Satisfy Your Inner Pastry Chef
Imagine a dessert spread you can tailor to your tastes—taking a humble cupcake or brownie square and adding your favorite frosting hues, sprinkles, sauces, and toppings. That’s exactly what a DIY Dessert Station at HMD Bar & Grill brings to the table. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or someone who just loves playing with food, this hands-on experience turns every sweet treat into a tiny celebration.
From the moment you step into our warmly lit dining room, you’ll feel invited to grab an apron and make something uniquely yours. It’s less about perfect piping and more about fun flavor combos: maybe salted caramel drizzled over a warm brownie, or a mini fruit tart crowned with chocolate shavings. And because we partner with local farms and bakeries, you’re working with fresh ingredients—like eggs from a nearby pasture or seasonal berries picked just hours before.
The Fun Factor: Why a DIY Dessert Station Is a Hit
A Creative Twist on Sweet Endings
Say goodbye to standing in line for a slice of cake—DIY stations start with the basics and let you build up to your dream dessert. Each station comes stocked with quality components, from house-made vanilla frosting to artisanal marshmallows. If you’ve ever wondered, “What if I could sprinkle bacon bits on my sundae?” here’s your chance. Guests walk away not just with a happy belly, but a sense of accomplishment.
Interactive Entertainment for Guests
These aren’t your typical sweets on a buffet. As you assemble, you’re chatting with friends, kids compare topping strategies, and coworkers bond over who created the wildest combo. It becomes the centerpiece of conversation—everyone’s talking about “the one with candied bacon” or “that crazy neon frosting.” It’s dessert, yes, but it’s also entertainment.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Celebrations Big and Small
Birthdays, bridal showers, anniversaries—DIY stations add a playful twist. Parents love watching little ones carefully choose cookie pieces, teens delight in experimenting with color-changing sprinkles, and grandparents get a kick out of reminiscing about their first campfire s’mores. It’s flexible, so you can scale a station from three people to fifty without losing that cozy, communal vibe.
Corporate Gatherings and Team Building
Want a meeting break that actually energizes your team? Swap stale donuts for an ice cream sundae bar, complete with brownie crumbles and fruit coulis. It encourages collaboration—one group debates the best chocolate drizzle while another plots frosting designs. Before you know it, a routine work lunch has turned into a memorable team-building moment.
Meet Our DIY Dessert Stations
Campfire S’mores Station
Recreate that nostalgic moment of toasting marshmallows over an open flame—without worrying about smoke or bugs. We provide an electric “campfire” grill, jumbo marshmallows, graham crackers, and a selection of premium chocolates: dark, milk, and salted caramel. Feel free to experiment with flavored marshmallows or add fresh fruit slices for a modern twist.
Cupcake Decorating Corner
Starting with freshly baked vanilla or chocolate cupcakes, you’ll find piping bags filled with buttercream in pastel and bold hues, edible glitter dust, crushed cookies, and mini candies. A quick tutorial from our pastry chef shows you basic piping techniques, then it’s all you—go wild with unicorn themes or stick to elegant rosettes.
Build-Your-Own Ice Cream Sundae Bar
Scoop your favorite ice creams—vanilla bean, rich chocolate, plus a rotating seasonal flavor—then top them with sauces (hot fudge, caramel, berry compote) and mix-ins (toffee bits, fresh berries, chopped nuts). We even include whipped-cream dispensers and maraschino cherries so you can replicate that classic diner look.
Cookie Creation Station
Craft your own decorated cookies from scratch. Choose a dough base—sugar, chocolate chip, or gingerbread—then knead in sprinkles or cocoa nibs. Once baked, decorate with royal icing in custom colors, stencils for precise designs, and toppings like candied citrus peel or crushed pistachios.
Seasonal Specials and Limited-Time Treats
At HMD Bar & Grill, we celebrate the seasons with rotating dessert stations that showcase the freshest flavors of the moment.
