Rustic Cupcakes and Naked Cake!

Surprise parties are like a double edged sword!  They are a lot of fun to plan, but not so fun to to try and keep it a secret from the guest of honour!

When my cousin asked me if I would help her plan her mom’s 70th birthday party I was more than happy to oblige!

I love planning anything that involves fresh flowers and delicious desserts!  

While I really hope my Aunt was truly surprised when she arrived at her party, I know she had a great time!  I sure enjoyed helping get it all together. 

 

 

It was a casual affair with family and friends.  It’s always nice to see my cousins who I don’t see often enough!  I could spend hours looking through old photo’s and hearing all the stories that go along  with them!

 

 

Flowers from the farmer’s market made a simple arrangement in one of my old enamel pitchers.

 

 

 

A few daisies and tiny rosebuds were tucked into mason jars for the dining tables.

 

 

I used Pink rununculus, gerbera daisies and baby’s breath to dress up the naked cake.  

This was my second attempt at a naked cake!  The first one wasn’t all dressed up.  It was this delicious carrot cake.  I really like this naked cake trend!

 

 

I tucked tiny rosebuds, daisies, baby’s breath and greenery around the cupcakes.  Simple vanilla, chocolate and salted caramel cupcakes were made without to much fuss.  Casual rustic cupcakes!

Since I didn’t have a tiered cupcake stand, I created one by using a large wooden charger plate for the bottom, and stacked a dinner and lunch plate from my grandmother’s (my Aunt Marilyn’s mother) china.  I used dollar store candle holders to create the height between each tier!

My Aunt Marilyn was the youngest of my dad’s 6 siblings, one of only two remaining.  

 

I don’t know where my aunt was hiding this picture, but I thought my mom was going to cry when she saw it! It is my dad at age 14.  He is holding my Aunt Marilyn’s hand.  She had never seen a picture of him that young.

A good time was had by all.  Lot of food, fun and family.  It doesn’t get much better than that!

Until next time….

Maureen