Cupcake Party - Birthday Party Ideas

image from here.

Kids love two things: food and fun. So what could be better than a cooking party? Turn a cooking party into a birthday party - with the guests learning hands-on how to make the birthday child's favorite food. Most kids enjoy making simple food items such as pizza, cupcakes, etc. Older kids would have a terrific time with a "Top Chef" cooking party. Host the showdown in your kitchen, complete with judges and a secret ingredient. This post is mainly about cupcakes - but the ideas can be also be used for cooking. Kids love creating their own dessert masterpieces and also snacking on them along the way. A cupcake theme birthday party can be used for any age - this theme is universal
So... how about a cupcake baking party?

image from here.

Isn't the table decor perfect for a girls cupcake or cooking party? I'm loving the stacked bowls and tulle...photo from Little Shindigs.

Check out this adorable invite - image via here.

Get your supplies organized and laid out ahead of time; make sure you give everyone plenty of space. image via here.

Party Favors:
Wouldn't these whisks make darling favors for your little girls cooking party or a cooking theme baby shower? From Beau-Coup.

Wooden rolling pins - package of 12

Aprons are a must have for a cooking party. You can buy aprons or make your own; they're easily decorated with fabric paints, sewing trim or ribbon. If your feeling up to it you can decorate the aprons in advance or have the kids decorate them at the party for an activity. I personally would decorate the aprons myself and let the kids decorate the chefs hats:) Make sure each child's name is written or monogrammed on the apron.

How about a cooking kit for a birthday child?


Disposable Toque Chef Hats (10Pk)

Kids White Chef Apron and Hat Set Child Size


Decorate your own apron.

image via here.
Aprons make a nice take home favor (they will probably need a good washing after the party). Ribbon and personalized monogramming really turned these plain aprons into adorableness.

How to make your own Chef Hats

CRAFT MATERIALS:
White poster board
White tissue paper
Tape
Paper clips

Time needed: Under 1 Hour
1. Start with a band of white poster board 26 inches long and 3 1/2 inches high, and 3 sheets of 20- by 30-inch white tissue paper. Fold each sheet in half the long way. Make sure you write each guests name on the white poster board.

2. Gather and tape one of the short sides of each sheet along the hat band, overlapping the sheets slightly.

3. Curl the band tape side out, place it around a child's head, and paper clip the ends. Gather the tissue at the top, taping it tightly together, as shown at right. Cut off the extra tissue, remove the paper clips, and turn right-side out. Reattach the paper clips, puff up the tissue, and start cooking! Instructions from here.
Write each guests name on their own chef hat - the birthday child could be the "Master Chef". Not interested in making chefs hats? How about kids Chef's Hats 8-pk?

How to make your own cupcake favor bag:
Over at Paper Cookies - Diane gives you the template and instructions on how to make this too cute cupcake shaped favor bag.

Tips on hosting a kid's cooking party - click here for more tips/ideas.