• Autumn Harvest Pie Bar
• Mini pie shells (apple, pecan, pumpkin)
• Fillings and toppings: cinnamon whipped cream, candied pecans, caramel drizzle
• Garnishes: caramelized apples, toasted marshmallow bits
• Winter Wonderland Hot Cocoa & Cookie Station
• Gourmet hot cocoa in dark, milk, and white chocolate
• Marshmallow snowballs, peppermint chips, cinnamon sticks
• Decorate-your-own sugar cookies with royal icing, sprinkles, and edible pearls
• Spring Berry Pavlova Corner
• Crisp meringue nests
• Fresh strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, passionfruit curd
• Dollops of clotted cream and coulis
• Summer Tropical Sorbet Station
• Mango, pineapple, coconut-lime sorbets
• Toppings: toasted coconut, kiwi slices, passionfruit seeds
• Drizzles: mango puree, passionfruit syrup
• Valentine’s Day Hearts & Rosés
• Red velvet mini cupcakes, chocolate-dipped strawberries
• Rosé-infused whipped cream, heart-shaped sprinkles
• Pair with our signature Pink Lady Rosé cocktail
• Halloween Spooky Sweets Shack
• Black cocoa cookies, pumpkin-flavored mousse cups
• Candy corn toppers, edible glow-in-the-dark sugar
• Add dry ice for a foggy, ghostly effect
Raise a Glass: Signature Sweet Pairings
Complement your creations with handcrafted cocktails designed to balance sweetness and refresh the palate.
Salted Caramel Espresso Martini
Freshly brewed espresso, caramel-infused vodka, a pinch of sea salt, shaken over ice and served with a caramel drizzle.
Berry Bliss Fizz
Muddled raspberries and blackberries, elderflower liqueur, prosecco, and a splash of soda—light, bubbly, and fruit-forward.
Citrus Spark Sorbet Cocktail
Housemade lemon sorbet blended with gin, rosemary syrup, and a twist of grapefruit for a zesty finish.
Chocolate Old-Fashioned
Dark chocolate bitters, bourbon, demerara sugar, and a twist of orange peel—rich and aromatic, the grown-up counterpart to your brownie.
Tipsy Tropical Margarita
Tequila, lime juice, coconut cream, and mango puree, served over crushed ice with a chili-salt rim for a sweet-and-spicy kick.
Chef’s Corner: Insider Tips and Flavor Notes
Our pastry chef, Elena Martinez, shares the secrets behind memorable sweets:
• Balance your textures: Pair crunchy elements—like toasted nuts—with creamy frostings or sauces to heighten contrast.
• Fresh is best: Swap store-bought extracts for fresh ingredients—zested citrus, pure vanilla bean seeds, or real mint leaves.
• Layer flavors: Build depth by brushing cake layers with liqueur or fruit syrup before assembling.
• Think seasonally: Incorporate herbs (rosemary with chocolate, basil with berries) to underscore the time of year.
• Experiment boldly: Don’t fear unconventional pairings—salted miso caramel or lavender-infused whipped cream might be your next signature creation.
Community Sweet Nights
Bring friends, family, and neighbors together with our regular dessert-themed events:
Family Sundae Fridays
Every Friday evening, kids under 12 get a free scoop with two toppings when accompanied by an adult’s station purchase. Live acoustic music sets the mood, and discount family bundles make it easy to indulge.
DIY Dessert & Game Night
Join us every Wednesday for board games, trivia, and our customizable sundae and cupcake stations. Prizes include free dessert upgrades and gift cards.
Local Business Mixer
On the first Tuesday of each month, local entrepreneurs gather over brownie bars and coffee cocktails, networking in our private lounge with a 10% discount on all station packages.
Charity Dessert Drives
Quarterly events partner with local schools and food banks—guests can donate canned goods or volunteer, then enjoy discounted stations with proceeds matching community contributions.
