Giant Cupcake

• Giant cupcake pans are a popular item. The pan allows you to bake the bottom and the top of the giant cupcake in two separate wells. The two sections of the cupcake are "glued" together with frosting and then decorated. The giant cupcake works well as a centerpiece for a birthday party. Normal-sized cupcakes can be displayed around the giant cupcake when additional servings are needed.
  
  

Cupcake Cakes

• Another option for birthday parties is the cupcake cake. The idea of the cupcake cake is to place several individual cupcakes closely on a serving platter in a particular shape to create the illusion of one large cake. Caterpillars, butterflies, dogs and flowers are a few ideas for the cupcake cakes. Once the cupcakes are placed in the desired shape, a layer of icing is spread over all of the cupcakes to give the illusion of one large cake. The details of the cake are added with other colors of icing.
  
  

Favor Toppers

• Ice the cupcakes with a simple swirl or smooth icing. After the cupcakes are iced, place a small favor, such as a ring or plastic figurine, on top of the cupcakes. The small favor should be fitting to the theme of the party. The favor will dress up the cupcakes and give the guests a souvenir to take home from the party. This is a simple idea for those with little decorating experience, since anyone can do it.
  
  

Cupcake Decorating Party

• Let the guests decorate their own cupcakes. This will save you time on preparation and offer the guests an activity as part of the festivities. Provide two or three flavors of icing, sprinkles and candies to use on the cupcakes. Small tubes of colored icing will allow guests to add more detail to their cupcakes.
  
  

Flavor Variety

• Make a variety of cupcake flavors for the birthday party. Choose cupcake and frosting pairs that will result in a variety of colors to add interest to the party table. A sample menu for good color variety is German chocolate, strawberry, chocolate and vanilla. Add garnishes that match the flavor of the cupcake. A pecan half can be placed on top of the German chocolate cupcakes, or a strawberry slice can garnish the strawberry cupcakes.
  
  

Display Options

• A variety of display options are available for cupcakes at a birthday party. Different styles of cupcake stands are readily available. Cupcakes may be placed on a platter. Use trays or boxes of different heights covered by a tablecloth to create an interesting display. Boxes for individual cupcakes are also available if guests will take the cupcakes home.