Cupcakes Add Color to Your Table

By Mike | August 13, 2009

So you’ve set the buffet table for your party, all the food is out and you’re just waiting for guests to arrive. But somehow it seems to lack something—a touch of color, a bit of creative flair to give it some character. If your table needs a visual boost, one good solution is to throw in some colored cupcakes. Simple yet stylish, cupcakes are fast becoming a staple in events, not only as a snack or dessert but also as a decorative element. And since they’re a lot cheaper than cakes, cupcake recipes fit well with small and large parties alike.

The best thing about cupcakes is that there’s virtually no limit to how you can decorate them. No matter what your theme, style and budget is, there’s sure to be a way to incorporate it into your cupcake design. You can make the cupcakes yourself (it only takes about 30 minutes for a simple recipe) or if you’re in a hurry, you can get them ready-made and just decorate them yourself. With a bit of creativity, you can make colorful cupcakes that are sure to liven up your table. Get started with these simple tips.

Choose a good icing.

More often than not get their color from icing—it’s what sets them apart from similar desserts like cakes and muffins. This is where you can get really creative. You can go the easy way and simply ice them according to the party theme, or choose unusual colors that really make the arrangement pop. Most icing recipes can be done in minutes and will be ready by the time your cupcakes cool down. If you don’t have time, just buy some canned frosting and mix in some food color.

Cupcake icing is different from frosting in two ways: first, it’s usually fluffier and requires a piping bag, and second, it’s often made with egg whites for a meringue-like texture. Some people refer to it as royal icing. It usually takes color better than frosting and offers more creative options, since you can change the tips on the piping bag. To color ready-made icing, use a paste food color instead of liquid so it doesn’t affect the thickness.

Add decorative toppings.

Most cupcakes look great with icing alone, but if you want to add a little extra, you can add your own decorations. You can use whatever you have in the kitchen, such as chocolate buttons, jelly beans, gummy bears, nuts or chocolate chips. Not only do they add a nice layer of flavor, they also change up the texture and add more character to your cupcakes. Try making shapes, patterns, and other designs to make it more interesting.

You can also get ready-made cupcake decorations from your local cake shop. Toppers are a great way to liven up a plain frosted cupcake, and they come in all sorts of designs for different occasions. Edible toppers are usually made of icing sugar and offer an extra sweet treat for your guests. If you want something you can use for other events, consider getting plastic toppers—they’re not as creative, but they’ll cost you less in the long run.

Look for colorful liners.

Most people think of liners as an accessory to cupcake making, but that’s not usually the case. Liners keep the cupcakes from sticking to the pan better than flour or oil, and they make them easier to remove afterwards. They also help keep it neat when people are eating, since it holds the cake together. And as an added perk, they come in all colors and patterns so you can suit them to your table’s setting and design.

If you want something more specialized, look for seasonal cupcake liners. These usually come in prints suited for different occasions, such as snowflakes and glitter for Christmas and hearts for Valentine’s Day. Or for a more subtle effect, choose a specific color scheme—orange and black for Halloween, red and blue for the Fourth of July. Metallic liners like gold and silver go well with formal gatherings and wedding receptions.

Make a creative arrangement.

To really bring out your cupcake theme, you’ll need to arrange them so that they make a nice visual impact. After all, you spent time and money to make them look nice—why not go the extra mile and get creative with the presentation? Instead of just serving them on a tray or platter, look for a nice container where they can be better appreciated. If you’ve made a big batch, try arranging them on a cake board like a wedding cake. You can buy or rent one from most bakeshops, or you can make your own from some fiberboard. That way, their colors can be much better viewed and they can double as a centerpiece. You can also do the same for engagement cupcakes or bridal shower cupcakes.

Tags: cupcake decorations | cupcake decorations | engagement cupcakes | engagement cupcakes | cupcake recipes | cupcake recipes | cupcake liners | cupcake liners | cupcake icing | cupcake icing

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