Easy Christmas Cupcakes

Easy Flower-Themed Parties   by Simon G Burke

Every party needs a good theme to get it going. Halloween parties have their ghosts and witches, Christmas dinners have their trees, snowmen and Santa hats. But what if it’s a birthday, or a regular occasion like a family dinner? One of the easiest themes to do is a flower party. Colorful and classic, it’s the kind of thing that never gets old no matter how many times it’s been used.

The main advantage of a flower theme is that it’s easy—it can be as simple as using floral patterned tablecloth or something elaborate with fresh bouquets and centerpieces. It’s up to you how elaborate you want your theme to be. And budget-wise, it’s also very versatile. Fresh flowers make the best decorations, of course, but artificial ones work just as well if properly placed.

Try to keep a fixed color scheme to make the arrangement more eye-catching. You can choose one or two main colors and combine it with an earthy green and brown backdrop, or use an artsy, stylized flower as the prevalent symbol. The trick is to keep things consistent, so that people see your designs at every angle. Too many colors or patterns can make it all look tacky and messy.

If you’re serving dessert, consider making flower cupcakes. Cupcakes are surprisingly easy to do and very fun to decorate; in fact, personalizing them is half of the fun! You can make flower cupcakes with colored icing and toppers, or use marshmallows and other candy toppers to create the petals. Try to be as creative as possible—the more unique your designs are, the better your cakes will stand out.

Your table arrangement should also reflect your floral theme, especially since everyone’s eyes will be on it. A fresh bouquet makes the perfect centerpiece for spring and summer, while a dried flower arrangement works well for an indoor party or an intimate event. You can also use floral place cards, printed placemats, and even floral-themed cutlery. Just make sure not to overdo it—it’s best to leave some space so that the designs will be better appreciated.

About the Author

Floral themes are a classic design that never fails to brighten up a party, and the best part is that they’re easy to do. These tips show you how to set a floral theme that will make your next event stand out.
Easy Christmas Tree Cupcakes

Cupcakes $9.06 There’s something irresistible about cupcakes, whether it’s the pretty frosting or the childhood memories they evoke. Here, Susannah Blake offers a delightful collection of delicious little cakes. Begin with easy-to-make Simple Cupcakes. From classic Maple and Pecan Cupcakes to melt-in-the-mouth Orange and Almond Cupcakes, you won’t be able to resist whipping up a batch. Celebration Cupcakes offer a new take on tradition. How about a tower of snowy-white Wedding Cupcakes, a plate of Christmas Cupcakes, or even adding some sparkle to your 4th July party with a plateful of Firework Cupcakes? When you need a little comfort, turn to Indulgent Cupcakes. Gooey Chocolate and Hazelnut Cupcakes offer a taste of heaven, while Coffee and Praline Cupcakes make an elegant treat. For a simple dessert, whip up a batch of Fresh Fruit Cupcakes.

Holiday Cupcakes $10.52 After the fantastic Decorating Cupcakes, Cakes, & Cookies, baking queen Annie Rigg is back with more than 25 gorgeous and achievable ideas for cupcakes for the holiday season. If you are a novice baker and would like to make something pretty but un-fussy to bring to a festive party, why not look at the Simple chapter for inspiration? Try the Gingerbread Cupcakes, which will fill the house with the warming, spiced smells of Christmas. Cute cupcakes will appeal to the little kid in all of us—make a basket of adorable Snowmen, complete with marzipan noses and ribbon scarves, or even a flock of Robins, and put a smile on someone’s face. Decorative cupcakes are that little bit more sophisticated and bound to impress. There are clever ideas, such as little cakes topped with miniature gifts or “Glass” Stars made out of molten sweets. Cupcakes are everyone’s favorite sweet treat, and there’s really no better time to indulge and get baking than Christmas time, so try some smart Candied Clementine Cupcakes or some quick and easy Gingerbread Men-topped Cupcakes.

Cakes and Cupcakes (Everyday Easy) $13.59 Cakes and Cupcakes (Everyday Easy)

Cupcakes: $11.84 Cupcakes have become an art form–a delightfully delicious, edible art form! And now, for all the home cooks who’ve wanted to bake cupcakes as beautiful as those they’ve found in the fanciest bakeries, there’s Cupcakes. With 39 fun, easy-to-follow recipes in this book, it’s easy to become a cupcake master and create truly tantalizing desserts. Tired of the typical flavors? Try the mandarin and chamomile cupcakes for a fresh fix. Want a cupcake that almost looks too good to eat? Go with the beautiful beehive. There’s also the milk chocolate buttons if you’re craving a classic, and the baklava cupcakes for an unexpected twist. Cupcakes also includes more new takes on old favorites, such as individual blueberry cheesecakes and hazelnut cream sponge cakes, and unique creations such as jam doughnut cupcakes with a surprise in the center. Perfect for a leisurely morning with a cup of coffee or a fantastic finale to a birthday bash, the cupcakes created using these recipes will be so delicious you won’t be able to eat just one–and you won’t have to!

