Dessert Tablescape and Book Signing with Kimberly Schlegel Whitman

Several years ago, I hosted a fabulous dessert book signing for my dear friend Kimberly Schlegel Whitman. Kim is Southern Living's editor-at-large and a TODAY show regular. I've known Kim since we attended SMU, starting in 1996, and afterwards, we made our Dallas Symphony debut together. Her parents were my grandparents near neighbors in Preston Hollow and, through the years, we developed a bond. Kim was even a bridesmaid in my wedding. So naturally, I wanted to host something very special for her second book debut, The Pleasure of Your Company.

Speaking of weddings...it was a blast, as usual, to work with Raymond Kelly for this event. Raymond is the mastermind of Chateau Fleur and of my own fairytale wedding 15 years ago. Together with my love of tablescapes, Raymond’s creative genius and all these sweet confections from around the country, we came up with the most sinfully delicious table.

I absolutely LOVE working with crystal and silver. Here, I incorporated the crystal candelabras and multi-tiered silver stands to bring height to the table along with pinning forty fresh pink and green Cymbidium Orchids to the custom designed cloth. 

Not only were the desserts themselves decoration on the table, adding Marie Antoinette plates and gold forks in porcelain dishes to the decadent buffet provided even more eye candy.

I used cake stands galore for all the sugary delights and these darling carnation and rose cakes, which were the focal point of the table.

Whenever I use my three- and five-tier silver stands from P.S. The Letter, I tie long silk wired ribbon in a bow at the top for a pop of color. 

Desserts came from Fort Worth companies like Blue Bonnet Bakery and Feastivities, as well as companies in California and New York.

My all time FAVORITE (not in Fort Worth) playfully unique cookie boutique is Eleni's in New York. This nut-free bakery has been my go-to staple for more than a decade, when it comes to gift giving. They have the most creative-themed treats ever, and we even used them to custom design business logo cookies for gifts to my husband's business clients.

Friends, family and guests ooooh and aaaah over my famous coffee bar, and the book signing was no exception with the addition of hot chocolate and hot apple cider.

I meticulously labeled everything on this “buffet” from the chocolate sprinkles and powdered nutmeg to the whipped cream and handmade marshmallows. Several liquors topped it off, which included peppermint Schnapps, Bailey's Irish Cream and brandy.

Not one detail was left out. Chocolate dipped spoons and rock crystal sugar sticks were a must for stirring.

And finally, no event this special should forego a parting gift. Over 400 dessert tree ornaments ranging from sliced pie to cupcakes were individually wrapped for people to take home with a little note reading “A Pleasure Having Your Company.”

Can't get enough of Kimberly Schlegel Whitman? Then you'll definitely want to follow her BLOG and read her column on SouthernLiving.com. 

So Fort Worth It GIVEAWAY!

One very lucky winner will receive THREE of Kimberly Schlegel Whitman's books, The Pleasure Of Your Company, Wedding Inspirations and Tablescapes. 

Plus, Eleni's in NYC is giving away six custom hand-iced Henna Heart Valentine's cookies.