Party Dessert Outdoor Game Taking Care

Party Dessert Outdoor Game Taking Care
Proving less can be so much more, these oh-so sweet mini dessert recipes make the best ideas for all parties from cocktails to bridal showers.
'Tis the season for baby showers, bridal showers , weddings, celebrations and other fun gatherings. You know, events where you are noshing on nibbles while you chitchat with your family and friends. It's these types of occasions where you would love to have tables lined with mini dessert recipes and pint-sized sweets to feed a crowd, and these 24 mini desserts that are perfect for parties.
When I go to a party, I prefer to graze around the appetizer table. It's so much easier to catch up with everyone that way, versus when you're walking around with a big plate weighed down with a full meal. Plus, little bites mean you get to sample more! I think the same applies for dessert too. Why have one big slice of cake when you can have a petite parfait, a tiny tart, a cute cake , a dainty donut and well, I think you know where I am going with this. Plus, there are lots of mini dessert recipes in shot glasses and mini dessert cups recipes, since these trendy treats are taking over TikTok and Pinterest food trends lately.
These mini desserts are beyond pretty and most are easy to make. I especially love the Reese's Peanut Butter Cookie Cups, Mini Rocky Road Donuts, Strawberry Shortcake No-Bake Mini Cheesecakes, Mini Caramel Popcorn Ball Pops, S'Mores Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups and more. And there are lots of options here to please every palate, whether you're a chocolate lover, fruit fanatic or candy connoisseur.
So get ready to plan your parties, soirées and menus with this collection of mini desserts recipes.
You have to admit, these Strawberry Mousse Parfaits are way more fun than a Strawberry Mousse Cake would be. And you can always sneak off to the kitchen and grab another few when nobody is looking. Get the recipe HERE!
No-Bake Nutella Cheesecake Shooters are simple and rich, with that irresistable combination of chocolate and hazelnut paired with a light cheesecake layer. Get the recipe HERE!
Chocolate and peanut butter is always a good idea, so everyone will love Reese's Peanut Butter Cookie Cups. Get the recipe HERE!
Mini Sugar Cookie Fruit Pizzas are a gorgeous fruit tart in a handheld size. Get the recipe HERE!
Strawberry Shortcake No-Bake Mini Cheesecakes are simple and gorgeous. See if you can eat just one! Get the recipe HERE!
Lemon Meringue Pie Fudge delivers all the flavor the classic pie in a sweet little candy bite. Get the recipe HERE!
I don't know if dessert can get any more fun than these Mini Caramel Apples. Get the recipe HERE!
Get your hands on these Nutella and Cherry Hand Pies. Get the recipe HERE!
Mini Lemon Bundt Cakes are packed with lemon flavor in one bitty Bundt. Get the recipe HERE!
S'Mores Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups are your favorite summertime treat, but with no campfire required. Get the recipe HERE!
Coconut Cream Pie Cookie Cups have layers of creamy coconut goodness. Get the recipe HERE!
This light and minty Grasshopper Mousse is totally swoon-worthy. Get the recipe HERE!
Ice cream isn't a dessert you can leave out at a party, so make these Mini Rocky Road Donuts instead. Get the recipe HERE!
Who wouldn't love to munch on Mini Caramel Popcorn Ball Pops? Get the recipe HERE!
Mini Orange Tarts with a simple filling and light whipped cream topping are easy and impressive. Get the recipe HERE!
Mini Cannoli Cups take a classic-but-labor-intensive dessert and make them cute and easy. Get the recipe HERE!
You won't believe the indulgent flavors in these Mini Irish Cream Cheesecakes are actually healthier. Get the recipe HERE!
A perfect flavor combination is even more irresistable in these Mini Blueberry and Meyer Lemon Cream Pies. Get the recipe HERE!
Boston Cream Pie Bites are a small treat with big flavor. Get the recipe HERE!
Turn your favorite homemade or storebought cookie dough into an elegant sweet treat like these Berry Cheesecake Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups. Get the recipe HERE!
When you have last-minute guests, it takes no time to whip up these fancy 2-Ingredient Nutella Puffs. Get the recipe HERE!
Butterscotch Budino is an unforgettable ending to a meal. Get the recipe HERE!
Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes are a tiny version of a creamy and pumpkin-y favorite. Get the recipe HERE!
Black Forest Brownie Bites turn the classic cake into a fudgy little treat. Get the recipe HERE!

Holidays & Entertaining

Entertaining

Birthdays

Birthday Party Themes

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Throw an outdoor party on a budget—without anyone knowing! We have inexpensive ideas for paper decorations, easy snack ideas, and even a fun dip-dye technique that transforms dollar-store napkins into perfect backyard party accessories.

To save money on your backyard bash, don't let anything go to waste. This DIY watermelon centerpiece uses your leftover watermelon rind to make a big statement. To make it, hollow out the fruit and add the juicy watermelon to your food spread—then fill the hollow rind with soaked floral foam ($4, Michaels ) and fresh flowers.