Betty Crocker Big Book of Cupcakes $13.56 Spectacular cupcake recipes made from scratch or with a mix Get ready for adorably decorated and deliciously flavored cupcakes made easy! Betty Crocker The Big Book of Cupcakes features 175 delightful cupcakes, all using new and fun decorating ideas anyone can master and simple ingredients available anywhere. And as a unique feature, almost every cupcake can be made from scratch or with a mix: You decide which method to follow. Recipes include kids’ party favorites like Double Chocolate-Peanut Butter Cupcakes, as well as sophisticated flavors like Mocha-Caramel Cappuccino Cupcakes. You’ll find: More than 175 cupcakes, with a tantalizing full-color photograph of every cupcake, plus helpful how-to photos showing easy decorating techniques A special Kids’ Party Cupcakes chapter with decorated treats like Puffer Fish Cupcakes, Monster Truck Cupcake Pull-Aparts and Campfire S’Mores Cupcakes Dazzling Holiday and Special-Occasion Cupcakes chapters including fanciful creations like Easter Egg Baskets, Almond-Filled White Christmas Cupcakes and Molten Caramel Apple Cupcakes Perfect for bake sales, birthdays, holiday parties or just an everyday treat, Betty Crocker The Big Book of Cupcakes is one book that really takes the cake.

Easy Cupcakes by Colour $3.33 Indulge in a rainbow of cupcakes, both delicious and beautiful.

Decorating Cupcakes, Cakes & Cookies $13.45 In this fabulous book, queen of cakes Annie Rigg offers more than 40 ideas for easy-to-decorate cakes, cookies, and cupcakes, as well as step-by-step photography to guide you through those tricky bits. The book starts with the Basics: all the cookie doughs, cake, and cupcake mixes you need to make the recipes in the book, as well as step-by-step decorating tips and techniques. Why not begin with some shoe-shaped Cookies in pretty pastels for Mother’s Day? Small Cakes can be as cute as a cupcake, or as decadent as a square of brownie. Put a spring in someone’s step and bring them a basket of freshly baked Carrot Cake Cupcakes topped with adorable marzipan carrots and bunny rabbits. When you want a bake that packs a punch, turn to Cakes for inspiration. Follow the step-by-step instructions for decorating a Striped Dark and White Chocolate Cake to rival anything you could buy ready-made. Even if you’ve never made frosting or used a piping bag. Annie’s foolproof instructions will inspire you to get creative and whip up a batch of handcrafted treats. More than 40 easy, gorgeous ideas for decorating cookies, cakes, and cupcakes for birthdays, Mother’s Day, weddings, Christmas, or just every day. Step-by-step photographs make the trickier projects easy to follow and fuss-free.

Crazy About Cupcakes $12.2 Go cupcake crazy! With nearly 300 awesome, mouthwatering ideas to choose from, home bakers will find the right recipe for any occasion and every palate. And whether they’re chocolaty, spicy, crunchy, fruity, or creamy, these exquisitely decorated treats look as astounding as they taste—perfect little temptations designed to make adults nostalgic and children happy. All the basics are lovingly explained so anyone can whip up a beautiful batch, and there are varieties for every day (from healthy cupcakes to ice cream indulgences); parties big and small; holidays ranging from Christmas to the Fourth of July; just for kids; and fund-raisers and bake sales. Plus, to make things easy, an entire chart- and template-filled chapter focuses on flavor combinations and design elements.

Cupcakes! $10.17 Cupcakes!

1001 Chocolate Treats $4.46 Chocolate-lovers rejoice! From rich, dark concoctions to subtle, silky creations, here are 1001 ways to enjoy your favorite food. Complete with full-color illustrations, easy-to-follow instructions, and expert advice on preparation and cooking techniques, this cookbook brings together terrific recipes for such chocolate delights as: Chocolate Banana Cake Buttermilk Hazelnut Fudge Chocolate Cherry Roll White Chocolate Pie Cocoa-n-Honey Chocolate Christmas Cookies Nevada Gold Nuggets Cake Tofu Brownies Parisian Truffles Coffee Mocha Icing Raisin Kisses Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Creamy Chocolate Frosting Ameretto Chocolate Pudding Chocolate Marshmallow Freeze Chocolate Syrup Chocolate Egg Nog Chocolate-Filled French Toast Mocha Milk Shake Angel Breath Pie Black Russian Cake Old-Fashioned Chocolate Pudding Chunky Chocolate Cupcakes And 985 other treats Chocolate-Covered Strawberries Rocky Road Candy

