Sshhh, listen…. I think I hear summer calling us!  Enticing us with warm, sunny days and long, lazy nights.  And nothing refreshes on a hot day like ice cold lemonade.  Which is exactly what we’re serving up with today’s feature.  A dessert table that is sure to bring back fond childhood memories of summer lemonade stands.  Created by Dina Hafez-Suggs of  Deliciously Darling for a feature in Festivties Magazine, this table rocks a stellar vendor list including some of our very favs.  The lemonade might be 5 cents but this table is priceless!

Pink, yellow and polka dots come together in a sunny color combo that is fresh and perfect for the season.  Add in a splash of lemon and we’re in summer love.  Lemon cupcakes, lemon macarons and adorable lemon shaped cookies!  Not to mention the lemon topped ruffle cake!  With lemonade filled mason jars, adorable ’5 cent’ cupcake toppers and a to-die-for lemonade sign… this dessert table is sure to make you smile!

Dina of  Deliciously Darling tells us more about this dessert table:

“I just love lemonade. When summer rolls around, it’s all I’m drinking. I wanted to put together a bright & summery Lemonade stand to inspire the little kid in all of us.

Shades of pink and yellow match the Frog Prince Paperie “Pink Lemonade” printable collection perfectly. Ombre paper rosettes, paper flowers and lemonade printables accent the canvas table-skirt so beautifully.

Traditional lemonade looks so adorable served in adorable pink and yellow polka-dot-cups and paper straws. Pink Lemonade is a must and looks so refreshing in mason jars with daisy lids.

Delicious goodies go hand-in-hand with the perfect glass of lemonade! From the amazing yellow ruffled cake to the little french macarons, each and every thing on this dessert table reminds me of a summer day. Other sweets included: Lemon shaped cookies, mini powdered donuts and lemon cupcakes.

I’m addicted to all things candy and wanted to include some gumballs. Packaged in little plastic milk bottles, they just look adorable.

Finally, the Pink balloon & ombre tassels just brings everything together so nicely. I just love large balloons.”

TIP from Dina:  Want to make your own lemonade stand?  I wanted this lemonade stand to be easy to make. So instead of running out and purchasing lots of lumbar and putting one together, I made a quick and easy lemonade stand with 1 sofa table, two pieces of wood and 4 zip-ties. I finished off the lemonade stand with a darling “Lemonade” banner.

VENDORS & CREDITS:
Event Design, Style, Paper decor, Hobnail vases:  Deliciously Darling
Photography:  Lauren Nicole Studios
Printables:  Frog Prince Paperie
Cupcake Toppers & Fondant Lemons:  Edible Details
Ruffle Cake:  My Sweet Things
Cookies:  Yummy Delicious Cookies by Whimsical Originals
French Macarons:  Alon’s Bakery
Balloon & Tassel:  The Flair Exchange
Yellow & Pink Cake Stands, Pink & Yellow straws, Daisy mason jar lids:  Waiting on Martha
Cupcake wrappers, pink & yellow cups, yellow napkins, gumball bottles:  Petite Party Studio
Yellow Ceramic Berry Baskets: Anthropology

If pink and gold makes your heart go pitter-patter.  If the sight of glitter makes your eyes twinkle and your face beam.  If the mere mention of ombre buttercream makes you weak at the knees… you might want to brace yourself.  Today’s gorgeous dessert table is filled with enough swoon-worthy sweets to make your heart skip a beat.  Or two.  Created by Dina Hafez-Suggs of  Deliciously Darling for a feature in Occasions Magazine, this display is simply amazing!  It’s a Valentine’s dessert bar that will have you falling head over heels in love.  Because really, All you Need is Love!  {And cake, of course!}.  Let’s take a peek…

You love it already, don’t you!  Just wait until you see all of the sparkle and shine this dessert table has to offer.  A trio of buttercream cakes takes center stage.  While frills and swirls of sweetness fill the surrounding table.  Cake pops, macarons, and hearts aplenty.  Cupcakes adorned with incredible toppers and cookies too precious to eat.  All in shades of pink, grey and shimmering gold.  Oh be still my heart!  Not to mention the most fabulous tower of donuts, ever.  You didn’t know donuts could be fabulous?  You just wait!  I think I’ll let the pictures take it from here…

Dina of  Deliciously Darling tells us more about this dessert table:

“All you need is Love – Famous words, a beautiful song, and cherished motto. I wanted to put together a romantic dessert table that would capture love. With shades of pink, gold and silver with vintage & glam touches that came together so beautifully.

