Want to experience and taste a bona fide New Orleans tradition? You have to bake this Mardi Gras King Cake recipe. This is no ordinary cake to be served to the guests. The cake holds the answer of who’s going to host the next party. The catch is that inside the cake is a hidden baby toy wrapped in plastic. The one who gets the sliced of the plastic baby toy will be the next host. Pretty exciting, right? Get your kitchen ready and bake the Mardi Gras King Cake recipe today.

Mardi Gras King Cake Recipe

Image recipe: Brown Eyed Baker

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Ingredients:

PASTRY:

1 cup milk
1/4 cup butter
2 (.25 ounce) packages active dry yeast
2/3 cup warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
1/2 cup white sugar
2 eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
5 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

FILLING:

1 cup packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
2/3 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup melted butter

FROSTING:

• 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
• 1 tablespoon water

Image via: Eclectic Recipes

Directions:

1. Scald milk, remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup of butter. Allow mixture to cool to room temperature. In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in the warm water with 1 tablespoon of the white sugar. Let stand until creamy, about 10 minutes.
2. When yeast mixture is bubbling, add the cooled milk mixture. Whisk in the eggs. Stir in the remaining white sugar, salt and nutmeg. Beat the flour into the milk/egg mixture 1 cup at a time. When the dough has pulled together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 8 to 10 minutes.
3. Lightly oil a large bowl, place the dough in the bowl and turn to coat with oil. Cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until doubled in volume, about 2 hours. When risen, punch down and divide dough in half.
4. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease 2 cookie sheets or line with parchment paper.
5. To Make Filling: Combine the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, chopped pecans, 1/2 cup flour and 1/2 cup raisins. Pour 1/2 cup melted butter over the cinnamon mixture and mix until crumbly.
6. Roll dough halves out into large rectangles (approximately 10×16 inches or so). Sprinkle the filling evenly over the dough and roll up each half tightly like a jelly roll, beginning at the wide side. Bring the ends of each roll together to form 2 oval shaped rings. Place each ring on a prepared cookie sheet. With scissors make cuts 1/3 of the way through the rings at 1 inch intervals. Let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 45 minutes.
7. Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes. Push the doll into the bottom of the cake. Frost while warm with the confectioners’ sugar blended with 1 to 2 tablespoons of water.

That should do it. Make sure to choose a baby toy that is big enough to get noticed and not easily swallowed. So, take a slice and see your luck!

For more holiday food recipes on Stagetecture, click here.

Are you the one who likes desserts with a bit of tartness? If yes, then rhubarb is the perfect ingredient for you. Make the most of your harvest with this moist spicy rhubarb cake. Heat up a slice in the microwave and serve it with a dollop of custard.

Dessert Favorite: Rhubarb Spiced Cake

Image via: livebetteramerica.com

Total time: 1 hour + cooling

Yields: 12-16 servings

Ingredients

½ cup shortening

1 cup brown sugar

2 cups all purpose flour

1 egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon baking soda

¼ teaspoon ground all spice

¼ teaspoon ground cloves

1 cup buttermilk

2 cups fresh rhubarb, thawed

Pinch of salt

Topping

½ cup sugar

½ cup pecans, chopped

½ cup flaked coconut

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Image via: Brown-Eyed Baker

Procedure

1. In a bowl, mix brown sugar and shortening until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla.

2. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, cloves, and all spice. Add to the prepared mixture alternatively with buttermilk. Beat well after each batch. Fold in Rhubarb.

3. Pour into greased 9 inch baking dish. Mix the topping ingredients and sprinkle on the top. Bake at 350 degrees for approximately 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Whether you are a rhubarb fan or not, we bet this dessert recipe will make you fall in love with this bright pink fruit. Serve it at your next get together and have your guests talking for days!

For more desserts on Stagetecture, click here.