101 Fuss-free Bakes $43.56 Used – “101 Fuss-free Bakes” is a collection of tried and triple-tested recipes, which won’t see you spending hours in the kitchen. From Sticky Lime and Poppy Seed Muffins and Christmas Biscotti to Ginger Bread and Chocolate-Chilli Cake, the easy-to-follow recipes and short baking times make this book a must for every home baker. This revised and updated edition of “101 Fuss-free Bakes” includes a delicious Red Velvet Cake, simple and easy Cupcakes, a scrumptious Coconut Batter Loaf and an entir

101 Fuss-free Bakes $43.56 New – “101 Fuss-free Bakes” is a collection of tried and triple-tested recipes, which won’t see you spending hours in the kitchen. From Sticky Lime and Poppy Seed Muffins and Christmas Biscotti to Ginger Bread and Chocolate-Chilli Cake, the easy-to-follow recipes and short baking times make this book a must for every home baker. This revised and updated edition of “101 Fuss-free Bakes” includes a delicious Red Velvet Cake, simple and easy Cupcakes, a scrumptious Coconut Batter Loaf and an entire

2′ Candy Fantasy Pre-Lit and Decorated Artificial Christmas Tree – Clear Lights $59.99 From the Candy Fantasy CollectionItem # XDY782-RE/WHProduct Features:Pre-lit with UL listed clear lightsPre-decorated with red velvet ribbons, red and white glitter balls, artificial cupcakes, gumdrops, and peppermint candy Long and short mixed pine needles add a realistic touchTips feature bendable wire for easy shaping to help accommodate your decorating needsComes in a resin pot stand24 lead cordRecommended for indoor use onlyDimensions: 24 high x 10 base diameterMaterial(s): PVC/plastic/wire/styrofoam/resin

Christmas Cookies, Candies and Cakes $6.99 With such busy holiday seasons, it’s crucial to find ways to bring the whole family together. This comprehensive collection of Woman’s Day favorite Christmas recipes contains every type of sweet each family member will love, making it your one-stop source for your holiday baking needs. Chapters include:Cutout and Shaped cookies, Drop cookies, Bundt cakes, Cupcakes and Ice cream cakes Bars and Brownies, Toffie and Tassies.From Chocolate-Coconut Rugelach and Almond-Orange Macaroons to Raspberry Cheesecake Bars and the classic Standup Gingerbread House, each scrumptious recipe includes prep and bake time. The book also features over 45 beautiful color photos and many helpful tips for making holiday baking easy and fun. This is a timeless classic readers are sure to turn to again and again for many Christmases to come.

Crazy About Cupcakes $17.95 <DIV><P style=’MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 200%’>Go cupcake crazy! With nearly 300 awesome, mouthwatering ideas to choose from, home bakers will find the right recipe for any occasion and every palate. And whether they’re chocolaty, spicy, crunchy, fruity, or creamy, these exquisitely decorated treats look as astounding as they tast’erfect little temptations designed to make adults nostalgic and children happy. All the basics are lovingly explained so anyone can whip up a beautiful batch, and there are varieties for every day (from healthy cupcakes to ice cream indulgences); parties big and small; holidays ranging from Christmas to the Fourth of July; just for kids; and fund-raisers and bake sales. Plus, to make things easy, an entire chart- and template-filled chapter focuses on flavor combinations and design elements.</p></DIV>

Crazy About Cupcakes $4.74 Go cupcake crazy! With nearly 300 awesome, mouthwatering ideas to choose from, home bakers will find the right recipe for any occasion and every palate. And whether they’re chocolaty, spicy, crunchy, fruity, or creamy, these exquisitely decorated treats look as astounding as they taste—perfect little temptations designed to make adults nostalgic and children happy. All the basics are lovingly explained so anyone can whip up a beautiful batch, and there are varieties for every day (from healthy cupcakes to ice cream indulgences); parties big and small; holidays ranging from Christmas to the Fourth of July; just for kids; and fund-raisers and bake sales. Plus, to make things easy, an entire chart- and template-filled chapter focuses on flavor combinations and design elements.