Host Your Own Station: Packages and Pricing
We make it easy to bring the DIY dessert fun to your event, with flexible packages, custom add-ons, and full service from setup to cleanup.
Basic Station Package – Starting at $200
• One station type of your choice (up to 15 guests)
• Standard supplies and toppings
• One attendant for 2 hours
Premium Station Package – Starting at $350
• Two station types (e.g., Cupcakes + Sundaes)
• Extended topping selection and seasonal specials
• Two attendants for 3 hours
• Themed décor (table linens, signage)
Deluxe Station Package – Starting at $500
• Three station types (add Campfire S’mores, Cookie Decorating, etc.)
• Premium toppings (candied bacon, gold leaf, exotic berries)
• Unlimited refills for duration
• Three attendants, themed décor, photo-op backdrop
• Custom signage and personalized apron favors
Add-On Options
• Additional guests: $10 per person
• Custom branded signage or menu cards: $50
• Edible favors (mini cookie boxes, chocolate bars): $5–10 per guest
• Late-night topping cart (served at midnight): $150
• On-site dessert truck arrival: $300
• Digital photo booth with AR dessert filters: $200
Event Hosting Beyond the Station
Whether you’re planning on-site at HMD Bar & Grill or off-site at a venue of your choice, we offer:
• Private dining rooms with adjustable lighting and AV equipment
• Custom savory-and-sweet pairing menus to round out your meal
• Themed décor packages—from rustic-chic to modern glam
• Event coordination services for seamless execution
• Post-event to-go kits so your guests can relive the fun at home
How to Book Your DIY Dessert Station
1. Browse Stations
Visit our station gallery online or stop by HMD Bar & Grill to see samples in person.
2. Choose Your Package
Select Basic, Premium, or Deluxe—then add seasonal specials or extras.
3. Confirm Date & Details
Let us know your event date, guest count, location (in-house or offsite), and any dietary needs.
4. Sign Agreement & Deposit
A 25% deposit secures your booking; final payment is due one week before the event.
5. Enjoy the Fun
We handle setup, staff the station, and clean up when the last marshmallow is toasted. All you do is create—and savor.
To inquire, call (708) 857-7910, email [email protected], or fill out our online booking form at hmdbarandgrill.com.
FAQs
Q: How far in advance should I book?
A: We recommend booking at least two weeks before smaller gatherings and four weeks for events over 50 guests, especially during peak season.
Q: Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?
A: Absolutely. We offer gluten-free cupcakes, vegan frostings, dairy-free ice creams, and nut-free options. Just let us know when you book.
Q: Do you provide staff to supervise the stations?
A: Yes—each package includes dedicated attendants to guide guests, replenish supplies, and ensure everything runs smoothly.
Q: What space do I need for a station?
A: A tabletop area of 6–8 feet is ideal per station, plus nearby access to power for electric grills or warming trays.
Q: Can I customize the flavors and toppings beyond your standard menu?
A: Definitely. We love special requests—whether it’s a childhood favorite candy or an international chocolate variety, we’ll do our best to source it.
Q: What is your cancellation policy?
A: Cancellations more than 14 days before your event receive a full refund of your deposit. Within 14 days, deposits are non-refundable but transferable to a future date within six months.
Q: How long does the station stay set up?
A: Standard coverage is two hours for Basic, three hours for Premium, and four hours for Deluxe. Extensions are available at $50 per half hour.
Q: Is cleanup included?
A: Yes—all packages include setup and breakdown. We leave your venue as sweetly clean as we found it.
Ready to Sweeten Your Next Event?
Whether you’re planning a birthday bash, a corporate mixer, or an intimate family gathering, HMD Bar & Grill’s DIY Dessert Stations deliver unforgettable flavor and fun. Get in touch today to craft a dessert experience as unique as you are—because life’s too short to settle for anything less than spectacular sweets.
Call (708) 857-7910 or visit https://hmdbarandgrill.com/events/birthday-party-venue/ to reserve your station of happiness.