Adding a fruit in your cake recipe will not only enhance its flavor, but will add nutrients to your cake. It’s a sweet temptation that will fill in your body with healthy dose of nutrients from the fruit and other ingredients. If you’re looking for a cake with fruit recipe, try this Banana Bourbon Layer cake for dessert. The layers of butter, cream, vanilla and banana are simply so hard to resist. The blend of flavors from all the ingredients will satisfy your cravings for a scrumptious cake dessert.

Addictive Banana Bourbon Layer Cake

Image via: Martha Stewart

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 Ingredients

8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature, plus more for pans
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for pans
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
3 large eggs, separated
2 to 3 ripe bananas, enough to make 1 cup mashed
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar
3/4 cup sour cream
3 bananas, not too ripe
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons dark-brown sugar
3/4 cup bourbon

Image via: Thekitchn

 Procedure

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans. In a bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
2. Cream together butter and sugar. Add egg yolks one at a time. In another bowl, mash bananas, and combine with buttermilk and vanilla. Add alternately to butter mixture with flour mixture, beginning and ending with flour.
3. Beat egg whites until stiff; fold into batter.
4. Divide batter between prepared pans. Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, 30 to 35 minutes. Let cool in pans for 5 minutes, then turn out onto a rack to cool completely.
5. When cake layers are cool, whip cream with confectioners’ sugar until stiff. Fold in sour cream. Place a cake layer on a plate, and spread with filling to within 1 inch of edge. Place other layer on top, and press down lightly. Chill for 1 hour.
6. Slice bananas 1/2 inch thick. Melt butter in a large saute pan over medium heat. When it sizzles, add slices in a single layer. Sprinkle with sugar. When golden brown, turn slices; cook until brown on other side.
7. Carefully pour in bourbon (using a measuring cup, never the bottle) and ignite with a match. Cook until flames die down, shaking the pan to toss bananas in syrup. Remove from heat.
8. Arrange banana slices on top of cake. Pour remaining syrup over cake, letting it drip down sides. Serve immediately.

You can serve at least 10 slices of the delicious and nutritious Banana Bourbon Layer Cake using the whole ingredients. Give it a try and you will definitely love doing this recipe again.

For more desserts on Stagetecture, click here.

It is hard to imagine a thanksgiving dinner table without a beautiful Bundt cake. So, if you are looking forward to baking this holiday season, a Glazed Pumpkin mascarpone bundt cake is moist, full of flavor and a great addition to the family dinner table.

Glazed Pumpkin Mascarpone Bundt Cake 

Image via: Table Feast

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INGREDIENTS:

Cake:

½ cup    Packed Brown Sugar

½ cup    Chopped Pecans

1 tsp      Ground Cinnamon

1 cup     Butter, softened

2 cups   Sugar

3              Large Eggs

12 oz      Mascarpone Cheese

1 cup     Canned or pureed Pumpkin

1 tsp      Vanilla Extract

3 cups   All Purpose Flour

1 tsp      Baking Powder

1 tsp      Ground Cinnamon

1 tsp      Salt

¼ tsp     Ground Nutmeg

Glaze:

1¼ – 1½ cups      Confectioner Sugar

2 Tbsp   Mascarpone Cheese

1 Tbsp   Canned or pureed Pumpkin

Image via: Completely Delicious

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 12 cup Bundt cake pan with non-stick cooking spray.

In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, pecans, and cinnamon for streusel, and set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the butter and sugar until creamy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time. Beat in the mascarpone cheese, pumpkin, and vanilla.

In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg. Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture in three parts, beating only until combined. Pour half of the cake batter into the pan, evenly cover with the streusel mixture, then spoon the remaining batter over the streusel.

Image via: Kara’s party ideas

Bake for 55-65 minutes or until tester inserted into center comes out clean. Remove cake from the oven and let set for 10 minutes. Invert onto cake platter and remove pan.

In a medium bowl, beat together the confectioner sugar, mascarpone cheese, and pumpkin. Spoon over the top of cake while it is still warm.

