32 Yellow Desserts and Cocktails for a Sunny Celebration
May 3, 2022
Yellow was my favorite color as a child, and although it’s shifted away from being number one, I still appreciate its comforting glow. The bright color is associated with sunshine and happiness, which is perfect for spring and summer, and the good news is you can have an entirely yellow party! These yellow desserts and cocktails are perfect for any style of celebration.
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We see yellow as the brightest color in the spectrum, because of how our eyes and brains process light. Because we perceive yellow when our photosensitive cone cells are seeing both red and green light together, it tends to happen when these cells are near their peak excitement.
If you are hosting a party, event, or even just a simple date night, it can be fun to think about the color of the dishes you are serving. Colors can evoke different emotions, and the range of yellows can set a variety of moods. Let’s dig in closer and get some delicious ideas for your celebration!

Bold Sunshine Yellow
In nearly every culture, yellow represents the warmth of the sun, which helps to make it an almost universally optimistic color. This bright and intense shade can produce strong emotions, so it’s a good idea to use it as a pop of color, and skip the solid yellow tablecloths. However, it’s also associated with being energetic, so this shade is perfect for the food served at a high-excitement kids’ birthday or a loud summer bash.
Pastel Lemon Chiffon
Unlike its bolder cousin, this shade of yellow is often associated with a calmer happiness. While bright yellows can lead to strong reactions, this lighter version is perceived as soft and comforting. Unlike many other pastel colors, this shade of yellow is viewed as gender neutral, which makes it an excellent choice for a baby shower. You can also try using it for a spring tea or Mother’s Day brunch, or any other happy but low-key gathering.
Are you a yellow lover? Theme your next event around the lovely shades of this bright and energetic color with 32 yellow desserts and cocktails!

Warm Buttery Goldenrod
As yellow leans into darker shades, it generally adds a warmth as well. This hue is captured in the color of melted butter or a glowing lamp. When combined with black, it evokes a feeling of elegance, and a throwback to the art deco era, so you could definitely use it for a formal dinner party. On its own, the warmth makes it inviting, but also reminiscent of success, so try using this hue for a graduation or house warming.
Leaning Toward Orange
The additional red in this shade of yellow helps ground it. While it still tends to bring feelings of energy, optimism, and excitement, orange-yellow is considered to inspire and signify change. It’s a great choice for a farewell event or celebration of life, as it can add positivity to these events. But it also works well for any sort of transition, like a party for a promotion or milestone birthday.
Overall, use yellow and its variety of shades when you are looking to add a pop of positivity. Be cautious about overusing this bold and energetic color, however. In large swaths, it can be abrasive and difficult on the eyes. Be sure to balance your yellow-themed event with tablescaping and decor that helps to ground the lofty hue.