This was our first time putting together a dessert table, or rather dessert wagons in a preschool and it is a special request made by our clients to their son’s preschool to hold this birthday party in their school compound. Our clients seek consensus from the preschool principal in advance so as to allow us to set up the dessert table in their school. Fortunately, the principal and teachers were just as excited as we do and they even dedicated a separate air-conditioned classroom for us to do up the set up during the kids’ afternoon nap.
It was targeted as a ‘tea-time’ party after the kids afternoon nap. This was so that the school need not cater any food/snacks as per their routine. The setup was done during their nap time which took 1 to 1.5 hours and the party started around 3.30pm. It was indeed a memorable experience for us as we had to set up everything as quietly as possible, so as not to wake the kids and to give the birthday boy a BIG SURPRISE when he wakes up!
When we got this assignment, the first thing that came to mind was to think of an alternative way to replace the usual table which we used for our other candy/dessert buffet set ups! We wanted to bring the entire dessert table down to the kids’ height, so that the desserts and candies were within their reach, yet we wanted something uncommon, so we stayed away from the idea of using the school tables which are smaller and lower. Somehow, the idea of wagons just came to mind one day and we decided to use them in replacement of the table! The wagons coincidentally resemble one of the red Thomas train called James when we placed them all in line, which inspired us to stick on the Thomas train face at the front of the cart.
Besides our setup, the Thomas & friends birthday cake, cupcakes and railway cookies were once again crafted by Goobycakes. In fact, we give Miss Goob 2 thumbs up for creating this cake, simply knowing that she was reluctant about crafting 3D trains, yet she put in her best effort as always in crafting these little Thomas trains. It was bravo!! They are not just sleek looking but the train faces looked so cute!!
After this setup, we have been receiving requests to do up a similar themed dessert table in school. However, there may be restrictions on the part of the school. Some schools may have their reservations as we would be bringing in food items which are not prepared by the school’s staff, considering that hygiene is very important, which is why as much as possible, besides the pastries like the birthday cake, cupcakes and agar agars, we provided items which are sealed and in packets to minimize any food contamination. 🙂
This brings us to another point with regard to the big wagons that are used. The big wagons are quite bulky and heavy (1 to 1.1 metre length / 0.4 to 0.6 metre height), so its not easy to carry them around. So unless the school provides a temporary holding area within the compound for us to prepare the wagon, the set-up will be quite difficult.
For parents who have intentions of holding a similar dessert table setup at the school, do note that we require 1.5 hours for setup and it would be best to have an air- conditioned room. You might want to check with the school if they allow such parties to take place because we understand that certain schools can be quite sticky and place strict rules on vendors hired by the parents.
Be Candied 