By a Pro: Treat Cups | Dessert Table Presentation Ideas

the idea

Portion loose snacks and candy by serving in individual ‘grab and go’ treat cups for guests to nibble on while mingling

party treats served in individual treat cups

the how

Use to portion loose or savory snacks (for diabetics or those on a low-sugar diet), such as gourmet sweet popcorn, gourmet savory popcorn, boozy liquor popcorn, wasabi peas, pretzels, trail mix, nuts, fruit, cheese cubes and crackers, candy, freeze-dried ice cream, or freeze-dried candy
Alternatively, fill with ‘wet’ desserts, such as mousse, pudding, Jell-O, fruit, yogurt and granola, parfait, panna cotta, or anything served with sauce

pretzels served in individual treat cups alongside lemonade served in a milk bottle

the why

This Idea

Embellish; makes simple, basic, filler, or store-bought desserts feel more special
Portion Size; controls portion size to help you budget, estimate quantities, reduce over-consumption and avoid running out
Uniformity; ensures any homemade treats made by friends and family still fit with your event concept, theme, or color scheme
Time saving; allows you to prepare portions in advance ready to serve
Mobility; allows guests to hold treats in individual containers and eat more easily while standing, chatting, or mingling
Congestion; allows guests to ‘grab and go’ to reduce lines and congestion around the dessert table
Layout; helps achieve the three simple rules for layout; groups, rows, and levels (see my dessert table layout page)
Creative; adds a creative twist to familiar or everyday treats, such as popcorn and pretzels
Inexpensive; a cost-effective party idea that won’t blow your budget

ice cream served in individual personalized treat cups

the why

dessert table styling & presentation

Spectacle; turns a food table into a display and creates a visual spectacle that contributes to the overall room decor
Aesthetically appealing; entices by creating a feast for the eyes
Special occasions should feel special; presentation makes party food look and feel less everyday
Elegant; lends your event an elegant and sophisticated touch
Professional; gives your dessert table a professionally-styled look
Memorable; guests remember creative, unusual, or unexpected styling and decoration
Photo-worthy; a great photo-op for guests share and tag on social media
Clear Up; high quality disposables can be thrown in the trash (or recycling) when finished to reduce post-event clearing and cleaning

personalized treat cups for weddings and events

ADVICE FROM A PRO

Matt’s tip

“These disposable treat cups are an easy way way to give your dessert table a neat and stylish look by presenting loose treats in individual portions.

To reduce lines at the dessert table, make these ‘grab & go’ by serving with a disposable wood or plastic spoon sticking out of the cup or tied to it with ribbon or twine.

To personalize, add a custom sticker with your event name and/or a photo of the guest of honor or check out some of the custom printed options available in different colors and patterns (see links below).

You could also make these more special by using personalized disposable spoons / forks printed with your event name (see links below).”