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As a mom of three, now fully immersed in the elementary school stage, I’ve walked through the whirlwind of pregnancy, baby showers, and all the sweet (and sometimes chaotic) moments that come with welcoming a little one. I also have a niece and nephew, and of course, I’m the honorary auntie to so many of my friends’ kids. So when it comes to baby showers, I’ve seen, experienced, and learned a thing or two about what makes them extra special!
One of my absolute favorite parts of any shower? The dessert table! There’s something magical about creating a beautiful, sweet-filled display that not only wows guests but also feels personal and celebratory. Whether you’re planning a luxury baby shower, a DIY gathering, or something in between, a candy and dessert bar adds charm, color, and a touch of indulgence to the celebration.
In this guide, I’m sharing tips, inspiration, and must-have essentials for creating a baby shower dessert table that’s as delightful as the mom-to-be. Plus, I’ll be linking to some of my favorite finds on Amazon and Benable so you can shop all the best supplies and decor in one place!
1. Pick a Theme & Color Palette
Before diving into the desserts, decide on a theme or color scheme. Are you celebrating a baby boy, a baby girl, or keeping it gender-neutral? With so many Pinterest-worthy ideas out there, it can feel overwhelming, so narrowing it down early helps streamline the planning process.
It also helps to think about the mom-to-be. What does she love? Is there something that represents her personality? What time of year is the shower taking place? For my sister’s first baby shower, we went with an outdoor citrus “Cutie” theme. It was during the second half of the pandemic, so being outside felt like the best option, and since it was summer, a light, fresh theme made perfect sense. That one decision shaped the entire shower, making every other choice easier!
Here are a few theme ideas to consider:
Classic "It’s a Boy" or "It’s a Girl" – It might seem obvious or unoriginal, but if you're already feeling overwhelmed by planning, sometimes sticking with the tried-and-true is the best decision. Think soft blues, pinks, pastels, or even a modern twist with sage green or blush. Lately, I’ve been loving pale yellow as the new "it" color for a gender-neutral celebration.
Luxury Baby Shower – Focus on quality over quantity. I'd rather spend on a stunning custom dessert than a throwaway favor. Guests will remember how you made them feel. Consider a signature drink, a custom handmade cookie, hand towels before eating, or fresh blooms from a local farmers market.
DIY & Budget-Friendly – Chalkboards are a great, affordable way to add custom signage. You can also easily make a small balloon garland with an Amazon kit. Fresh-cut flowers from your garden or simple bud vases can be just as impactful as large professional arrangements. Grandma’s homemade pound cake will always be more appreciated than a fancy two-tier cake from the bakery.
Whimsical & Creative – Think outside the box with themes like a Storybook Baby, citrus and sunshine, woodland bears, boho florals, or even a popcorn-popping station for a fun, interactive touch.
Pro Tip: Use what you have to make the celebration more meaningful. Does the grandmother have old baby clothes, baby shoes, or a hospital bracelet? These sentimental items can be incorporated into decor—whether it's on the dessert table, in a centerpiece, or at the guestbook area for everyone to sign their congratulations. See my own example below.
2. The Sweet Stuff: Best Candy & Desserts for Baby Showers
A mix of textures, flavors, and colors makes your dessert bar both visually stunning and deliciously satisfying. Here are some must-have treats:
Candy Bar Must-Haves
Chocolate-covered pretzels – A salty-sweet combo that everyone loves. You can also do yogurt covered pretzels which are just as good. My favorite place to source these are nuts.com!
Rock candy sticks – They photograph beautifully and can add a fun touch to cocktails or lemonade.
Personalized M&Ms – If it fits your budget, they’re a great way to add a personal touch.
Gummy bears – Always a crowd favorite, and you can elevate the experience with flavors like grapefruit or Prosecco.
Desserts That Wow
Mini cupcakes – Many bakeries offer fun flavors like Sunday pancakes or peanut butter and chocolate. Think outside the box and give your guests something unique!
French macarons – My number one luxury must-have dessert. Bonus: they’re naturally gluten-free! If you are in the Maryland area my go to vendor is Mrs. Macarons.
Custom iced cookies – They may be pricey, but they make a big impact. You don’t need to get one for every guest—just enough to create a focal point for the table and get some great photos.
Cake pops – Because who doesn’t love a bite-sized treat?
A show-stopping cake – Whether big or small, store-bought and altered, or homemade, a centerpiece cake is a must-have.
And if you need a little help with where to source your bulk candy I've got you.
3. Dessert Table Essentials
A great dessert table isn’t just about the sweets—it’s also about the setup! Here’s what you’ll need:
Serving Stands & Trays – Height variation adds visual interest. Cake stands, tiered trays, and apothecary jars make a huge difference. My secret weapon? Clear acrylic boxes (think basketball display cases). These make the perfect back tier to raise items up and turn them into a focal point.
Tongs, Scoops & Favor Bags – Guests will love creating their own little candy bags! I usually find great vendors on Etsy who can customize colors, wording, and images.
Signage & Labels – Cute labels add charm and help guests know what they’re grabbing. Want to keep things simple? Visit my Etsy store for instant downloadable candy and dessert bar signs I’ve already created for you. Just download, print, and frame!
Backdrop & Decor – Balloons, banners, or floral arrangements elevate the entire display. These may seem like unnecessary extra costs—but trust me, they make the most impact!
I’ve rounded up my go-to dessert table must-haves on Benable, so you can get ideas and shop everything in one spot!
And if you need a little help with cake stands or trays, my Amazon storefront will give you direct access to those things easily and quickly. If that’s not your style, HomeGoods is always my go-to for cute and affordable options.
Bringing It All Together
At the end of the day, a baby shower dessert table is more than just a display—it’s a way to celebrate the excitement of a new arrival with something sweet and memorable. Whether you go all out with a luxe setup or keep it simple with a few thoughtfully chosen treats, what matters most is the love and joy behind it all.
Need more ideas or ready to start shopping? Check out my Amazon storefront and Benable list for all my favorite dessert table finds! Happy planning!
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