Mmm…cupcakes

So, one of my favorites sites, the knot, has a new gallery on cupcake displays. I’m so excited about the exciting trend of cupcakes in place of the traditional wedding cake, or any event of your choice. Although this trend has been around for years, it’s now picking up speed, and the number of cupcakeries is growing. When Sex And The City did an episode with Miranda and Carrie eating cupcakes at Magnolia Bakery in NYC, it was on. Even the Girls Next Door are always talking about Sprinkles Cupcakes in Beverly Hills.

For years, I’ve only served cupcakes at my parties, because there is always someone piping up that their piece is too small, or they want the piece with the flower on it, etc. etc. I’ve been telling my friends for years, but some of them just don’t listen. Plus, there are so many fun options and ways to be creative. With the explosion of best-sellers like Crazy About Cupcakes and Hello Cupcake!, it’s hard for me not to do the “Told You So”dance.

Back in March, Our Lady Of All Things Handmade did a Cupcake Week, from whom I learned about our own local gem Trophy Cupcakes when the store’s owner was featured on the show. Now, I’m addicted to those cupcakes, and whenever we are in Seattle, we have to stop there. It also has party supplies and books. And the Wallingford Center is so charming; it’s a renovated schoolhouse, and a has a play area right next to Trophy Cupcakes (evil, I tell you, pure evil genius!)

Speaking of which, we’ve been to Cupcake Royale, which was all hype because they were way too dry. My goal this summer is to hit the other cupcake locations we have, including New York Cupcakes and Dahlia Bakery.

Speaking of Martha, of course, I have to show her most popular version; white cupcakes crowned with fondant hearts cut with a cookie cutter and imprinted with the bride’s and groom’s first initials. Mounted on a cupcake tower, it’s an impressive site.

Over at Wilton’s, check out Cupcake Fun website and if you can get a peek at the book, even better! FamilyFun has their ideas broken down by theme, even by alphabet letter, like this yellow jacket cupcake.

Cupcake Envy is by far my favorite site to to visit. Some of their extremely creative creations…

Speaking of more inspiration, a search on Flickr will yield lots of fun treats. Check out Hello Naomi’s cupcake collection which include everything from Pac-Man to Ice-Cream cupcakes.

For a decadent way to display your creations, try this laser-cut cupcake wrapper from Estilo Weddings. Easily assembles to slip your favorite cupcake or candy-filled cup into a marvelous display. Prices start at $12.00 for a package of 12.

For everything cupcake, take a stroll over to the blogs Cupcakes Take the Cake and 52 Cupcakes.