• Desserts should be fun, not a hassle.Petits four sucr??s image by Paty Cullen Wingrove from Fotolia.com
  
  Throwing the perfect party is no easy task. With the guest list, the play list, the invitations and the preparations, where can the contemporary domestic diva find the time to concentrate on that oh-so important aspect of every party: the dessert? Luckily, "fun" is the buzzword for today's party desserts and whether you're throwing a sizzling summer barbecue or a sophisticated sit-down dinner, the options are endless for the perfect sweet ending.
  
  

Fruit Kebabs

• Light and fruity kebabs.Fruit Kebabs 5 image by Brett Mulcahy from Fotolia.com
  
  Because they tend to be lighter than baked or creamy items, fruit-based desserts make a nice finish for any party meal. Fruit kebabs are a good option for laid-back parties since guests will eat them with their hands. Simply cut your desired fruits into large chunks and arrange them on bamboo skewers in a pretty pattern. Be sure to spritz your kebabs with a little diluted lemon juice to make sure the fruit does not brown. Consider incorporating chocolate into your kebabs, either dipping some of the fruit in chocolate before skewering or drizzling melted chocolate over the finished kebabs.
  
  

Berries in Champagne

• A fresh, sophisticated flavor.berries in jelly image by Alison Bowden from Fotolia.com
  
  Another light and fruity option, berries in champagne is perfect for your more sophisticated dinner parties. Place three cups of your berries of choice (blackberries, strawberries, raspberries and red currants are just a few options) in a bowl and, using the back of a spoon, crush the berries lightly so that they release some of their juice. Sprinkle the crushed berries with a little sugar and let them sit for a few minutes. Spoon the berries into goblets rimmed with sugar, and pour in enough champagne to cover the berries. Garnish with mint leaves or lemon slices.
  
  

Mini Chocolate Croissants

• Scrumptious and easythe croissant. image by Serghei Velusceac from Fotolia.com
  
  While true croissants are a notoriously challenging pastry to prepare, these mostly homemade ones are a cinch for even beginner cooks. Unroll a tube of refrigerated crescent roll dough and separate the dough into the pre-cut triangles. Place a few semi-sweet chocolate chips onto each piece of dough, close to the bottom of the triangle. Roll up the dough and bake according to the package directions. Once the mini croissants are cooled, place them on a decorative platter, drizzle lightly with melted chocolate, and sprinkle with chopped, toasted almonds.
  
  

Do-It-Yourself Parfait Bar

• Custom make a yummy parfait.dessert image by Svetlana Kashkina from Fotolia.com
  
  "Parfait" is the French word for "perfect," and this dessert idea is perfect because your guests get to make their own custom layered desserts and you merely have to lay out the ingredients. The key to the perfect parfait bar is to provide a variety of options for your guests to layer. To provide the greatest variety, your ingredients should cover at least three categories: creamy, crunchy and juicy. Creamy options include puddings, flavored yogurt, whipped topping or marshmallow cream. Some crunchy options are granola, crushed cookies, toasted nuts, bite-sized candies or freeze-dried fruit. Ideas for juicy options include chopped fruit, berries, gelatin cubes and gummy candies.