ways to serve desserts

Funnel cakes were attached to parasols at Ted Baker's New York preview. To add to the circus-inspired atmosphere, the waitstaff were trained to imitate tightrope walkers as they passed the bites.

For a Los Angeles media event in April announcing the nationwide sale of chef Duff Goldman's Cake-in-a-Jar, guests could sample the product, which features layers of cake, frosting, and sprinkles encased in a Mason jar.

For a two-in-one dessert option, Command Performance Catering wedged raspberry macarons atop servings of panna cotta for Nordstrom's grand-opening gala at the Americana at Brand.

For a grab-and-go option that eliminated the need for servers, Grand Performances hung bags of doughnuts from hooks at Nordstrom's grand-opening gala.

For a camp-theme event in 2012, KG Fare Catering & Events offered a mess-free take on s'mores by displaying the gooey treats on clothespins.

At the C2MTL conference this year, Montreal-based caterer Agnus Dei created a popular interactive sorbet station. Rings of raspberry, mango, and coconut sorbet spun around a wheel, while guests simply had to hold up a scoop to the device to build their own cone.

Dessert buffets don't have to be simple tables: for the Boston Children's Museum's 10th anniversary gala in October last year, the catering team at the Intercontinental Boston used a giant prop cake to display and serve sweet treats, including cake pops, mini whoopie pies, mini Twinkies, and chocolate-dipped strawberries. The oversize piece was a champagne tower from the New England Country Rentals warehouse, and staffers from Rafanelli Events dressed it with festive paper flowers.

An action station, such as Puff 'n Stuff Catering's risotto bar, allows guests to customize their food and watch it being prepared.

Jars by Dani creates cake jars and can customize colors and toppings along with logos and messages for any event. Flavors include white chocolate, cookie dough, fudge brownie, and more.