Book Swap

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss!

Read Across America is next week and it's got everyone thinking about BOOKS!

Being a mom and former elementary teacher, I am crazy about children's literature!  Children's books are the first experience with the written word for our little ones; capturing their imaginations and hearts.  Books are a very important part of our lives and should be appreciated and cherished.

Speaking of books, have you ever attended or hosted a book swap party?  They are a fantastic way to get new books for your kids, dump the old ones that have been read, and have some fun with friends.  Having a book swap party is not as complicated as it may seem.  Take a look at my Book Worm Party from a few years ago.  We had a great time!

Happy reading!

Click:  Book Swap Party

Spring Baby Shower Cakes and Cupcakes

    Even though the temperature outside is chilly, to say the least, and the the snowflakes are still flying...

Spring is right around the corner!

Springtime baby showers can be extra sweet and easy to plan. In the craft stores, dollar stores, and party supply shops, you will be surrounded by all things pretty and pastel. There are so many adorable patterns to choose from, such as floral, chevron, polka-dot, country shic, and so many more! You can find great bargains on Easter and spring decor everywhere you shop.

Spring Baby Shower Themes:

* Floral ~Pretty flowers are always a great idea for any shower.  My favorite part of a floral baby shower would be flower cupcakes. They make a beautiful display on a dessert table or even used as a centerpiece.  Here are some I have created over the years...

 Cupcake Centerpieces

*Spring Arrival Baby Shower  ~ Another great theme for a baby shower is BIRDS!  The whole idea of nests, nesting, baby birds, mama and daddy bird, makes for a wonder shower.  Here are some pretty cakes I have created with a bird theme...

*Moon and Stars Baby Shower  ~ This is always a good baby shower theme.  Lots of blue, white, and yellow for the color scheme.  You can also add gray and chevron for a modern flare. Decorations of puffy clouds, moons, and stars, go well with this theme.  Here is a cute cake and cupcakes I created...

*Alice in Wonderland Baby Shower ~ Any baby shower theme pulled from children's literature is simply a good idea. Choose favorite parts of the book to create decorations and sweets.  Here are cookie favors and a pretty two tiered cake...

There are so many more wonderful spring baby shower themes.  Check out my List of Sweet Party Themes page for more great theme ideas!

Xoxoxo,

Samantha

P.S.  Please feel free to ask questions in the comments. :)

Welcome to Parties With Cake!

Changing focus...

Welcome to my new, but old blog!  What I mean is, I changed the name and focus of my party blog. 

S S Party Theme is now...
       Parties With Cake! 

What's a party without a cake?  In my opinion, it's not a party! ;)

New focus:
    *Tutorials
    *Cake Decorating and BakingTips
    *Recipes
    *Party Help
    *More Fun!

This blog is still filled with tons of  information on how to throw a great party, but now I will be sharing more helpful information about baking and cake decorating!  My little way of giving back to a community that has served me so well. The baking and cake decorating community and my party planning peeps, have given me such love and support through out the years!  I really want to give help to others in my field by providing useful information that I have learned a long the way.

Follow me on Instagram, @samanthaeyth, as I have been sharing lots of great tips, from baking, to cake decorating,  and even home decors/crafts.

So look for lots of great information coming soon!

♡,
Samantha

Gingerbread House Tutorial

I adore making gingerbread houses!
    Here is my tutorial for...
                 How to Make a Gingerbread House

Finished gingerbread house tops my sweet pink fondant cake.
Party styled and gingerbread pegs by Craft That Party!
Gingerbread Girl Party

 How to Make a Gingerbread House...
     by Samantha's Sweets 

Cut scalloped design with a decorating tip or any small circle object.

Bake it!

Using a large serrated knife, cute around your templates.

Recipe for fun...
Ingredients:  Betty Crocker Gingerbread Cookie Mix ~in the pouch~ is a great cookie mix.  I add a little extra cinnamon and spices for an extra kick. 
Royal Icing:
Wilton Recipe~
3 tbsp. Meringue Powder
4 cups sifted confectioner's sugar
6 tbsp. water    Beat all ingredients at low speed for 7-10 minutes or until icing forms peaks.
*You can also purchase royal icing mixes at specialty kitchen and party stores and just add water.
*I also use Candy Melts to construct my houses.  It works great!  Sometimes you may find a few cracks when it drys; just coat back over it.

Candy, fondant, gumpaste and sprinkles, are the other items I like to decorate with. 

Dimensions of this template are... 
Front and Back: 4 x 4 inch square with 4inch angles(pitched roof)
Roof:  4 1/2inch by 5inch(width) rectangle  
Sides:  4 x 5 inch(width)
Gingerbread House Templates available on --http://www.patterns.gingerbreadbydesign.com/

Christmas Cookie and Cupcake Ideas

It's time to start thinking about...

             Christmas Cookies and Cupcakes!!!!!!!!!! 
Here are some of my designs.  Feel free to comment for cookie or cupcake questions.  Always happy to help!

Mini gingerbread men make great decorations for your cupcakes!

My Welcome to Gingerbread Cupcake Cake

2nd place winner in the Pittsburgh Good Taste Holiday Cupcake Challenge!

Make a basic snowy cupcake cake and have the kids decorate with gingerbread men and Christmas whimsy!

The ever popular, Snowman Marshmallow Cupcake!  

Simple Snowflake Cookies

Just glaze with frosting and used pretty sparkle sprinkles!

Christmas Star Cookies

Have fun with different patterns, textures, and colors.

Super Sweet Christmas Cookies

Use fondant to decorate your cookies!

Use the same cutter for the cookie, then the fondant. Frost cookie with a little frosting and place your fondant.  Add colorful sprinkles with just a little water for glue. 

Christmas Cupcake with my fondant toppers!

Personalized Ornament Cookies

There are some cute Christmas cookie and cupcake ideas for you! 
     Sweet love from Samantha's Sweets!!