Create a Gorgeous Dessert Table

She’s known as “The Sweets Stylist,” and with good reason. Just take a look at Amy Atlas’s celebratory — and delectable — sugar scapes.

Mad for Zig Zag

Taking center stage: a tower of carrot cupcakes, trimmed in hand-pleated striped card stock. "It's one of my favorite ways to add a vertical element." Curvier elements like the retro rickrack and gerbera daisies add a soft touch.

Photo Credit: Johnny Miller
Mini Orange Cheesecake

Notice how the serving pieces pick up the zigzag theme and the rectangular trays are arranged symetrically.

Photo Credit: Johnny Miller
Zig Zag Cookies

A treasured chevron-stripped Missoni scarf was the jumping-off point for this bright and graphic setting. (Atlas has been inspired by fashion "for, like, ever!")

Photo Credit: Johnny Miller
Pastel Pretty

"Setting them on clear and glossy pink serving pieces only adds to the etheral effect," Atlas says. Feathery lengths of mohair yarn from a delicate backdrop. No single shade dominates, a key to the success of this inviting table.

Photo Credit: Johnny Miller
Whimsical Treats

The hardest working member of the sugar team: Necco Wafers, which Atlas turned into a table runner (via glue) and also used to trim the pink vanilla butter cake. Banana cupcakes, cotton candy, eclairs and marshmallows were chosen not only for their color but also for their "dreamy" texture.

Photo Credit: Johnny Miller
Vintage Sweets

The dizzying array of retro delights, including ribbon candy, salt-water taffy, Jordan almonds and pillow mints speaks to Atlas's love of vintage sweets.

Photo Credit: Johnny Miller
Forever Chanel

Just three elements—pearls, tweed, a tailored bow—are the underpinnings of the stylish, sunny scenario here, all inspired by key hallmarks of the iconic couturiere. Atlas kept to an equally minimal palette of yellow and white, to maximal effect.

Photo Credit: Johnny Miller
Dainty Dessert

When I see yellow and white, my thoughts turn to the flavors I love—banana, lemon and pineapple," Atlas says. To that end, the menu features banana whoopee pies, petitte pound cake and lemon squares along with the pretty lemon cake.

Photo Credit: Johnny Miller
Golden Touch

Masses of ranunculus and garden roses add the perfect ooh-la-la.

Photo Credit: Johnny Miller