Hosting a themed party like a Cake Decorating Party can take quite a bit of effort upfront but I promise it will be a party to remember! After holding a few instructional cake cake classes myself, I finally have a comprehensive list that I hope makes the planning and prep more manageable to all.

Quick Cake Decorating Checklist

• A favorite cake recipe to use for the cake layers (you’ll bake the cake layers ahead of time).

• A favorite frosting recipe (make the frosting the day of and fill frosting bags. If you’re using two 6” cake layers per person 1 frosting ba

• Brown Parchment paper -for the table. Makes for easy clean-up

• Piping bags- Look for anti-slip textured ones. Game changer!

• Cake boards -for underneath the bottom cake layers

• Off-set spatulas-I love the ones from Dollar Tree! Linking a similar one. Keep in mind that smaller spatulas give you much better control.

• Bowls for scraping off excess frosting- grab some at a dollar store!

• Floral tape and scissors/shears if decorating with fresh florals -found at any craft store

• A good playlist sets the tone!

• Favorite dessert or charcuterie board to serve- I love serving mini personal chocolate cakes in margarita glasses. My favorite high quality cocoa powder is here if you want a decadent chocolate cake!

• Cups plates, utensils for serving dessert/snacks

• Flowers, berries, macarons etc for decorating

• Drinks: Wine, fruit infused water, and floral themed cocktails are my favorite to serve with this sort of party

• Boxes for cakes to go home in

Optional:

• Turn tables - Not necessary but fun to have! Look for heavier metal ones as opposed to plastic

• Cake scrapers- These are easy to hold and control

• Cake Level- Linking my favorite simple one here but a large knife works too.

Prep ahead of time!

Cake Layers: You can bake the cake layers up to 4 weeks ahead of time by storing them in plastic wrap (2 layers), a layer of foil, and freezer bags in the freezer. Make sure to lay them flat in the freezer.

The day of, make sure to level the layers for easy stacking

Florals and decorating elements: Obtain fresh florals a day or so ahead of time and keep cool in a fridge if possible. Other decorating items should be purchased ahead of time for ease.

Frosting: Make the frosting the day of to keep it fresh and easy to spread on cake layers. You’ll want to fill pastry bags with the frosting ahead of time and then place a bag at each decorating station. Six inch two layer cakes will need about 1 1/2 bags of frosting each so make plenty of frosting. Once pastry bags are filled, keep cool until about 20 minutes prior to using.

Playlist: Create a playlist that reflects the tone of the event.

Day of:

Parchment paper on table

Cake layers leveled and thawed if frozen ahead of time

Desserts assembled to serve.

Ice for drinks

Table set with all decorating tools and elements

Drinks prepared and chilled

Flowers trimmed, cleaned, and placed in vases. I love this table vase for these sort of events

Speaker for music

Most of all, have fun!