How to Create an Easy Holiday Dessert Buffet

Early December means holiday gatherings are in full-swing! Are you hosting or will you be a guest this season? Today I wanted to share a few tips on how to create an easy holiday dessert buffet this Christmas season, and how you need not be an expert baker to have the tastiest dessert bar on the block! 

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With each year in our home, I’ve loved getting to use my dining room for the holidays. Whether it be creating tablescapes (see my 2020 Christmas tablescape here), styling the bar cart or using our buffet as a serving table, I’ve found ample ways to maximize the decorating and use of our dining area. Regardless of if you have a buffet in your dining room or not, you can create an easy holiday dessert buffet with some of my tips.

The one thing I 100% stand behind, is that hostessing should not be a cause for anxiety! If you have some tried-and-true pieces of serveware and know of some spots to pick up delicious treats, you can save both time and keep the stress at bay when creating your dessert buffet.

Juliska makes some of my favorite tableware and gifts for the home! I initially discovered the brand while registering for our wedding and have been hooked on it ever since. Their signature Berry & Thread collection has become a quick favorite, and I’m slowly adding to my collection. What I love about Juliska is their pieces are not only classic, but stand the test of time. I know they’re a worthwhile investment and something I can use for years to come.

So here are a few tips and tricks I tend to go by when hostessing. Following the below tips make the how to create an easy holiday dessert buffet, a whole lot easier!

Have a game plan 

Where are you going to have your dessert buffet? Do you need to setup a table or move a piece of furniture out of the room? These are all questions a hostess needs to think through before executing the festivities.

For me, I know that my buffet serves as a nice spot to station items that can be grabbed before, after or during dinner. In my case, guests can literally stand up from the table, walk a few feet to the dessert bar and then sit back down without leaving the room.

When I host, I love keeping as much as possible in the dining room (i.e. wine, extra water or desserts) so the conversation doesn’t get broken up by the need to excuse oneself to go to the kitchen.

Fresh flowers are a must 

The one thing I don’t skimp on when hosting – fresh flowers. I like to think of myself as quite savvy when it comes to picking and choosing flowers and creating arrangements (read my tips for a 5-minute simple DIY flower arrangement here).

Trader Joe’s is my go-to for flowers; their prices can’t be beat and their freshness is great. I love to grab smaller bouquets and greens for filler to make my own unique arrangements. A small vase of flowers can really change the look of an entire dessert buffet without breaking the bank!

Plus, using leftover flowers or greens to decorate your cake plate or pie platter, really elevate the entire look.

Don’t be afraid to outsource desserts 

While I love to bake, sometimes it just isn’t in the cards to do dinner, host and create items for my dessert bar. Kudos to you amazing wonder women who do everything!

I’ve personally found a few spots here in Houston that I keep up my sleeve for when I need tasty and beautiful desserts. Again, Trader Joe’s is one of those spots that has so many things, at low prices and they’re delicious. I picked up the berry tart and mini opera cakes from TJ’s.

If you’re local to Houston, I absolutely love MHCO Bakery, not only is she a family friend, but she’s extremely talented. Her cookies, cupcakes and custom cakes are delicious (she created a beautiful Thanksgiving cake for use a few years ago). Place an online order for custom orders!

For some delicious pie this holiday season, head to Houston’s Flying Saucer Pie Company. But be warned, they sell out fast!

Plate as much as you can prior to guests arriving

As long as your dessert items don’t run the risk of melting, you should be able to plate as much as possible prior to guests arriving. That way you can create your dessert buffet beforehand and enjoy the gathering.

Again, I can’t emphasize enough how helpful it is to have reliable serveware that you can use for a number of different items, like cakes, pies or mini-desserts. Plus, plating the berry tart ahead of time, also allowed me to style the cake plate with some leftover floral pieces. Not only do the added florals add a beautiful touch, but it also makes the berry tart look that much more appetizing!