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Sweet table: surprising ideas for any occasion

Want to add a sweet corner to surprise your guests? The sweet table, also known as a candy bar, is perfect for whichever event you have in mind. Birthdays, weddings, christenings, First Communions… Anything you can think of! Check out these ideas and tips to create a sweet table that will be the centre of attention.

Sweet table for an outdoor party
Sweet table with a stand to display a cake in an original way

How to set up a simple, beautiful sweet table

Imagine a table full of sweets, delicious desserts and eye-catching decorations. That's what a sweet table is, a corner full of treats that brighten up any celebration. If you're thinking about setting one up and don't know where to start, keep reading:

  • First, choose a theme for your sweet table and a matching colour palette. You can go for pastel shades, bold colours or a mix of both, just adapt it to your taste!
  • Decide which sweets you want to add: chocolates, biscuits, cupcakes, jelly sweets… Variety is always a winner! Once you've decided, think about how you're going to present them. You can use plates, trays, chopping boards or jars with lids to add that something special. Play with different levels and materials to create something unique and eye-catching.
  • Keep in mind the number of people who will be at the event, how much should you put out? You can double the amount of sweets compared to the guest list.
  • Don't forget the decorative elements! Use flowers, garlands, candle holders… and it can be great fun to add personalised messages. 
  • How about a touch of lighting? You can add decorative lighting such as LED string lights to create a magical scene.

 

And that's it! All there is to do is get started and impress everyone with an irresistible sweet table.

Sweet table: how to decorate the space

If you want your table to look special, you need to think about the layout and where to put each product so that it stands out.

  • To get started with your sweet table, choose the central element that will be the main focal point, such as an impressive cake or a unique decorative piece. That will be the centre of attention and will help you organise the rest of the elements around it.
  • Play with different heights using pedestals, tiered trays or decorative boxes, so that each type of sweet stands out in its own unique way.
  • Group the sweets by type or by colour; for example, you can separate the biscuits from the jelly sweets. This way, you'll have visually coherent sections, making it easier for your guests to choose the sweet treat they fancy most.
  • Avoid making the table look cluttered; leave space for each item to stand out and breathe, and try to maintain visual balance and symmetry.
  • Add decorative pieces that match your chosen theme, such as flowers, decorative ribbons, balloons and textiles to really make a difference.

 

And that's how to achieve a delicious-looking sweet table.

Sweet table for an event decorated with plants and flowers

Here are some ideas for decorating your sweet table

Creating the desserts for your sweet table

Would you like to have a go at making the sweets as well? At IKEA, you'll find a wide variety of products to help you make any dessert you have in mind. Cakes, biscuits, cupcakes… Find everything you need and feel like a top chef!

Discover our cake tins, available in different shapes and sizes to suit your favourite recipes perfectly. Use the shape and size that best suits your recipe and thanks to our measuring tools, you'll have every measurement spot on.

A good mixing bowl is also important, as well as other accessories that can be really useful, such as spatulas, brushes, rolling pins, piping bags… Let's get started!

Silver LÄTTBAKAD cookie cutter for making desserts for a sweet table

Creating the desserts for your sweet table

Would you like to have a go at making the sweets as well? At IKEA, you'll find a wide variety of products to help you make any dessert you have in mind. Cakes, biscuits, cupcakes… Find everything you need and feel like a top chef!

Discover our cake tins, available in different shapes and sizes to suit your favourite recipes perfectly. Use the shape and size that best suits your recipe and thanks to our measuring tools, you'll have every measurement spot on.

A good mixing bowl is also important, as well as other accessories that can be really useful, such as spatulas, brushes, rolling pins, piping bags… Let's get started!

Swedish treats for your sweet table

Don't have time to prepare the sweets? In our Swedish Food Market, you'll find a wide variety of delicious sweets ready to serve. From cakes for every taste to biscuits and jelly sweets, your sweet table is sure to be a hit and will leave everyone wanting more. 

Sweet table for every taste

If you want your celebrations to have a sweet touch, what you need is a sweet table. It's the perfect way to impress at any event, whether it's a First Communion, a wedding or a birthday. You just need to come up with a theme and create a spectacular table setting – it's easier than you think!

Plan how you want it to be: choose your favourite sweets, the type of tableware you'll need and the decorations you'll use. Also keep in mind the number of guests. It'll be the favourite spot for little ones and grown-ups alike.

How to decorate a sweet table with textiles

When setting up your sweet table, textiles are key to making the presentation stand out. You can choose a tablecloth that matches the style of your event and the colours you're using. It's also great to use a table runner to add a special touch and play with different textures.

White tablecloths are versatile for any occasion, but if you want to be a bit bolder and make your table more fun, go for prints and vibrant colours. And don't forget to include napkins to complete the look. Your sweet table will look amazing!

Are you planning a wedding or a First Communion? Discover these wedding favours and First Communion favours to surprise every guest. 

For the littlest ones, you can gift Montessori toys or affordable toys so they can have fun while learning.

How do you get the quantities right for a sweet table?

You've already thought about how to arrange your sweets on the table, the selection you'll include and the style you'll use, but what about how much to put on? The key is to find the perfect balance so that your guests can enjoy this corner without you wasting food.

When considering the amount of sweets for your table, you should take into account the number of guests, the selection you're going to have, the duration of the event, the ages of the guests and the type of event.

Ideally, you should put out twice as many sweets as the number of people attending the event and add a few extra to cover any unexpected situations. This way, your guests will have a variety to choose from.

Your sweet table will be spectacular!

Which IKEA accessories are ideal for a sweet table?

At IKEA, you'll find a wide variety of products that are perfect finishing touches for your sweet table: cake stands, different sizes of trays, glass jars, tablecloths, decorative LED lights and so much more!

If you're looking for more ideas and tips, check out this collection of affordable furniture and recommendations, and find what you need.