Desserts in pinks, creams and chocolates came together in a delicious way. This stunning dessert table included three perfectly pipped cakes (each with their own icing technique), Pink cake pops with gold and silver details, mini sugar donuts, cupcakes with custom edible fondant toppers, whoopie pies and individual napa valley chocolate cheesecakes, chocolate covered oreos with lace detail, custom heart sugar cookies and of course perfect pink french macarons.

These desserts are stunningly displayed on JCT Kitchen’s rustic table accented with a pink runner from I Do Linens and a fun and beautiful tassel garland from The Flair Exchange.”

A huge thank you to Dina of Deliciously Darling for sharing this lovely Valentine’s Dessert Table with us today.  We are definitely smitten!

VENDORS & CREDITS:
Event Planning, Glitter Cake Stands & Dessert Styling:  Dina Hafez-Suggs of Deliciously Darling
Photography:  Lauren Nicole Studios
Trio of Cakes:  My Sweet Things
Cupcakes:  Cakes by Darcy
Fondant decor:  Lynlee Petite Cakes
Napa valley chocolate cheesecakes & whoopie pies:  Yoss Baing
Sugar Cookies:  yummy delicious cookies by whimsical originals
Chocolate covered oreos:  Sweet Temptations
French Macarons:  Alons Bakery
Cake pops:  Cake pops by Jen
Venue:  JCT Kitchen & Bar
Table Runner:  I do Linens
Rosanna cake stands & votive candle holders:  Waiting on Martha
Tassel Garland:  The Flair Exchange

I am officially signing off for a few days to spend Christmas with my family.  But before I go, I thought I’d leave you with a quick recap of our holiday cake series….  it’s been a busy month of beautiful Christmas inspiration here on The Cake Blog.  Created by some of today’s top bakers, especially to inspire you!

As I went through all twelve cakes again, I just had to stop for a moment.  I am in awe of the immense talent showcased in these twelve cakes.  It is remarkable to see how each of these incredible designers transformed their inspiration into a cake.  Each design was different yet totally amazing.  Thank you to the talented bakers who created these spectacular Christmas cakes for us!  You’ve made this cake series more beautiful than ever.

And hopefully it has inspired you to holiday cake greatness!  And made you very merry along the way!  It’s 12 bakers baking…. it’s The 12 Cakes of Christmas!  Ho, Ho, Ho!

 
The 1st Cake of Christmas :  Nostalgic Christmas Garland Cake, inspired by a holiday card.  Created by Wild Orchid Baking Company.  See it HERE.

 
The 2nd Cake of Christmas :  Golden Ornaments Cake, inspired by a holiday card pattern.  Created by AK Cake Design.  See it HERE.

 
The 3rd Cake of Christmas :  Christmas Tree Cake,  inspired by the magic of Christmas.  Created by Dream Day Cakes.  See it HERE.

 
The 4th Cake of Christmas :  Winter White Flowers, inspired by a Chanel gown.  Created by Hey There, Cupcake!  See it HERE.

 
The 5th Cake of Christmas :  Gift Tags & Mistletoe Cake, inspired by a DIY Christmas.  Created by Erica O’Brien.  See it HERE.

 
The 6th Cake of Christmas :  Shimmering Sequins Cake, inspired by a Jenny Packham gown.  Created by Intricate Icings.  See it HERE.

 
The 7th Cake of Christmas :  Star of Christmas Cake, inspired by the true meaning of Christmas.  Created by Jessica Harris.  See it HERE.

