Favors Go Fab - Candy Buffets to Gelato Bars!
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Friday, March 6, 2009 In honor of Sugar is Art, a sweet event taking place this Sunday, I reached out to Hillary of Brocade Design Art to give us the scoop on dessert bars. We've taken candy bars to another level. In fact, I encourage you to think outside the candy box. Dessert bars are now full scale fun bars and these bars are getting more creative. The key is to add a personal punch to make it yours. Guest Blogger: Brocade Design Arts is a Nashville-based, event floral designer.
Over the past few years, candy buffets have become all the rage at wedding receptions as a sweet favor that your guests are sure to love. From color-coordinated confections that mesh with the color scheme of your celebration, like this pretty setup from one of A Delightful Day's brides:
There's also Ashley's bridal show booth - an uber fab multi-colored, multi-treat option -- which was showcased at the August Weddings, The Bridal Show
I love the use of bright, vibrant colors that work in the shades of the ABG color scheme perfectly!
While candy is oh-so-tasty and wonderful, maybe you want to try something a little different for your favor bar. If you have a penchant for things that are cold & delicious, maybe you might want to try a delicious gelato bar. Bravo Gelato has been consistently rated as one of Nashville's best ice creams-- and you can find it alongside Cristie Cookie franchises in Green Hills, Rivergate Mall, and Hickory Hollow Mall. Whole foods in Green Hills also has a delicious gelato bar, so that you can sample this creamy Italian ice for yourself. With flavors like pistachio to grapefruit, you'd be sure to wow your guests with this unique confection.
Want something to cool down your guests, but not the sweet creaminess of gelato? Well, maybe you should give the ladies at Las Paletas a try. Here, you can try your hand at Mexican-style gourmet popsicles. Located at 2907 12th Avenue South in Nashville, this longtime Nashville favorite may have just your style of favor-- from the exotic (pineapple chilli) to slightly less exotic (avocado) to just plain yummy (chocolate, chocolate chip).
Maybe you're into sweet treats, but would rather do something more...chocolately. Ribbons of Chocolate has the solution. From yummy chocolate fountains with everything you could possibly ever want to dip they can literally make your chocolate dreams come true.
Or, as Ashley discovered at the Enchanted Bride's Show, Ribbons of Chocolate also has deliciously sinful chocolate shots. Just pick your add-ins, like vanilla, raspberry, or caramel, and then add some chocolate, and voila-- you have your very own chocolate shots. These could be quite yummy when added to a shot of hot espresso.
Espresso bars are a hot (sorry about the pun!) way to warm up your reception. You can talk with your caterer or venue about the possibility of offering your guests this favor option. It's a great way for guests to have a hot beverage and make it into a fun and fancy treat with special add-ins, like marshmallows, finely chopped peppermints, chocolate shavings, flavorings, whipped cream topping, or even some rich liquors.
If you'd like something a little more personal(ized) for your wedding, maybe you can try some custom-chocolates from Schakolad in Cool Springs. Delicious hand dipped chocolates with a variety of different fillings can delight your guests, and you can even design custom coccoa butter transfer sheets for on the surface of your candies. I asked Taylor Milam, the owner, to explain the process: "All of our truffles are hand dipped and set on the sheets. When the chocolate hardens you can pull the truffle off the sheet and voila!-The image has transferred to the top of the truffle. Couples simply choose a font, color, text, and flavor of ganache." The best part: these confections are just .85-.95 a piece!
Perhaps all that's sweet isn't quite your idea of the perfect favor. The big trend for 2009 is the popcorn bar. Yummy popcorns, like traditional butter, cheddar, and caramel-coated are paired up with great "mixers"-- Reese's Pieces, M&M's, fresh roasted nuts, or an array of fun spices, like a zesty cajun or even jalapeno. Kernels Southern Gourmet Popcorn is a local popcorn "poppery" with delicious base flavors like spicy cheddar & vanilla. Don't forget to label your popcorns so that your guests will know just what delicious treats they are diving into (especially if it's a spicy flavor!) Contact Kernels to dream up your tasty popcorn bar by calling Amber Heater at 646.808.5540.
When it comes to favor bars that take the cake (I promise, that's the last pun) a dessert bar might be the perfect solution for a delicious favor for your guests.
About the Author:
Ashley of Ashley's Bride Guide
Hey - I'm Ashley! I started AshleysBrideGuide.com to give Nashville brides, or folks planning a Nashville wedding, a local resource for inspiration and resources. Hope to see you at a bridal show soon! Happy Planning.
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Posted on March 5, 2009 |
Filed under: Details, Design & Florals
