Window displays have always been an important part of our bakery’s story.
Even in the early days at our original Kingsway location on Bloor Street West, we loved creating displays that made people stop and look. One of our earliest and most memorable windows was an entire gingerbread Christmas village that filled the front window during the holidays.
Over the years, the displays have become something customers genuinely look forward to. We often see people stopping outside to admire them, point things out to their kids, and take photos through the glass. It’s one of our favourite parts of each season.
What many people don’t realize is how much work goes into creating each display.
Planning Starts Months Ahead
- Easter
- Thanksgiving
- Christmas
- Valentine’s Day
Others celebrate milestones like graduation season or summer birthdays. And sometimes we simply create a fun themed display because we have an idea we’re excited about — like our Space display or Gamer-themed window.
Finding Inspiration
Every display starts with inspiration.
Sometimes it begins with a colour palette. Sometimes it’s a party theme, seasonal trend, or even a floral arrangement we come across online.
We gather ideas from many places:
- party supply companies
- home décor stores
- fashion and event styling
- social media
- holiday displays we see throughout the year
One funny challenge is that we often plan so far ahead that seasonal products aren’t even available in stores yet.
During holidays, I’m constantly saving inspiration photos for the following year.
Once we decide on a theme, we start planning the actual layout of the display.
This part is much more strategic than most people would think.
We test:
- heights of cake stands
- spacing between products
- placement of props
- colour balance
visibility from outside the window
We also think about how customers will visually move through the display when they look at it from the sidewalk.
At the same time, we’re usually developing the seasonal menu as well, so the desserts and display influence each other.
Once the layout is finalized, we begin gathering props and creating the decorative elements.
That can include:- flowers
- vases
- table runners
- platters
- signs and banners
- themed décor pieces
- seasonal props
We often reuse our white platters and cake stands because desserts look beautiful on white and it helps keep the focus on the food.
Some displays require custom floral arrangements or handmade centrepieces to tie everything together.
Preparing Desserts for the Window
The kitchen also prepares specific desserts for each display.
We try to feature:
- cupcakes
- cakes
- cookies
- cake pops
- seasonal desserts
One question we get all the time is:
“Is that real food in the window?”
For the most part, yes.
The exception is many of our display cakes, which use Styrofoam forms underneath for support. We also use royal icing instead of buttercream on many display desserts because buttercream would melt under the window lighting.
Another common question:
“Can we buy the desserts from the display?”
Unfortunately not — by the time the display comes down, the desserts have been sitting there quite awhile!
The Displays Have Become Part of the Bakery