Cupcake Display

A creative cupcake display enhances even the most artfully decorated cupcake. The right display will show off stunning decorations and add pizzazz to cupcakes with simple decorations.

Although you can simple serve cupcakes on a platter, a stand adds dimension to your cupcake display. In fact, stands can even substitute for a centerpiece on a dessert buffet. Plenty of cupcake stands are available for purchase, from wire stands to acrylic cupcake holders to individual stands.

The stand you choose depends on the look you want for your display. Consider these stands for your next cupcake display:

• The Crystal Palace Cupcake Tree
• Wilton Cupcakes and More Dessert Stand
• Wilton 3-Tier Cakes N More Party Stand
• Anchor Hocking Presence 3-Tier Platter Set
• Party Cupcake Pedestals
• Cupcake Stackers

Rather than purchase a stand, you can create your own. Try these two easy ideas:

1. Take out several brightly colored or decorated serving bowls. Make sure they are of varying sizes and heights. Flip them upside down on your counter or table. Add a flat patter or large dinner plate in a coordinating color or theme to the top. Center the cupcakes.
2. Save a few sturdy cardboard boxes of varying heights. Place them on a small table and then cover with a tablecloth, pulling it so that the box sizes are visible. Place a glass or clear plastic platter on top of each box to hold the cupcakes.

You may want to use some poster-hanging putty or other tacky item to affix the platters to the serving bowls and the boxes to the table. Do not use glue, as it can ruin finishes and is hard to remove.

After choosing your cupcake stand and arranging the cupcakes, you should consider decorating the display itself. Additional decorations will enhance the theme and look of the cupcakes.

Flowers are an excellent choice for decorating. Commonly found on wedding cake or anniversary cake, they are also perfect additions to a cupcake display for a baby shower, birthday party or tea party.

Place real or faux blooms every three to four cupcakes on the display. Add greenery, like leaves or even a garland, around the base of the cupcake stand(s). Some displays even have garlands and ribbons draped down the side of a stand and flowing onto the table.

Accessories for a cupcake display go beyond flowers. Get ideas from the cupcake decorations or theme of the party. Consider the following display decorations for these themes:

• Animals: Display cupcakes with a farm animal theme using a child's barn or fence. Add accessories like a tractor and plastic hay bales throughout the display. For a jungle animal theme, look for small stuffed animals to place amongst the cupcakes, such as lions, monkeys or giraffes.
• Baby Shower: At a baby shower, place useful items throughout the cupcake display. Pacifiers, small four-ounce bottles, rattles, bibs and baby shoes are perfect for adding a little something extra to the cupcake display. Use a baby blanket instead of a tablecloth underneath the displayed cupcakes.
• Luau: Tape leis around the edge of a tiered serving platter. Small coconuts and tiki centerpieces are also perfect for adding to the table around the cupcakes.
• Hunting: Decorate for a hunting theme by using shotgun shells scattered on the table around the cupcake stand. Place feathers or antlers around the table, too.
• Sports: Get into the game by decorating for a sports theme using favorite memorabilia. Small posters, photos and awards are perfect for placing around the cupcake display. Remember to add shoes, skates, or the game ball to the table as well.

Interspersing a few tea light candles throughout the table will help create a sophisticated or romantic look to the cupcake display. This is a good idea for a dinner party or anniversary party display of cupcakes. During the holidays, use typical décor, like Christmas ornaments or Easter eggs, to the cake table.

Just as there are many ways to decorate cupcakes, there are many ways to create a stunning display of the delicious goodies. Use a stand to create height and then decorate around the stand to bring your theme together.

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