Cupcake Heaven $16.95 New – Cute, colourful, and endlessly diverse, cupcakes never fail to please. Susannah Blake brings together more than 50 simple recipes, as well as giving the lowdown on baking equipment, ingredients, decorating and embellishments and serving suggestions. “Simple Cupcakes” show how easy it is to rustle up a plateful of orange and poppyseed,or apple and cinnamon cupcakes. From weddings and christenings, to Christmas and Halloween, Celebrations Cupcakes have perfect ideas to cater for all events.

Cupcake Heaven $0.99 Used – Cupcake queen Susannah Blake brings together more than 60 cupcake recipes, as well as giving the lowdown on baking Equipment, Ingredients, Decorating and Embellishments, and Serving Suggestions. Simple Cupcakes show how easy it is to rustle up a plateful of gorgeous cakes. There are irresistible flavors including orange and poppyseed, blueberry and lemon, and apple and cinnamon. For show-stopping treats, turn to Celebration Cupcakes. From weddings and Thanksgiving, to Christmas and Hallow

Cupcake Heaven $13.12 Used – Cute, colourful, and endlessly diverse, cupcakes never fail to please. Susannah Blake brings together more than 50 simple recipes, as well as giving the lowdown on baking equipment, ingredients, decorating and embellishments and serving suggestions. “Simple Cupcakes” show how easy it is to rustle up a plateful of orange and poppyseed,or apple and cinnamon cupcakes. From weddings and christenings, to Christmas and Halloween, Celebrations Cupcakes have perfect ideas to cater for all events.

Cupcakes $5.99 Used – There’s something irresistible about cupcakes, beginning with easy-to-make Simple Cupcakes, from classic Passion Fruit Butterfly Cakes to melt-in-the-mouth Orange and Almond Cupcakes. Celebration Cupcakes offer a new take on tradition. How about a tower of snowy-white Wedding Cupcakes, a plate of Christmas Cupcakes or even adding some sparkle to your bonfire party with a plateful of Firework Cupcakes? For a little comfort, turn to Indulgent Cupcakes, such as Banoffee Cupcakes or Coffee an

Cupcakes $11.94 New – Elegant and easy recipes for the most popular little dessert of all. There is no dessert quite as irresistible and charming as a delicate cupcake. The recipes in Cupcakes are delicious and simple to make, with recommended decorations for every occasion. The stylish large-scale photographs show ideal models of cupcakes for Christmas, Halloween, weddings, Saint Valentine’s Day and more. Janet Smith reveals how different types of sugar and flour affect these little cakes and what to do if t

Cupcakes $11.94 Used – Elegant and easy recipes for the most popular little dessert of all. There is no dessert quite as irresistible and charming as a delicate cupcake. The recipes in Cupcakes are delicious and simple to make, with recommended decorations for every occasion. The stylish large-scale photographs show ideal models of cupcakes for Christmas, Halloween, weddings, Saint Valentine’s Day and more. Janet Smith reveals how different types of sugar and flour affect these little cakes and what to do if

Dress Your Cupcake $14.99 Cupcakes are delicious irresistible treats that are easy to make and yummy to eat. Following the successful Dress Your Gingerbread, Dress Your Cupcake is another fun and colorful title that provides a new “dress up” twist on the continuing cupcake craze.Dress Your Cupcake provides the ultimate fun in the kitchen as you learn how to create cupcakes with a little personality and a lot of style. Choose from a whole host of fun, friendly faces and designs – human, animal and recognizable objects – to create a collection of memorable and truly individual cupcakes. The book contains 50 fun designs for deliciously decorated cupcakes and includes the perfect party pieces for Christmas, Easter, Halloween, and more. With ideas for both kids and grown-ups, playing with your food has never been so much fun!Containing a comprehensive introduction, easy-to-follow instructions on how to ice and decorate your cakes and information on all the techniques, recipes and templates you will need, Dress Your Cupcake is sure to inspire even the most novice of bakers to get creative with their cupcakes.

Hello, Cupcake!: Irresistibly Playful Creations Anyone Can Make $3.73 Witty, one-of-a-kind, imaginative cupcake designs using candies from the local convenience store, no baking skills or fancy pastry equipment required. Spotting the familiar items in the hundreds of brilliant photos is at least half the fun.America’s favorite food photography team shows how to create funny, scary, and sophisticated masterpieces using a ziplock bag and common candies and snack items. With these easy-to-follow techniques, even the most kitchen-challenged cooks can:• raise a big-top circus cupcake tier for a kid’s birthday• plant candy vegetables on Oreo earth cupcakes for a garden party• trot out a line of confectionery “pup cakes” for a dog fancier• serve spaghetti and meatball cupcakes for April Fool’s Day• bewitch trick-or-treaters with eerie alien cupcakes• create holidays on icing with a white Christmas cupcake wreath, turkey cupcake place cards, and Easter egg cupcakes

