Don’t get me wrong, I love cupcakes. And with so many bakeries focusing on cupcakes these days, it would be silly not to love them. There are some exceptional cupcake vendors in the DC area — from those like Georgetown Cupcake focusing exclusively on cupcakes to more off-the-beaten-track operations like Victoria’s Cakery in Fairfax that makes not only divine cupcake treats (not even featured on their website, but well worth the inquiry), but wonderful cakes, as well.
But, let’s face it, the cupcake craze is a little “yesterday.” We’ve been there and done that.
The latest trend that I encourage clients to consider is serving a sampling of artisan chocolates and confections. Artisan chocolatiers are not new, but have certainly been on the rise in recent years. By serving a variety of these bit-sized treats, guests can sample several different flavors and types. Here’s just a taste (pardon the pun) of some of the delicious treats you can procure for your next event:
Recchiuti’s work is amazing. (My husband and I savored their “make-your-own s’mores kit” that the Ritz Carlton at Half Moon Bay features on their room service menu for guests with terrace firepits off their suites. De-lish!) One of their best treats, in my opinion, is their Fleur de Sel Chocolates — the salty/sweet combo is a popular, en vogue combination offered by many chocolatiers these days.
Fleur de Sel Chocolates from Recchiuti
Jin Patisserie sells not only delicious chocolates but presents them in gorgeous silk boxes — a particularly beautiful gift for your guests.
Jin Patisserie 20 Piece Silk Box
Christopher Norman has a wonderful selection of handmade chocolates. Norman’s art background shines through in every beautiful piece he creates. I have long been a fan of their “domino set” — a perfect treat for your next Game Night party.
Christopher Norman Domino Box
Knipschildt is another incredible chocolatier. Included in their product offerings are “giant chocolates” — larger chocolate pieces that are more indulgent than more traditional bite-sized chocolates. Even more to love!
Giant Chocolate 9-piece set from Knipschildt
Artisan marshmallows are also very en vogue, often gracing the final “sweet treats” plates served at upscale restaurants these days. Vosges Chocolate features a divine twist on the traditional fluffy treat — the caramel marshmallow.
Caramel Marshmallows from Vosges Chocolate
Vosges also has a great selection of favors. A client used their Asian Takeout Box chocolate favors at a wedding and they looked (and tasted) lovely.
Tablescape from wedding of Sophia Mun and Matt Ko, photo by Baltazar Photography
These are just a few of the amazing chocolatiers out there. Future blog posts are bound to feature more. If you have a favorite, be sure to let us know by leaving a comment!
As much as I love a good cupcake it’s nice to see a fresh idea, and who doesn’t love artasin chocolates and confections. My favorite is the domino set. Adorable!
You are making me both hungry and wanting to have a party to use all your good ideas! Any ideas for a Welsh theme? :)
A Kansas City favorite is Christopher Elbow Artisanal Chocolates (http://www.elbowchocolates.com/). I received these for a Christmas gift one year – too beautiful to eat! I also like the idea of showcasing local companies so that your wedding guest can get a feel for your city.
They are available in Washington, DC, at Biagio Fine Chocolate on 18th Street.