Creating a Simple + Festive Dessert Bar with a Macaron Tower

This time of year, I try to keep entertaining as easy as possible. A dessert bar has become one of my favorite things to set up because it feels special but doesn’t necessarily require a lot of baking or prep. The star this season? A macaron tower—made even easier with a clear, lightweight stand that snaps together in seconds.

Six-Tier Macaron Tower

The stand I used is a six-tier transparent tower that comes flat in a small box. You just stack the tiers, add macarons, and it’s done. I used three boxes of macarons from Trader Joe’s, which filled three of the tiers. On the other three, I used this Good Cheer Tinsel Garland. I love that it keeps the focus on the macarons, and adding the garland adds a little festive decoration. You could also use fresh flowers and leaves, or small ornaments to decorate every other tier. If you wanted to use all six tiers for macarons, you would need 92-95, depending on size.

When you’re finished, it disassembles and stores flat again. Very practical for storage.

Dessert Plates, Mugs, Linens & Glassware

For the dessert bar, I used these Botanical Silhouette Side Plates and Mugs in green. —So the macarons tie in with the rest of the holiday decor. I’m using our coffee station, but a console table or the end of a kitchen counter works just as well. Add a cake stand or two, a stack of red and white check linen napkins.

I love to add a mix of dishes and glassware. Like these candy cane rimmed glasses, starry rimmed glasses, and champagne coupes, and these festive glasses from Anthropologie,

I added faux cedar garland, old-fashioned Christmas lights, and red velvet ribbon on one shelf. Under the shelf, I hung a few food-related ornaments using gingham ribbon along with the mugs. The amber glassware blends beautifully with the vintage art from Shop Most Lovely Things, which opens soon with over 100 new vintage treasures found all over Paris.

Small gifts add to the festive decor wrapped up in red and white candy stripe paper, red twine, and a little piece of Good Cheer Bauble Tinsel Garland to make them look extra festive!

I add a plate of homemade cookies, and maybe a small cake, plus some simple store-bought treats: truffles, butter cookies, or candied nuts. Nothing fancy. The macaron tower does most of the visual work, so everything else can stay minimal and easy.

If you’re hosting a holiday open house or just having neighbors drop by, a dessert bar feels like such a treat. It’s self-serve, flexible, and gives you the chance to enjoy the moment along with your guests.

A few more Sunday favorites to share today

My most versatile piece of clothing this season is back in stock at Sézane!

The Suzon Jacket from Sézane, which is really a vest is back in stock! I can tell you it has been my favorite piece of clothing I have owned in quite some time. It can be worn with everything! Jeans, a boiled wool skirt, trousers…I have worn it at least five times on my trip to Paris! I wear it with loafers, sneakers, oxfords, long sleeve tees, shirts, and over sweaters. If you are looking for that one versatile piece to add to your wardrobe, this might be it!

Custom Shell Pendants

For beach lovers and shell collectors, we all have a few favorites on a shelf or in a small dish, but this creator has done something so special that I had to share. It was Madeline who sent it to me. Dunton Ellerkamp is a jeweler based in Brooklyn, NY. She will take your favorite shell and make it into a lovely piece to wear. For Christmas delivery, you’ll need to order by 12/17! @duntonellerkamp

A whimsical tablescape by Tamera Beardsley

This is the kind of tablescape I love! It’s a little bit whimsical, but it also uses repurposed cans, moss, tiny pinecones, and miniature bottle brush trees. If you love an interesting tablescape that could take you all through winter, you must check this one out, right here.

Fleur de Sel Truffles from Pinecones & Acorns

Elizabeth from Pinecones and Acorns has lots of good ideas, but recently I saw these truffles and knew that I would be making them when I got home. I’m so sure that I even bought the chocolate, cocoa powder, and fleur de sel in Paris. I bought a few extras to make into little gift kits.

Let’s check in with Mary Ann & Cindy!

Classic Casual Home

Read Mary Ann’s Sunday post here.

Cindy Hattersley Design

Read Cindy’s Sunday post here.