Sounds like a fun evening. When I have dessert parties, I usually serve wine, and also have water, some kind of soda or punch available for those who want something other than coffee, tea, water, or alcohol. I would not offer other kinds of snacks, provided that you have told them you're having a dessert night (as opposed to a cocktail party); I think that a big part of the fun (and decadence) is having nothing but sweets.

An easy but really decadent looking dessert is a cherry Boston Cream Pie. You simply bake a yellow cake in (2) 10" round pans. Once cooled-cut any rounded tops off-so cakes are completely flat. While cakes are baking..make up 1 box of vanilla pudding (NOT instant-use the cooked one-decreasing the milk so it's thick when done. Cool in fridge until real cold. Open a can of cherry pie filling & have some toasted slivered almonds on hand, and a tub of cool whip. Place one layer of cake on serving tray, spread the pudding on the cake-coming to about an inch from the edge. Place the other layer of cake on top & rock it gently so it sits firm. The witha rubber spatula-gently spread the pie filling on top. Stick some toothpicks in the top & cover w/plastic wrap & refridgerate until party time. Remove & place 8-10 high 'dollops' of cool whip around the edge-better yet-if you can use a pastry bag-do it that way. It looks best when the dollop is equally placed (designating each serving). Sprinkle w/almonds for garnish.

Michie -
I'd vote "no" on the jello mold, but maybe something with caramel. A shortbread type cookie would be nice, too.

As for the coffee -- strong, fresh, a nice smooth roast and no flavored coffee. You have such a nice array of desserts, a flavored coffee would just detract from them. If you have a good micro-roaster nearby, a Sumatran/Guatamalan blend would be nice with the deserts.

The cocktails aren't necessary, but someone might appreciate a sparkling bottled water.

Sounds like fun!

OK, so I'll include some wine, sparkling water & a punch. I'l leave out any flavored coffees & the jello. The Cherry Boston Cream Pie sounds perfect & so easy. Any other ideas would be great.

Oops, just saw the flan on the list you mentioned, so there's your caramel flavor taken care of. :) (Flan and coffee - match made in heaven!)

Just make sure the cream (or diary) and sugar is available to those who want it, put on some seasonal music, and enjoy your own party!

I've known people to forget that last part about having fun. LOL!

Oh-if you'd like to serve a 'sweet treat' beverage that looks festive? It's called an "Antifreeze".
Ingredients
***********
Swiss Miss chocolate packets (1 per serving)
peppermint schnapps
whipped cream
candy canes

Directions: Keep your teakettle full of boiling hot water. Then when someone wants one of these-simply place the cocoa in a tall mug, add 1 shot of schnapps, top w/whipped cream & add stand a candy cane in the mug. A small spoon as well. A real warmerupper!!

Want a DELICIOUS coffee? Go to a Dunkin' Donuts & buy a pound of their coffee-it is SO good-even in a home coffeemaker. Plus-it doesn't get so strong after sitting any length of time-

I've made this mocha fudge pie from cooking light several times and it's always a hit with chocolate lovers. Plus it's pretty easy to make. To make it seem more festive, I like to decorate the top with choclate curls or prepackaged chocolate decorations.

Here is a link that might be useful: mocha fudge pie

will someone please share a tasty red punch..no pulp..no alcohol...need for church group of about 25/30. would like to try one of those with strawberry jello...or koolaide...be merry
PS: Need ASAP