• Arrange flower bouquets or petals for a fresh spring or summer cake table.flower bouquet with fallen petals image by redking from Fotolia.com
  
  When planning the guest table decor for your wedding shower, don't forget a very important element--the cake table. Whether you aim for a minimalist approach with a simple tablecloth or go all out with a dessert spread and flowers, the way you decorate your cake table can enhance and tie your other shower decor together.
  
  

Cloth and Fabric

• For a no-fuss cake table decoration, use a colored or patterned tablecloth. Find a design that complements any design theme you have in mind for the shower. Explore stripes, polka dots and other unconventional patterns. Also consider more traditional cream or ivory fabrics with brocade or floral designs. You can drape tulle, organza or other elegant fabrics along the sides of the table.
  
  

Theme and Heirloom Decor

• Make the cake table a showcase for not only the cake but also heirlooms. Display photos of your parents and grandparents while they were engaged or family photos that include cake--blowing out birthday candles, for example. If your family has a tablecloth, knife set or other appropriate heirloom item, incorporate it. You might also consider decor that goes along with a specific party theme, like poker chips for a Vegas-themed shower.
  
  

Floral Decor

• Floral decor works well with cake tables and gives you many options. Create an array of bouquets to lie in front of or beside the cake. You might also scatter flower petals on the table, place miniature potted plants or display elegant topiaries. You can also use simple greenery, like ferns or bamboo, instead of flowers. This works particularly well if your cake is a nice contrasting color, like orange.
  
  

Dessert Table

• Have a colorful dessert table in addition to or in lieu of your shower cake table. You can feature pie, cookies and even candy for a temping and eye-catching spread.
  
  If you have a cake as well as desserts, choose goodies that complement your cake design and colors. This is especially effective with candy, where you can choose a couple of colors. You may also want to include bottled soda that matches your shower colors (like orange and green apple for orange and green colors). You may place your cake at this table or display it separately.
  
  

Mini Cake Centerpieces

• If the idea of one large cake on a separate table doesn't appeal to you for your shower, incorporate smaller cakes as centerpieces for the guest tables. Just like traditional cakes, these come in a variety of styles. You may have "mini" cakes or cakes shaped like presents. You might want all the cakes one flavor and color or mix things up with various hues and tastes. You may even have tiny individual cakes for each guest. You can use these as place settings by attaching tags.