Skip the expensive florist and opt for locally-grown blooms instead. Save time and money by shopping at your local farmers market ; flower farms typically have gorgeous, uncommon blooms for a fraction of the cost. Plus, these booths usually have pre-made bouquets for sale, so you can take them straight from the market to your party.

There's nothing like cold ice cream in the summer, and a DIY sundae bar is one of our favorite outdoor party ideas. Give each guest a small jar of ice cream and set out an assortment of tasty (and inexpensive!) toppings like sprinkles, chocolate chips, and candy so everyone can make their own sundae. Pre-scoop the ice cream into jars and leave them in the freezer until party time.

Every party needs a drink station, but fancy cocktails can get expensive fast. Instead, put together a self-serve station of homemade sangria—made with inexpensive wine and in-season fruits. With these fresh and fruity sangria recipes , no one will ever know you used the cheap stuff as the base!

By focusing your party on a few snacks and a simple color scheme executed with patterned paper and pretty, inexpensive napkins, you can throw an low-budget outdoor party that looks completely coordinated. Dollar stores typically sell party supplies in solid colors, so pick a shade and supplement with black or white accessories.

When watermelon is in season, it's a relatively inexpensive (and filling!) treat. Build your own summer watermelon bar by serving cut melon with all the toppings you can imagine. Salt is a popular choice, but you can add spices and herbs to the setup for a creative food spread that's easy and delicious.

Host a backyard burger bash and put together a spread of hamburgers and toppings that feels elaborate enough for a party, but won't empty your wallet. Invite friends or neighbors and let them know you'll supply the burgers and the grill if they'll bring a side or topping. Plus, this outdoor party is casual enough for paper plates, which is totally a win in our book.

Make an adorable DIY ring toss game for just a few dollars using plastic tubing, wood, and paint. It's seriously easy to make, and you can customize it with whatever colors you like.

Create an elaborate outdoor party decoration for just a couple of dollars. Make your own DIY tissue paper poms and hang them with clear fishing line ($4, Walmart ). Use strands of poms to dress up the buffet area or hang them on a blank wall to create a festive photo backdrop.

One of the easiest ways to save money on entertaining is to declare a summer potluck ! When you extend the invitation, ask each person to bring a side, dessert, or drinks; by asking each person to bring something specific, you can be sure you'll have enough of everything.

Hang these large fold-em-up paper medallions over the featured table to create a more intimate atmosphere. Match them to your color scheme and vary the size—they're sure to be a conversation starter! Our easy instructions and free pattern makes it so easy to put these together.

Snow cones are the ultimate summer cold treat, and since they're just made from ice and syrup, they're an affordable treat for a crowd. Make a batch of fruity snow cones , or take a grown-up party up a notch with our boozy snow cones .

When it comes to outdoor party decorations, nothing is better than free! If you grow seasonal summer flowers in your yard, use them to decorate your outdoor gathering. You can even give the freshly-cut blooms as party favors to guests as they leave the party.

Every outdoor summer gathering needs a cold treat! Make DIY nostalgic treats by sandwiching ice cream between a batch of our favorite chocolate chip cookies. Keep the treats in the freezer until you're ready to serve dessert.

Sip on the cheap! Disguise an inexpensive bottle of wine with our personalized wine wrap. This backyard party idea also helps the wine fit in with the color scheme.

Accordion-folded fans keep you cool and make colorful decorations. Stick them in a box filled with sand for a DIY party centerpiece.

Give jars a bright makeover with a quick coat of transparent paint. Mix and match shades for easy (and inexpensive!) mood lighting.

Basic bandannas make a beautiful table runner for an outdoor party when layered with grocery-store flowers. We love a combo of crisp white and blue.

Watermelon is in season and on sale. Blend with white grape juice, lime, and mint for a refreshingly sweet summer drink at your next backyard party.

Send guests home from an outdoor party with a jar of homemade maple mustard and they'll be thanking you all grilling-season long.

Your guests will gobble up this salty-sweet blend. Make this big-batch recipe for an inexpensive snack at your outdoor party. It can be customized with any nut you like!

Pantry staples like pasta, eggs, and mayo make for one amazing pasta salad. Make it up to six hours before party time and chill until ready to serve.

Who says brownies have to be basic? Beat the box with our incredible peanut butter bars. Inexpensive ingredients will deliver a big "wow" at your backyard party.

Use our easy-peasy dip-dye technique to jazz up basic cloth napkins. The same $10 technique works to create a cotton table runner or place mats.

1. Follow the package directions for fabric dye. Add 2 cups warm water to each of 3 deep bowls (stainless steel or glass). Add 1 cup dye solution to the first bowl; ½ cup solution to the second; ¼ cup solution to the third.

2. Dip a folded white cotton napkin into the weakest dye solution, leaving the top section undyed. Leave in solution about 15-30 seconds. Squeeze to drain excess dye. Continue by dipping napkin at a lesser depth in each of the heavier solutions to achieve an ombre effect.

