Merry Christmas! May you have a wonderful holiday season filled with family, friends, laughter and an abundance of sweet treats.

Since it is Christmas, I thought I’d share a cake design of my own today. This three tiered grey and red design features light grey buttercream with fondant dots, a modern Christmas tree and is topped with an oversize red bow. Inside, each layer was a different flavor to include French Vanilla cake with Raspberry Puree, Dark Chocolate cake with Espresso Buttercream and Chocolate Ganache, and finally my favorite, Chocolate Chip cake with Vanilla Buttercream. Delish!
Wishing you a safe, happy and healthy holiday season. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
It’s easy this time of year to get caught up planning for Christmas. Before you know it, New Years sneaks up on you. This year, make a resolution to ring in the new year with style. Today’s inspiration board is a New Year’s party filled with silver and purple glam. It’s sure to help you get the party started. 4… 3… 2… 1….

{clockwise, starting at top left:}
- Treat your guests with a cake that is perfectly elegant and festive. Fondant circles are painted with edible silver and strategically placed in straight rows on a gray background. Little pops of purple add a delightful contrast. I’d love to credit the artist behind this cake, but unfortuantely I don’t know who made it. Photo via Project Wedding.
- Create a stunning centerpiece with glass apothecary jars from Crate & Barrel. Fill with silver ornaments or white candy. Wrap a garland of silver beads around the base to add a touch of sparkle and shimmer.
- Every hostess needs a fabulous dress and you’ll be set with this silver ruffle dress from Banana Republic.
- Serve up indulgence in a bite-size treat. Chocolate Truffles. Find a great recipe here on Martha Stewart. Her recipe calls for triple sec or framboise, but I prefer to use strong coffee or espresso.
- Have plenty of Champagne on hand for a toast at midnight. Another fun option is to serve Prosecco which is a sparkling Italian white wine.
- Make your guests feel like a kid again with purple cotton candy. This mouthful of sweet air served up in martini glasses is sure to please.
If you’re planning to host a New Years Eve bash this year, be sure to check out this list of tips created by Jennifer Sbranti of HWTM. Cheers to 2010!
Flying on broomsticks and cackling in the night, witches have long been associated with Halloween. Superstitions about witches casting spells and creating magical mischief only adds to the thrill of Halloween night. And who wouldn’t be thrilled to enjoy one of these bewitching treats?

{clockwise, starting at top left:}
- Striped stockings are the key to this adorable witch cupcake from All About Cake.
- All witches need a broom, right? The detail work on this broom cupcake by Donna Makes Cake is too perfect to eat.
- A perfectly molded fondant witch is the topper for this festive three tiered Halloween cake. This design is the creation of the talented Cakes by Ashley. I love all of the little details on this cake, from the bats to pumpkins, ghosts and hanging spiders. Once again, I’m a sucker for the witch’s striped stockings!
- These Halloween cookies are perfectly detailed and would be a treat for any little goblin. Also by Donna Makes Cake.
- Ice cream that will make you scream with delight! Learn how to make your own witch hat ice cream treats on Martha Stewart.
Here’s wishing you a bewitching Halloween! Be sure to check back on Friday to see which lucky reader will win a $75 gift card to Beau-coup! If you haven’t entered our Spooktacular Giveaway, what are you waiting for?
As a child, I absolutely LOVED candy corn. As an adult, I must admit that I’m still a fan of this corny treat. And with over 35 million pounds of it produced each year, I’m not the only one! Maybe we love it because its only available in the fall and it brings back happy Halloween memories… trick-or-treating all night hoping to fill your pillowcase with candy (yes, that’s right, I said pillowcase!) Over time, I came to realize that many people vehemently dislike candy corn. They say it’s too sweet or too waxy. Who knew a candy could be so polarizing? Well whether you love it or hate it, I’m sure you’ll agree that these candy corn inspired goodies are a sweet treat!

{clockwise, starting at top left:}
- Indulge in this candy corn cocktail after the kiddos are tucked in for the night. Find the recipe here on Food Network.
- Wow your guests with this fabulous cake! I just love this design from The Cake Corner in Dallas. The fondant mice are just too cute, not to mention the great detail work on the bag. Sadly, The Cake Corner is not currently taking orders, but Carol has classes available for those of you interested in learning from a very talented woman.
- Decorate with this adorable trick-or-treat banner that you can make yourself. Find the directions here on Skip to my Lou.
- Dress up your party favors with this sweet treat bag by Living Locurto. Find the bags here.
So what’s your verdict, are you a candy corn lover or what?!?