Non-Food item "dessert buffet"

I've been seeing a trend recently for dessert buffets that don't feature sweets like this school supply display or this all-soap display. I love the idea as so many people are watching what they eat and this is a guilt free option!

Here's a couple of other non-food "dessert" buffet ideas:

A Book Club:

books

assorted bookmarks

little book lights

book labels

tea bags

literary inspired magnets or other trinkets

A Casino Party:

poker chips (chocolate or real)

decks of cards

colored dice

arm garters

translucent green visors

dollar sign rings and bracelets

dollar print pencils and notebooks

Spa Party or Sleepover:

eye masks

nail polishes

toe dividers for painting nails

nail files

cotton towels, or wash cloths

mini lotions and other beauty products

manicure kits

cucumber slices for eyes

pairs or moisturizing gloves or socks (they have them at DT)

foot pumice stones or files

flip flops or slippers

New Year's Eve Party:

assorted party blowers

assorted noisemakers

party hats and tiaras

beaded necklaces

plastic champagne flutes

mini aspirin and Pepto Bismol

flavored chap sticks

streamers and confetti

party poppers

The possibilities are endless!

Try a Christmas cookie recipe exchange party or a DIY sushi party. How about a scrapbook party? A tea and coffee item buffet works for mother's day or a birthday. Or try gardening supplies, seed and bulbs for a gardening or lawn care party.

And here's some tips for putting it all together:

* Place small items in apothecary jars or in fish/candy bowls with scoops

* small items can also be wrapped in squares of wax paper like a candy and piled on a dish

* line flat items in rows, overlapping some, on square trays or dishes. I bought white rectangular sushi plates at the Dollar Tree.

* highlight stand-up items by attaching a flag or tag to it.

* present items on their own mini cake stand. You can make them from Dollar Tree candlestick holders and small plates, cardboard circles or stove burner covers. Spray paint to match color scheme

* display round or rolled up items in a cupcake holder

* stand tall items in rows. Use the foam lined tray technique and then cover the foam with filler like paperclips, shredded paper, glass rocks, river stones, etc.

* fill pretty glasses like martini, wine and sundae glasses with items.

* use the popcorn cone technique to display light-weight items

* bag like items and sets of items and top with a decorative bag topper

* put items on a stick and display upright in a foam lined tray or upside down on a plate with sticks in the air.

* use chinese or bent spoons to highlight small but special items. Line them up on a tray.

* and for the creative types, disguise your items as food items like cakes, maki sushi rolls, cupcakes, sundaes, candies, lollipops, etc.

Remember, You don't need a lot of everything! Try 4-8 of each item. Guests can chose one of each or make their own treat bag from items offered.

Have fun and please post a comment

if you try something similar!!