 
The 8th Cake of Christmas :  Golden Pear Cake, inspired by holiday glamor.  Created by The Pastry Studio.  See it HERE.

 
The 9th Cake of Christmas :  Rustic Whimsy Christmas Cake, inspired by holiday burlap.  Created by Pink Cake Box.  See it HERE.

 
The 10th Cake of Christmas :  Australian Bush Christmas, inspired by Australia’s rich heritage.  Created by Blissfully Sweet.  See it HERE.

 
The 11th Cake of Christmas :  Vintage Santa Cake, inspired by cozy childhood Christmas memories.  Created by Three Little Blackbirds.  See it HERE.

 
The 12th Cake of Christmas :  Glittering Winter Owl Cake, inspired by a Christmas ornament.  Created by Avalon Cakes.  See it HERE.

 
And of course we can’t forget the incredible tutorials and recipes!  Sugar Mistletoe from Petalsweet.  Present Cake Pops from Bakerella.  Peppermint Cupcakes for Santa from Crave.Indulge.Satisfy.  And these super easy Mini Truffle Tarts.    Plus this gorgeous Printable Baking Chart by Paper & Pigtails.

A ginormous thank you to all of the talented individuals who made this month exceptionally merry!    It is such a joy to blog about beautiful cakes and tasty recipes each day…. and such an honor to feature cakes as spectacular as these.

As we head into the holiday week, I want to wish each of you a very happy and healthy Christmas.  From my kitchen to yours….I am tremendously grateful for your readership.  And for the friendships I’ve made with so many of you over the years.  For each post you read, each comment you leave and each ‘LIKE’ you click…. Thank You!  To the talented bakers who share their designs, recipes and DIY’s with us…. Thank You!  To the creative peeps who share their parties with us and the generous vendors who sponsor this site…. Thank You!  Your continued interest and support is what keeps this blog afloat.

May your next week be full of love, joy and laughter… and many, many sweet treats!  Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

	Carrie Sellman is the Founder & Editor of The Cake Blog. Her work has been published in BRIDES Magazine, The Bride and Bloom, on DIYnetwork.com, TLC’s Parentables and more. Read more about Carrie on her bio page.

With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it’s nice to slow down for a moment and do something special for your friends and loved ones.  One of the most classic ways to show we care is to give the gift of baked goods!  Because really, who doesn’t appreciate a sweet homemade treat?  So today some of my blogging and baking friends are swapping cookies… virtually!  And can you guess the best part?  You’ll enjoy six new recipes to add to your holiday baking list.  Plus some creative packaging ideas for gifting!  It’s a Virtual Holiday Cookie Exchange!!

My recipe is sort of a cookie, but more like a mini tart.  I know, I know.  It’s a cookie exchange!!  {I almost made a cake but figured that was one step too far… I’m not a rule breaker!}  But trust me, these are delicious.  I wanted to do something that was both beautiful and impressive, but most importantly quick.  We are all so short on time, especially during the month of December!  Me included!  These little minis are like a chocolate truffle but with less steps.  The crispy tart-like shell is made of pure dark chocolate and provides the snap you normally get from the outside of a truffle.  The filling is a creamy and smooth chocolate ganache, just like a traditional truffle center.  Topped with pistachios, peppermints or any crunch topping of your choosing!  It’s a super simple, no bake, decadently delicious Chocolate Truffle Mini Tart!

Seriously!  If you love chocolate, this one’s for you!  Although it’s ‘mini’ in terms of a traditional tart, it is equivalent to two (maybe three) regular truffles.  But hey, it’s Christmas.  And nothing spreads joy like chocolate.  Lots and lots of chocolate!

Top with chopped pistachios to give them a festive green shade and a nice salty crunch.  Or top with chopped peppermints for a traditional holiday combo.  I like the soft mint kind.  Really, any crunchy topping would work.  During my officially taste testing, I personally liked the pretzel topping best.  Chopped toffee bars or fleur de sel would be excellent as well.

