By a Pro: Gourmet Lollipops | Unusual Dessert Table Food Ideas

the idea

From peach cobbler and apple pie, to coffee caramel or pumpkin spice latte, these unusually-flavored gourmet lollipops mean they’re not just for kids

pumpkin spice latter flavor gourmet lollipop

the how

Choose flavors (typically sold in packs of 10)
Choose from basic or custom labels
For custom labels, choose from a range of designs
Provide names, dates, or any custom text for labels

gourmet flavored lollipops on a party dessert table

the why

This Idea

Original; guests are often impressed by, and grateful for, something new or different
Entertaining; quirky and unexpected treats / flavors are fun for guests
Surprising; unexpected treats / flavors ensure your dessert table feels fresh and exciting
Experiential; tasting strange, unconventional, or adventurous treats / flavor combinations creates a memorable experience for party guests
Unusual; whether they love it or hate it, they certainly won’t be bored by it
Creative; adds a creative twist to familiar or everyday treats and ‘filler’ items
Refreshing; unusual flavors can make less special treats more appealing
Wow-factor; lends a fun, exciting, and innovative feel to your dessert table
Discovery; allows guests to keep discovering new and notable elements as party unfolds
Talking point; guests will discuss and share, which creates buzz and atmosphere
Memorable; guests remember creative, unusual, or unexpected elements
Different; a less common dessert table treat to impress guests
Bestseller; an idea that’s proved popular with many of my site’s visitors

strawberry lemonade flavor gourmet lollipops with custom name stickers for a baby shower party

the why

variety of dessert table treats

Feeding v Entertaining; special event party food should have two objectives:
Feeding; 70% should be crowd-pleasing, familiar, and palatable ‘safe’ options intended to leave guests feeling well-fed
Entertaining; 30% should be to treat your guests, surprise them, indulge them, impress them, share experiences with them, and even help them discover new things
Unusual; 10% of that 30% should be quirky, unfamiliar, adventurous, fun treats that get people talking
Visual; 10% of that 30% should be visually arresting treats that contribute to presentation and add wow factor
Favorite things; 10% of that 30% should be treats that reflect your own personality and taste

ADVICE FROM A PRO

Matt’s tip

“Generally, I usually advise against doing candy-buffet style treats on dessert tables.

All those apothecary jars filled with color co-ordinated candy might look good, but they’re not actually very popular with party guests; there’s always tons leftover or even untouched.

However, candy treats do often prove popular if you subvert expectations by offering something new, different, or unusual; especially when it comes to flavors.

Treats like these pique guests’ curiosity and encourages them to see what it might taste like.

They also create talking points, which generates buzz and atmosphere, and that is ultimately what makes a party successful.

Check out my separate posts on Cake Pop Walls and Cake Pop Stands for creative ways to display them on your dessert table.“