Hello, Cupcake!: Irresistibly Playful Creations Anyone Can Make $15.95 Witty, one-of-a-kind, imaginative cupcake designs using candies from the local convenience store, no baking skills or fancy pastry equipment required. Spotting the familiar items in the hundreds of brilliant photos is at least half the fun.America’s favorite food photography team shows how to create funny, scary, and sophisticated masterpieces using a ziplock bag and common candies and snack items. With these easy-to-follow techniques, even the most kitchen-challenged cooks can:• raise a big-top circus cupcake tier for a kid’s birthday• plant candy vegetables on Oreo earth cupcakes for a garden party• trot out a line of confectionery “pup cakes” for a dog fancier• serve spaghetti and meatball cupcakes for April Fool’s Day• bewitch trick-or-treaters with eerie alien cupcakes• create holidays on icing with a white Christmas cupcake wreath, turkey cupcake place cards, and Easter egg cupcakes

Kids in the Holiday Kitchen $8.35 New – Kick off the holidays in the kitchen this year! Here are kid-friendly projects including easy entrees sweet and savory noshes and fantastic crafts to display wear or give. Kids will love making–and then eating–cupcakes that look like Christmas ornaments and Snowballs in the Forest creative little pizzas perfect for little hands. That special someone will be delighted to receive Santas Suds decorated soap or a candy-cane decorated gift tin. With these unique craft and snack ideas the holi

Kids in the Holiday Kitchen $0.99 Used – Kick off the holidays in the kitchen this year! Here are kid-friendly projects including easy entrees sweet and savory noshes and fantastic crafts to display wear or give. Kids will love making–and then eating–cupcakes that look like Christmas ornaments and Snowballs in the Forest creative little pizzas perfect for little hands. That special someone will be delighted to receive Santas Suds decorated soap or a candy-cane decorated gift tin. With these unique craft and snack ideas the hol

Little Cakes from the Whimsical Bakehouse: Cupcakes, Small Cakes, Muffins, and Other Mini Treats $0.86 The mania for miniature sweets is gaining momentum–maybe due to happy memories of the magical tea parties of our childhood, or the intimacy of having our own tiny treat in a supersized world, with no need to share! The mother-daughter team at the Riviera Bakehouse in Westchester, New York, and authors of The Whimsical Bakehouse and Christmas Cookies from the Whimsical Bakehouse now present an abundance of fabulous new recipes for little decorated cakes, cheesecakes, cupcakes, and more–all in fresh flavor combinations, like caramel cake with dulce de leche buttercream or spicy chocolate cake with cinnamon-chocolate whipped cream. This comprehensive introduction to baking in miniature also provides tips on glazing, icing, and making chocolate decorations and offers details on the equipment you need to get started (including a cake pan chart, so that you can use those mini rose pans, heart pans, and other fun shapes to bake unique creations). The authors are famous for their over-the-top decorations, and they’ll take you step-by-step through the process of creating cakes piped and appliquéd with bumblebees (white chocolate wings and nonpareil stripes make them irresistible!), blooming roses (or, if you prefer, delicate hydrangeas with lifelike shaded petals), wild meringues (dressed with tiger stripes, zebra stripes, or leopard spots), and spiky dragons (right down to the serpentine tail). The recipes in Little Cakes from the Whimsical Bakehouse are categorized into three levels: one star for easy, two for intermediate, and three for challenging. So whether you want to start with a charming, super-easy star-shaped mini strawberry shortcake or strive for A Day at the Beach pail-shaped cake, complete with cookie-crumb sand, chocolate shovel, and edible seashells, you’ll find a cool confection that fits your skills. If you’re not ready for complicated decorating, this book also provides easy presentation

Quick & Easy Kids’ Cakes $14.95 Leave those expensive bakery cakes behind; now anyone can easily create kid-friendly cakes! Accessible for novices, yet inspiring enough for seasoned cake decorators, these 50 original cake designs are shown in color photographs that capture the entire preparation process. The eye-popping treats include an incredible Giant Ice Cream Cone cake, Flowers and Butterflies cake, and cool Christmas Snowmen. Basic cake and icing recipes are included, along with equipment lists and a host of professional cake decorators’ tips. There are cakes for boys and girls of all ages, seasonal and holiday-themed delicacies, and even some of the wildest cupcakes ever, plus advice for transforming store-bought cakes into unique and personalized creations that will be the stunning centerpiece of any party table.