Decorate your Bundt cake with glaze, a cake bunting or make a fondant turkey for some fun. Add some cake spice mix if you like your pumpkin Bundt cake a little spicy. You can also make individual Bundt cakes from this recipe and decorate them with Thanksgiving messages.

Asia as a continent has something romantic and mysterious about itself; and when it comes to weddings, this part of the globe is a home to variety of rituals and unique customs. Traditions vary from one country to another and each is beautiful in its own way. Join us to explore some colorful and fascinating customs of rich Asian weddings.

Image Credit: Basibanget

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Japanese weddings

In the land of the rising sun, as purple is the color of love, bride traditionally wears a silk kimono embroidered with purple iris flowers. The wedding ceremony is either Buddhist or Shinto both having a unique tradition attached to it. In case of a Buddhist ceremony, two strings of beads are interwoven to symbolize the union of two. If the nuptials are held in a Shinto shrine, the natural spirits are invoked to bless the couple.

Chinese Weddings

In China alone, wedding customs vary from one region to another. However, some of the most common traditions across the country include- the wearing of bright red colored gown symbolizing wealth and good luck, burning of loud firecrackers during the ceremony to ward off evil spirits, and, a roasted pig offered by the groom’s family to the bride’s family as a betrothal gift.

Image via: Tumblr

Korean Weddings

In Korea, it is a tradition for the couple to consult a fortuneteller or a “Kung-hap,” to predict their future together. As the cost of the engagement gifts alone is usually $40,000 and up, it is essential that the prediction should be a harmonious union or else the marriage is called off.

Thai Weddings

Image credit: Orange Blossoms Special Events

Thai weddings are generally intimate and attended only by immediate family members and friends. It is a custom for Thai bride and groom to prepare a meal and serve to the local monks before the actual nuptial. Only after the monks offer their blessings, the couple can tie the knot. The oldest member of the family leads the ceremony and dips the couple’s hands into a shell filled with water that symbolizes luck.

Hindu Weddings

Image credit: Chrissylong

In India and other countries dominated by Hindu culture, the bride and the groom are restricted to see each other several days before the wedding. As part of the ceremony, the couple recites seven vows amidst the sacredness of a ritual called ‘pheras’ revered for ages.

Asian weddings are steeped in history and culture, and each tradition is known to have strong mythological roots. Even though weddings in each country are distinct, they all celebrate the beauty of love and new beginning.

For more wedding ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Spring is near and one sure tell-tell sign are the birds.  We all know that the birds fly south for the winter and when they begin to return the weather has typically warmed and the flowers are in bloom. Don’t you just love it when you can hear them chirp and sing that they have arrived?  Well here is one southern loved food recipe dedicated to these lovely creatures, Hummingbird Cake.

Tasting Spring Humming Bird Cake

Image via: My Recipes

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Serves: 16

Ingredients

1 teaspoon of Baking Soda

3 cups of All-Purpose Flour

2 cups of Sugar

1 teaspoon Salt

1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon

3 Large Eggs, Beaten

1 ½ teaspoons Vanilla Extract

1 cup of Vegetable Oil

1 ½ cup of Chopped Pecans

1 (8-ounce) Can Crushed Pineapple, Undrained

2 cups of Chopped Bananas

Cream Cheese Frosting

Image via: Pinterest

Directions

1)      Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.  Take the all of the dry ingredients and mix them together in a large bowl, then add in the three large eggs (previously beaten) and oil.  Keep stirring the mixture together until all of the dry ingredients are moisten. (Do not beat) After that, begin to stir into the bowl the vanilla extract, un-drained crushed pineapples, 1 cup of the pecans and the chopped bananas.

2)      When finished with the batter pour it into three, greased and floured, 9-inch round cake pans.  Set in the oven (350 degrees) for 25-30 minutes or until a wooden toothpick is inserted in the center and comes out with nothing on it.

3)      Take out the pans and set them aside to cool for about 10 minutes.  When cooled take one out of the pan and set it on a plate then spread the cream cheese frosting on the top of it, then continue layering the cakes making sure to spread cream cheese frosting within the middle of each cake.

