Chatting With The Oh-So-Sweet, Amy Atlas {Giveaway too!}

We were thrilled to finally catch-up with Amy Atlas, the brilliant sweets stylist + event planner. Isn’t she lovely? If you don’t remember reading about her BIG news a few months back, take a refresher here.  However, at this point – I am hoping you all have a copy sitting on your coffee table of, Sweet Designs. If not, you seriously need to pick one up now.

Amy is the lovely mastermind + entertaining expert when it comes to the perfect party. Known as “the sweets stylist” she is just that and so much more. Baking and crafting with perfection – we can all thank her for creating the dessert bar trend you know see at every party. Amy pretty much is a goddess in the party world. Oh wait, she is.

With all that she has had going on the past few months {can you say big ole’ book tour} we were beyond thrilled that Amy could take a few minutes out of her busy life to chat with cupcakeMAG. Oh, and the best part – she is giving one of our lovely readers a chance to win a SIGNED copy of Sweet Designs. Not to mention, she gives us her top three tips!

Casi, cupcakeMAG Editor: Please tell us how Sweet Designs came about. When did you realize you wanted to share your beautiful work in an even more amazing book? It’s just – well, breathtaking and…can we say, mouthwatering!

Amy: I have had these tables in my head for years. When I realized I couldn’t service all of the people who wanted my tables, I decided to create a bible for my fans so they could create them on their own.

CM: We are in love with Chapter 1 {Forever Chanel} , you had us at Diamonds & Pearls, and Candy Couture! Was it hard breaking down the chapters and deciding what made the book?

Amy: Forever Chanel is one of my favorites as well.  The classic sensibility is timeless. My biggest challenge was to take all of these moving pieces (and there are many in each chapter) and to make it read/look effortless for the reader.  I wanted to provide a variety of recipes and crafts (175 total), variety of skill level for the recipes/crafts, and then pair that with my signature color palettes and dessert table concepts. I also recommend in every chapter how to switch out the table for a different look, grow it down for a kid party, grow it up for an adult party, and swap out homemade desserts for store bought when you’re in a pinch.  Every page in the almost 400 pages required a tremendous amount of thought.

CM: Is there a chapter that is closest to your heart or, maybe was your favorite to put together?

Amy: That is a very hard question.  It is almost like asking which one of your children you like best (smile). A few of my favorites were Pastel Pretty, Forever Chanel, Honey I Love You and Take Me Away.

CM: What are your top 3 tips when it comes to styling, baking and crafting?

Amy: Pick a theme a stick to it.

Limit your color palette to 2 or 3 colors.

Plan your menu so that there are some items you can make in advance.

CM: You share amazing DIY ideas and recipes throughout the book. Page after page, we couldn’t wait to turn to the next one. At the end of the day, what do you think really creates the perfect party? The recipes, the dessert table, color palette…..

Amy: The desserts always have to taste great so that is key!  After that, it is design of the table, color palette, and variety of desserts.

CM: I have to ask, how do you stay so slim with all these sweets constantly surrounding you?

Amy: I definitely love my sweets and believe in the old adage “everything in moderation.” I also love to run which is great for the body and mind.

CM: What are some of your favorite recipes to bake inside Sweet Designs? Personally, I can’t wait to try the Raspberry Truffles. They look so delish!

Amy: Hmm..another difficult question.  I love my key lime bars. They are perfectly tart with a buttery graham cracker crust.  I love my chocolate peanut butter bars.  My Nutella truffles would be on the list {they are super easy}, as well as my pumpkin whoopie pies and cinnamon raisin bread pudding bites. I could go on…

CM: Who inspired you to be what you are today? Just simply amazing.

Amy: My beloved late father was a huge inspiration to me.  He was always my biggest cheerleader. My husband and kids are a great inspiration to me, as well as my family, friends, and supporters.

CM: What are some of your current projects you are working on? What’s up next for you? {when can we expect to see you on TV – you need your own show :)

Amy: Ahhh..I always get that question. We just finished up a national book tour with Williams-Sonoma and I’m going to take a little time off to enjoy my family this summer.  We’ll have to keep you apprised of the projects coming up!

See, we told you she was just oh-so-lovely. And now, enter below to win your very own signed copy from Amy Atlas – a copy of Sweet Designs! 

Giveaway: Signed copy of Amy Atlas’ Sweet Designs book.

How to win: Tell us why you LOVE Amy Atlas.  This comment is mandatory. You also must be an email subscriber to cupcakeMAG. And yes, we check! The more you comment, the better chance you have to win! Become an email subscriber here. Make sure you verify it too!

We will select a winner via random.org on Friday August 10th 11pm, EST. Please make sure you enter the mandatory comment first before doing the extra entries.