To package them up, I found this adorable wooden crate in the clearance section at Target.  Since it’s not intended for food use, I lined each section with unbleached parchement paper to protect my ‘cookies’.  Then I wrapped the box with red baker’s twine (from The TomKat Studio) and tied with a kraft tag.

CHOCOLATE TRUFFLE MINI TARTS
a recipe by Carrie Sellman
(makes 24)

Ingredients:

• 12 oz Dark Chocolate
• 12 oz Semisweet Chocolate
• 12 oz Milk Chocolate
• 12 oz Heavy Cream
• 2 Tablespoons prepared coffee, cooled (or liquor of choice)
• Assorted toppings (chopped peppermints, pistachios, pretzels, etc)

STEP 1 : In a microwavable bowl, melt dark chocolate.  Heat for 30 seconds on 50% power.  Stir.  Repeat until chocolate is melted, smooth and shiny.

STEP 2 :  Using a flexible silicon cupcake pan, scoop 1 tablespoon of melted chocolate into each cavity.  Using a brush, paint the entire cavity with melted chocolate.  Pop into refrigerator for 10 minutes while making ganache.

STEP 3 : In another microwaveable bowl, combine semisweet chocolate, milk chocolate and cream.  Heat for 30 seconds on 50% power.  Stir.  Repeat until chocolate is completely melted and mixed with cream.  Stir in coffee.  This chocolate ganache will be smooth and shiny.

STEP 4 : Pull chocolate cups out of the fridge.  Pour enough ganache into each cavity to almost fill the entire cup.  Top with chopped peppermints, pistachios, pretzels, etc.

STEP 5 : Refrigerate 2 hours or until the entire cup is solid.  Gently remove from baking mold.  Store in refrigerator until ready to serve.

BAKERS NOTES : This process goes much faster if you happen to have two silicon baking molds.  You’ll be finished with all 24 tarts before you know it!  If you don’t have a silicon mold, you can also use a regular muffin tin lined with candy wrappers.   This will give you a slightly different final appearance but will taste equally as delicious.  And while this recipe was written for a holiday cookie exchange, it is an easy go-to recipe any time of year.  Simply swap out the toppings to customize it for the occasion.  Anytime of year is a good time for chocolate!  Enjoy!

Thank you to the wonderful ladies participating in this Virtual Holiday Cookie Exchange!!  Be sure to hop over and check out the incredible recipes they are sharing today as well!

• Jenn at Hostess with the Mostess
• Glory at Glorious Treats
• Marian at Sweetopia
• Kim at The TomKat Studio
• Jessica at Pen N’ Paperflowers

Wishing you oodles of holiday baking and memory making!  Remember… The 12 Cakes of Christmas continues on today and throughout the month of December!  Don’t miss today’s cake.  The 2nd Cake of Christmas goes up soon!

	Carrie Sellman is the Founder & Editor of The Cake Blog. Her work has been published in BRIDES Magazine, The Bride and Bloom, on DIYnetwork.com, TLC’s Parentables and more. Read more about Carrie on her bio page.

I’ve been dying to share this shower with you for months!  You may remember that back in JUNE, I mentioned that my family was hosting a baby for my sister who was expecting her first child.  My sweet little niece, Addison, was born in July and is now almost four months old!  It’s about time for me to share this shower!  It debuted earlier today on Hostess with the Mostess (yay!) and I’m thrilled to share some additional images and details with you now.

For those of you who are loyal Half Baked readers, you might recall how excited I was about my little sister’s wedding.  Numerous inspiration boards, a bridal shower, photos from the actual day… well fast forward almost two years and my sister was becoming a mommy!  Of course we were going to throw her a shower!  It was a fun collaboration of efforts between four of us, all living in different cities.  My older sister, the two grandmothers-to-be and myself.  Planning everything from afar can be tricky but with countless phone calls, emails and photos exchanged, we somehow managed to pull it off.  Best of all, we were thrilled to celebrate Ashley and welcome Baby Bray with this Elephants on Parade Baby Shower.

