Saturday, August 17, 2013

Special Event Planning Tip: Cupcakes


When you think of cupcakes, you might envision what I do. Cheap frosting piled upon dry cake that was placed on your table during the holidays while the adults got pumpkin pie and delicious desserts. Who would even bother serving them? They just wind up in the garbage can along with your wasted money. Not anymore!

In the past few years, cupcakes have earned their place at the adult table, making the transition from child's birthday parties to weddings and corporate events. Why you ask? Simply put: they allow freedom of choice and they are less inexpensive than their towering counterparts. Plus, who doesn't look good eating a cupcake?

These days, more and more brides are opting for cupcake displays instead of the traditional wedding cake. They allow the guests easier access to the sweet treats while providing more variety. It's hard for a cake to house six different flavors, but cupcakes can pack a wallop of flavors, especially if done right. Gone are the days of waxy frosting and sandy cake creations and in are the gourmet cupcake: premium ingredients (such as Madagascar Vanilla and high quality dark chocolate), fresh baked and portable. Cupcakes also allow you to cater to individuals who have food allergies or preferences; many bakeries offer dairy free, vegan options. Brides are even using them as party favors, placing them in inexpensive gift boxes to send home with guests.

Cupcakes are really simple and cheap to make. If you are cost conscious, like many people are these days, cupcakes offer pint size sugar fixes without sacrificing. On average, cupcakes can cost up to 50% less than a cake. Some other benefits that are often overlooked? They are much easier to transport, making delivery costs less in some places and they are great on short notice. Friends dropping by for dessert or coffee tonight? No problem. Everyone loves a great cupcake!

So the next time you are planning a get together, try looking up a local bakery that offers these treats in foodie pleasing flavors. In Orange County, my personal favorites are the ever-popular Sprinkles in Newport Beach, Casey's Cupcakes in Laguna Beach and Riverside (inside The Mission Inn), and The Perfect Circle Cupcakery in Old Towne Orange. Each one even has seasonal flavors, including pumpkin and candy cane, plus a few unexpected ones like banana and orange flavors. Perfect for those last minute holiday get-togethers!!

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