Have you ever watched a television show like Cake Boss or Ace of Cakes and wondered how these chefs create such whimsical and elaborate cake creations that almost look too good to eat?  If yes, then our Party with a Purpose: Cupcake Creations is just right for you and your friends. At this event, you will learn the meaning of modeling chocolate and marzipan, the fundamentals of frosting, the purpose of piping, the basics of butter cream, and the real definition of decorating. In no time, you’ll be making darling cupcake creations that taste just as good as they look and that will satisfy anyone with a bona fide sweet tooth.

The Instructor

For this party, you will need to invite an instructor who knows all the tricks of the trade when it comes to cupcake decorating and design. This teacher could be a local baker, pastry chef, cupcake connoisseur, or even a friend or relative who has a gift for creating cupcakes. Communicate with your instructor about how you would like the class to be taught. Would you and your guests like to learn a specific design or decoration or would you rather learn the basics and allow your partygoers to experiment? Ask your cupcake coach what the necessary decorating supplies will be and if he or she would be willing to supply the necessary tools for your event. Most importantly, make sure that your instructor knows that all the proceeds from this party will be going to charity.

The Set-Up

In order to successfully and comfortably pull off this event, your decorators will need plenty of room to work and create. The instructor will also need to be clearly visible to everyone at your event. A large kitchen with plenty of counter space should do the trick. If your kitchen is a little too small or cluttered, consider renting a showroom kitchen or asking a restaurant to use their kitchen during off hours. Remember to remind them that the event is for charity and that the donations from the event will support a good cause. The host should also consider baking a couple dozen cupcakes before the event begins or having a local bakery donate plain cupcakes. That way, your guests do not have to worry about cooking anything when they arrive.

Activities

If you want to add a little flavor or a touch of spice to your cupcake decorating Party with a Purpose, you could turn the event into a competition. Once everyone has learned the basics of cupcake creation, you can divide your guests into teams and have them compete against one another to design and construct the coolest cupcake creation. The instructor can choose the best cupcakes and the winning team can decide which charity the proceeds from the party will be donated to.

Attire

Our Party with a Purpose: Cupcake Creations has the potential to get very messy. Guest should probably wear clothing that they are not afraid of getting a little frosting and chocolate on. If you want to, as Emeril would say, “Kick it up a notch”, have your guests arrive in decorated chef’s hats and aprons. Creative chef attire could be another opportunity for a contest and for fundraising.

How to raise funds

Have your guests make a donation at the door in order to participate in the cupcake class. You can take your fundraising efforts even further by selling your cupcakes creations at a bake sale. You can also turn your party into a decorating competition that can raise additional funds for your cause.