After much discussion, we decided to base the theme on the baby bedding for the nursery.  It’s a fun and vibrant combination of elephants and polka dots.  We wanted the shower to be inspired by the nursery but with our own modern twist.  The color scheme was black and white with pops of pink.  We incorporated numerous different patterns with big dots, little swiss dots and stripes.  And of course – oodles of elephants!!

I designed the invitation and we went from there.  The elephants, with their long trunks and polka dot ears, are my rendition of the elephant on the crib bedding.  The back of the invite featured black and white polka dots with a pink stripe reading ‘Welcome Baby Bray’.  (My sister kept the baby’s first name, Addison, a secret until her birth.)

Guest arrived to a front porch lined with black, white and pink flag bunting and a welcome sign featuring the whimsical black elephants.  Little did they know, but those black elephants were on parade inside the house!  From the desserts to the presents and games, elephants everywhere!

Cupcakes were topped with charming fondant toppers by Brittany at Edible Details who recreated our elephant and polka dots perfectly!  Aren’t they just adorable?  My favorite picture from the whole shower is my sister holding a cupcake over her baby bump!  Only my sister would be willing to put up with me zooming in to get just the right picture!

My older sister, Jennifer, crafted a coordinating diaper cake which created a playful centerpiece for the living room along with much discussion about it’s fabulousness!  We had such a hard time getting a good picture of it but let’s just say that many of the guests thought it was a real cake!  Additional flag bunting wrapped the front table where guests dropped off their gifts while signing the baby book and grabbing a matching name tag.  A plush toy elephant and soft blocks, custom made by Little Sidekick in funky black and white fabrics, added an extra touch of decor and a gift for my niece to keep!

Of course, I designed the cake with it’s sassy cupcake liner flower. {A tutorial on how to make this flower is coming your way soon…}  Additional desserts included meringue cookies, cream puffs, mint truffles and cheesecake shooters (recipe here). Lime Tea Punch and lemon water was served to wash it all down.

To help balance the sugar rush, we served up portions of mixed nuts and white cheddar popcorn in paper cones.  Baby Addison’s Grandpa even got into the shower spirit and made custom stands for the popcorn cones.  Like I said, this was a team planning event!

It was such a great day, showering Ashley with love and well wishes as we welcomed her sweet baby girl.  A huge thank you to Jennifer, Sheila and Sunny for all of their help with this shower.  From the countless planning emails to the shopping, baking, sewing and crafting…  I think we make a pretty good team!

Thanks to Jenn at Hostess with the Mostess for featuring our Elephants on Parade Baby Shower!  You can see and read more about it in her post HERE.

VENDORS & CREDITS:
Party Styling:  Carrie Sellman of Half Baked
Invitation & Paper Goods:  Half Baked on Etsy
Fondant Cupcake Toppers:  Edible Details
Decorated Sugar Cookies:  The Cookie Jar
Diaper Cake:  Jennifer Niehoff
Plush Elephant & Baby Blocks:  Little Sidekick
Cake:  Carrie Sellman of Half Baked

	Carrie Sellman is the Founder & Editor of The Cake Blog. Her work has been published in BRIDES Magazine, The Bride and Bloom, on DIYnetwork.com, TLC’s Parentables and more. Read more about Carrie on her bio page.

Obviously, I like to bake.  But around the holidays there are so many other things to do!  So I understand that whipping up batches of Christmas cookies is not only time consuming, but can be overwhelming.  That’s why I love the idea hosting a Christmas Cookie Exchange.  It’s a great excuse to get together with your girlfriends.  And when the party is over, you’ll have a nice selection of cookies to take home with you.

Here’s how it works.  Each guest brings one type of cookie, then you swap!  Ask everyone to bring one dozen cookies per attendee, plus one extra to eat during the party.  As the hostess, you’ll supply a large table to lay out the goods, and be sure to keep the milk and coffee flowing.  You can find a detailed checklist to help plan your cookie exchange on Real Simple.  Now, for some cookie recipes to get you started: