In a cake decorating event, the majority of cakes are the final product. Sometimes, even a surprise reveal. What if the cake itself was the event? What if the cake was the event itself? Cake decorating parties are a great way to get guests to praise you and eat lots of sugar. How to host a sweet cake-centric event.
Does the house have a baker?
The theme of this cake decorating party revolves around pride. Your guests should return home with their heads held high, and cakes carried confidently. What is the key to achieving this? Professional coaching. Ask a local baker to provide an evening of decorating and frosting guidance. The majority of bakers rise early, so they are available in the evening. You can ask them to send you photos or “fake cakes” of three or four designs that are suitable for beginners, along with step-by-step instructions. Your coaches will give quick tutorials on the day of the event before checking in with your guests. Imagine Great British Baking Show without the elimination rounds.
How to bake 100 cakes:
You’ll need to buy some cakes that are already baked, as this is not a baking event. You’ll need a lot. It may take some phone calls but it will be worth the effort. Costco stores may sell un-iced sheets cakes at a discount, while grocery stores can also be a good option. Your last resort? Sara Lee frozen pound cake. If you need large quantities of shelf-stable frosting and their best dyes, ask the bakers at your local grocery store. You can purchase equipment from suppliers if your local bakery is not able to do so.
Set up the room
Cake decorating parties may not be required for your venue, but they will bring everyone up to their feet. If you want to decorate and stand, banquet tables may not be the best option. Instead, look for tables that are counter-height or place your cakes on top of boxes. Plastic tablecloths can save you a lot of time, since frosting cleanup is a tedious task. Then, equip your tables with cake decorating tools. The best bakers have a tool belt that includes icing spatulas and lazy susans, as well as frosting tips, piping bag, and icing bags. You can rent equipment if you have covered the costs of the event or buy plastic versions at the dollar store. Consider having the tools engraved if attendees pay to attend.
Frosting Tips
It is not difficult to set up a room where you can frost your cake. Frosting is a different thing. A few simple tricks can make decorating easier and more beautiful:
- Ziploc bags make great piping bags. Simply cut the corner off and screw in your frosting tips.
- The painting section of your local hardware store is a good place to find tools. You can get textured plastic scrapers and putty knives for much cheaper than at the local kitchen store.
- Foil-wrapped pizza rounds make excellent platforms for frosting. To create a smooth surface, use wax paper to line the perimeter. Once the frosting is done, remove them and see your smudges vanish.
The Final Judgment (and Awards)
After the final frosting petal is applied (or when the timer expires), your professional bakers will review the results to determine the winners. More categories are better. Use “biggest failure” only when a disaster can be handled with humor. As categories, you can choose from Best Cake, Original, Most Colourful and Classic Elegance. One last thing is to supply boxes after the judgment. Your decorators will be able to take their sugar highs with them as they box up their work. You will be remembered as the most successful cake decorating party host ever.
