Make dessert the main event with this sweet birthday party idea.

 

Baker’s Special

Introduce young children to baking by throwing a cupcake-decorating party.

 

Explore cupcake options here!

 

It’s How We Roll

Print out an invitation, wrap around a mini—rolling pin ($5 for eight; amazon.com), and secure with a sticker. (jacolynmurphy.com)

 

Show-Stopper

 

Decorate with an easy-to-make garland. Using a needle, thread colorful cupcake liners ($3 to $4; bakeitpretty.com).

 

Fabulous Favors

In a mason jar, layer a cup-cake with frosting and repeat. (tsjphotography.com)

 

Top This

Offer an assortment of frosting colors, sprinkles and candies, and let guests pile on the sweetness. (mythreetinythings.blogspot.com)

 

Just Sippin’

Dip the rim of a glass into pink melted candy coating. Then place the rim in a bowl of sprinkles. Shake off excess. Once dry, fill with strawberry milk and marshmallows. (bubbleandsweet.blogspot.com)

 

Chef’s Choice

Let the kids decorate chef hats ($3 each) and aprons ($2 each; chefskin.com) with fabric markers and letter stickers (both at crafts stores) before they start cookin’.

 

Make a Wish

As an alternative to a cake, stick candles on top of a stack of gorgeous cookies. (cookiemondays.com)