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summer party drinks and flower decorations
Plan the alfresco soirée of the season with these fun ideas for decorating, serving bites and beverages, and entertaining all summer long.
summer party drinks and flower decorations
Create a space where everyone will be comfortable. Collapsible chairs are lightweight and easy to maneuver once the party is over. Choose a collection in a hue that complements your dinnerware for some seamless outdoor party décor.

sweet laurel retreat hanging orange wreath
outdoor picnic table under tree by wooden fence
Pasta Salad with Green Beans and Basil
Keep your serving simple with cups of vegetables to serve as a healthy side for your summertime party. Fill up on the produce in cups over ice to keep them cool and refreshing.

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27 of Our Favorite Outdoor Party Ideas
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Gathering family and friends in your backyard for an outdoor party is a surefire way to have a good time. Whether you're a seasoned party planner or are throwing your first summertime soirée , our favorite recipes and decoration ideas will help you take your event to the next level.
Nothing sets the scene for an outdoor party like a few festive decorations . Whether you're hosting a daytime extravaganza or gathering loved ones for a nighttime bash, good lighting is key . Incorporate column lights around the food table or place tiki torches along the entrance of your outdoor party to guide guests towards the fun in a thematic way. Place terra-cotta decorative bowls with your favorite flowers throughout for an extra pop of color.
No party is complete without a delicious menu, so you'll want to curate a great selection of food and drinks. Greet guests with a DIY sangria bar . It's easy and quick, allowing everyone to make their own drink to their liking. Simply place spirit-infused chopped fruit in bowls alongside pitchers of red and white wine and cold seltzer or chilled fruit juice. Another crowd-friendly drink option is to make a big-batch signature cocktail that guests can serve themselves—we recommend a margarita for the warmer months. Also make sure to have snacks on deck—like pretzels pictured here—in easy-to-grab packaging.
Next up is the food. Serve your meal of choice with our fresh tomato and beet salad for a nutritious side. Finish off the soirée with lemon-spice ice cream sandwiches —they'll help guests cool off after spending hours en plein air .
Intersperse potted plants around the party area. Add decorative touches in the same earthy material like napkin rings, vases, and incense holders. This simple mold-by-hand clay creates gorgeous tableware that will work both indoors and outdoors as party décor.
Create a space where everyone will be comfortable. Collapsible chairs are lightweight and easy to maneuver once the party is over. Choose a collection in a hue that complements your dinnerware for some seamless outdoor party décor.
Create your own wreath from household and garden items. Hang the wreath from a tree to add some color to your outdoor party.
Outdoor furniture doesn't have to be uncomfortable. Bring items from your patio to the grass and have a feast amongst nature. It's an easy party setup that doesn't require much additional décor to wow.
Add festive lighting to your party space with tiki torches. Anchor them in gravel-filled, galvanized-steel flower buckets ($36.99, wayfair.com ) , and have yourself a tropical night. To anchor the torches, position flower buckets on level ground for stability. Hold one torch upright in each bucket and fill the bucket with garden gravel to about three inches from the rim. The containers are then heavy enough to support the lit torches safely as they burn.
This summertime fabric is the perfect fit for a DIY project and a stylish addition to your outdoor parties. Line your trays, create tablecloths, or napkins to create one-of-a-kind details throughout your event.
Incorporate canvas throughout your outdoor seating and décor. Whether you create a cooling umbrella for some extra shade or table settings, canvas can be your go-to fabric for effortless appeal.
For a nighttime party, light columns add an intimate feel to your space while also serving as a great source of light.
Your party seating shouldn't sacrifice comfort. Upgrade your outdoor arrangement with chic knotted cushions that combine bohemian style with fluffy accents.
Invite guests to your soirée with melt-proof invitations. Print the clip-art onto a sheet of vellum. spray adhesive on a blank sheet of vellum, and adhere it to reverse side of printed sheet. Rip two strips of pale-pink glassine (to cover the top third of each pop shape), and one strip of dark-pink glassine roughly twice as wide; arrange them as shown. Secure the strips to vellum with spray adhesive. Write in party information. Cut out pops. Sandwich sticks between cut-outs, and glue together with glue stick. Repeat for more invitations. Print clip art for the "sprinkle" envelope labels on self-adhesive paper; write in addresses, and affix to glassine envelopes.
Shop Now: Recollections Clear Vellum Paper, 8.5" by 11", $16, michaels.com .
We love a make-your-own sangria bar for outdoor parties. Not only will guests get to enjoy tasty drinks, but the service style also frees you up from bartending work. Make some of your favorites—like Stone Fruit Sangria or Summer Fruit Sangria —to serve up for your festivities.
Waterproof your bamboo serving trays with oil cloth and a chic pattern to catch the eye of everyone in sight while keeping your platter in tip-top shape.
Complete your meals with nutritious and tasty side dishes. As delicious as it is colorful, this recipe takes advantage of the season's freshest produce. Red beets and heirloom tomatoes create a rainbow side.
This summer salad is a delicious addition to your outdoor party, and it's a winner with vegetarians and carnivores, alike. Farfalle is paired with fresh green beans, chickpeas, red onion, and salty capers for a savory dish.
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Party Dessert Outdoor Game Taking Care

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