<p>Be it a casual lunch, an elegant soiree, festive brunch or a formal dinner, desserts are undoubtedly the highlight of any gathering. Their sweet allure often steals the show, leaving guests eagerly in anticipation of that final indulgence. An explosion of hues, from rich berry reds to bright citrus yellows, can transform an ordinary dessert table into a feast for the eyes as much as it is for the tastebuds.</p><p>With so many occasions you can always find, why not use these simple tips to turn your party into a truly sweet, radiant and Instagrammable celebration? Executive chefs Altamsh Patel and Shyamal Das share some expert advice on how to make your dessert spread an unforgettable visual and culinary experience.</p><p><strong>Pick a theme</strong></p><p>This can be a complete game-changer, according to chef Altamsh Patel. “I’ve done monochrome (purple, red, pink, white), floral, and even a nostalgic school canteen-inspired dessert counter. A good theme gets guests excited before they even take a bite,” he says. “I have even created ‘Dadar Flower Market Bliss’, a dessert that captures the hues and chaos of Mumbai’s famous flower market”, he adds.</p><p><strong>Texture play</strong></p><p>Incorporating different textures, such as crunchy, smooth and creamy, can add depth and excitement to your desserts. Chef Shyamal Das notes, “Pairing a crunchy biscuit base with a smooth cheesecake and topping it with fresh fruits can create a delightful contrast for the guests.”</p><p><strong>Mix things up</strong></p><p>Don’t just stick to one flavour profile. Have something rich and chocolatey, something fruity and fresh, maybe even something tangy. “To add a pop of brightness to your desserts, use ingredients that naturally bring colour to the table. Think fresh berries, pistachios, saffron and edible flowers. They make everything look super fancy with minimal effort,” advises Altamsh.</p><p><strong>Go desi</strong></p><p>Indian sweets offer a treasure trove of innovative dessert ideas. “Consider incorporating traditional Indian sweets like barfi, laddu or halwa into your dessert spread. You can also create a fascinating fusion by pairing a gulab jamun or jalebi with international desserts like cheesecake or brownies,” says Shyamal.</p><p>“Nothing beats giving our classic Indian sweets a cool, global twist. Think motichoor laddoo cheesecake, rasmalai tres leches or gulab jamun cheesecake. Familiar flavours, but totally unexpected presentation. People love the nostalgia with a bit of surprise”, Altamsh adds.</p><p><strong>The ‘live’ factor</strong></p><p>Be it waffle bars, churro stations or do-it-yourself (DIY) sundaes, mouth-watering DIY stations can be a great hit not only among kids but also adults. “They’re fun and interactive. Some of my favourite stations are a live macaron assembly counter and warm cookies frosted fresh in front of guests,” says Altamsh.</p><p><strong>Desserts your guests just can’t resist…</strong></p><p>- Use edible flowers, fruits or herbs to add pops of vibrancy to your desserts.</p><p>- Create a themed dessert spread, like a rainbow or a seasonal theme, to add an extra layer of excitement.</p><p>- Offer a variety of desserts to cater to different tastes and dietary preferences.</p><p>- With small plates trending, going small can be a great hit as guests can taste a bit of everything without feeling stuffed.</p><p>- Consider setting up a live dessert station or a DIY dessert bar to engage your guests and encourage interaction.</p>
<p>Be it a casual lunch, an elegant soiree, festive brunch or a formal dinner, desserts are undoubtedly the highlight of any gathering. Their sweet allure often steals the show, leaving guests eagerly in anticipation of that final indulgence. An explosion of hues, from rich berry reds to bright citrus yellows, can transform an ordinary dessert table into a feast for the eyes as much as it is for the tastebuds.</p><p>With so many occasions you can always find, why not use these simple tips to turn your party into a truly sweet, radiant and Instagrammable celebration? Executive chefs Altamsh Patel and Shyamal Das share some expert advice on how to make your dessert spread an unforgettable visual and culinary experience.</p><p><strong>Pick a theme</strong></p><p>This can be a complete game-changer, according to chef Altamsh Patel. “I’ve done monochrome (purple, red, pink, white), floral, and even a nostalgic school canteen-inspired dessert counter. A good theme gets guests excited before they even take a bite,” he says. “I have even created ‘Dadar Flower Market Bliss’, a dessert that captures the hues and chaos of Mumbai’s famous flower market”, he adds.</p><p><strong>Texture play</strong></p><p>Incorporating different textures, such as crunchy, smooth and creamy, can add depth and excitement to your desserts. Chef Shyamal Das notes, “Pairing a crunchy biscuit base with a smooth cheesecake and topping it with fresh fruits can create a delightful contrast for the guests.”</p><p><strong>Mix things up</strong></p><p>Don’t just stick to one flavour profile. Have something rich and chocolatey, something fruity and fresh, maybe even something tangy. “To add a pop of brightness to your desserts, use ingredients that naturally bring colour to the table. Think fresh berries, pistachios, saffron and edible flowers. They make everything look super fancy with minimal effort,” advises Altamsh.</p><p><strong>Go desi</strong></p><p>Indian sweets offer a treasure trove of innovative dessert ideas. “Consider incorporating traditional Indian sweets like barfi, laddu or halwa into your dessert spread. You can also create a fascinating fusion by pairing a gulab jamun or jalebi with international desserts like cheesecake or brownies,” says Shyamal.</p><p>“Nothing beats giving our classic Indian sweets a cool, global twist. Think motichoor laddoo cheesecake, rasmalai tres leches or gulab jamun cheesecake. Familiar flavours, but totally unexpected presentation. People love the nostalgia with a bit of surprise”, Altamsh adds.</p><p><strong>The ‘live’ factor</strong></p><p>Be it waffle bars, churro stations or do-it-yourself (DIY) sundaes, mouth-watering DIY stations can be a great hit not only among kids but also adults. “They’re fun and interactive. Some of my favourite stations are a live macaron assembly counter and warm cookies frosted fresh in front of guests,” says Altamsh.</p><p><strong>Desserts your guests just can’t resist…</strong></p><p>- Use edible flowers, fruits or herbs to add pops of vibrancy to your desserts.</p><p>- Create a themed dessert spread, like a rainbow or a seasonal theme, to add an extra layer of excitement.</p><p>- Offer a variety of desserts to cater to different tastes and dietary preferences.</p><p>- With small plates trending, going small can be a great hit as guests can taste a bit of everything without feeling stuffed.</p><p>- Consider setting up a live dessert station or a DIY dessert bar to engage your guests and encourage interaction.</p>
