My friend Cupcake Julie hosted her annual Christmas party this past weekend, and it was a beautiful celebration filled with whimsical, sugar-themed decorations and an abundance of festive treats. If you remember last year’s candy-inspired display, this year topped it—every corner felt like a holiday dream come to life.
The room was full of charming details, from themed ornaments to miniature characters sprinkled throughout the décor. Colonel Cupcake and his little friends made another appearance, adding a playful, storybook touch to the party. These characters have become a fun signature at Julie’s gatherings, and it was delightful to see them again, thoughtfully arranged among the decorations and desserts.
As a surprise for Julie, I brought a few cake pops inspired by the nutcracker figures and by the holiday theme. I made double-decker Cupcake Nutcracker cake pops that were a bit tricky and almost over-the-top, but they matched the extravagant spirit of the party. Guests loved them—Julie squealed when she saw them, and that reaction made the extra effort worth every minute.
I also created Christmas Tree cake pops, but I kept them within Julie’s holiday color palette instead of using traditional green. The result was cohesive with the overall décor and looked right at home on her dessert table. Cake pops are always a crowd-pleaser, and these felt especially suited to the party’s playful aesthetic.
Julie added new decorative trees to her collection this year: a cheerful pink tree adorned with snowmen and an imaginative upside-down tree that drew a lot of admiring glances. Her sense of whimsy and attention to detail make every element—from centerpieces to the dessert table—feel thoughtfully curated and delightfully unexpected.
The dessert table itself was a scene to savor. It was stocked with a wide variety of treats: cookies, candy, cake pops, mini cupcakes, macarons, and several other small confections. The assortment was visually stunning and offered something for every sweet tooth. I especially appreciated how each item complemented the party colors and theme, creating a cohesive and festive display.
Though the night was full of sugary goodness, I also found myself craving something savory afterward. To share the joy and a bit of balance, I decided to offer two ten-inch nutcracker figures that I had on hand as a giveaway for readers. They’re decorative and whimsical, perfect for anyone who loves Julie’s style or wants a playful holiday accent in their own home.
Giveaway details:
- To enter, leave a comment on this post telling me your favorite savory thing to eat on Christmas. I’m looking for non-sweet ideas to break up the sugar overload from the weekend.
- The deadline to enter was Tuesday, December 21 at 7:00 pm ET. (Time’s up; winner announced below.)
- One winner was chosen at random and announced the same evening.
P.S. If you know other places that carry similar nutcracker figures, I’d love to hear recommendations.
For those who couldn’t attend, I wish you could have been there to enjoy the atmosphere, the conversation, and the dessert table. For now, here are a couple of the little cake pop characters to keep you company from afar—cute reminders of a lovely night with friends, sweets, and seasonal cheer.
And the winner is…
YAY Amanda V! Hope you will enjoy them.