and I’m definitely a budget girl and the jello cup idea is the best one I’ve seen so far. Thanks :)