4)      When the last layer has been place, spread cream cheese frosting on top of that layer and evenly distribute the last ½ cup of pecans as the finishing touch.  Finally, dig in and enjoy!

For more dessert recipes on Stagetecture, click here.

Happy DIY Saturday and Happy Holidays! Thanksgiving has past and we are officially into the holiday season. Pick your choice of holiday to celebrate, every year your home comes alive with holiday cheer as your welcome guests into your home and show your appreciation of thanks throughout the year.

Have you thought of giving holiday food gifts this year? There is nothing better than getting into the holiday mood with festive goodies and treat. They are fun to make and even more enjoyable to give to neighbors, friends, co-workers, your children’s teachers and more!

Did you listen to Stagetecture Radio or download on iTunes on what to give the holiday host this season? Great ideas for gift giving for the holidays.

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You Tube: How to Make Jarred Recipe Gifts

Link to –> How to Make Jarred Recipe Gifts

Create containers for giving treats in:

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How to Make Layered Jar Recipe Gifts

Tips from Organized Home

• Choose the right container. Wide-mouth canning jars are easier to fill than standard jars, and canning jar lids seal tightly to keep flavors in and moisture out. Recycled glass jars can be used for gifts in a jar, but be sure that re-purposed jars are clean, seal tightly, and that there are no residual odors clinging to the lid.
• Use a canning funnel. Layers will settle more neatly, and jars will be easier to fill.
• Follow recipes exactly. Don’t skip steps–many recipes call for flour to be sifted before it is measured. Sifted flour will pack down more tightly in the jar than flour dipped straight from the bin.
• Layer recipes ingredients “small to large” according to texture. Place powdery ingredients like flour mix at the bottom of the jar, add larger ingredients like oatmeal next, and layer the largest ingredients–nuts or chocolate chips–at the top of the jar.

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• Tamp each layer tightly. The flat top of a meat tenderizer mallet makes a great tool to tamp down each layer of ingredients!
• For pretty layered effects, divide brown sugar into two portions. When layers reach the middle of the jar, pack half the brown sugar into a thin layer and tamp down. Add pretty ingredients like cocoa or chocolate-covered candies, then add the second half of the brown sugar to seal off the section from more powdery ingredients.
• Wrap soft materials (like marshmallows) or strongly-flavored ones (like herb mixes) in plastic food wrap before adding them to the top of your Mason jar gift. This extra step will help keep ingredients fresh and flavorful.
• For longer storage, use a vacuum sealing system, like Foodsaver brand vacuum sealer, to remove air from finished Mason jar gifts.

For more holiday ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

For more DIY ideas on Stagetecture, & Stagetecture’s YouTube Channel, click here.

Every holiday season I look forward to holiday baking and holiday desserts. Whether it’s for Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas parties or just to give away as gifts to the neighbors, holiday baking is one of the best parts of this time of year. So this week and the upcoming DIY Saturday’s throughout the holiday season – I will feature helpful tips to make your holiday home perfect.

The Best Holiday Bundt Cake Recipes

Today is all about bundt cake pans. There are so many beautiful bundt cake pans out there. I remember as a child making a bundt cake with my dad and swirling the apple cinnamon swirl though the middle of the cake batter.. and then being so surprised when we cut in the cake to see the delicious swirl in every piece!

This month Southern Living feature a Brown Sugar- Bourbon bundt cake on the cover of their November 2012 issue and I said, “I have to share this gorgeous cake”.

Enjoy!

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Brown Sugar-Bourbon Bundt Cake

Ingredients

•    1 cup butter, softened
•    1/2 cup shortening
•    1 (16-oz.) package light brown sugar
•    5 large eggs
•    1 (5-oz.) can evaporated milk
•    1/2 cup bourbon
•    3 cups all-purpose flour
•    1/2 teaspoon baking powder
•    1/2 teaspoon salt
•    1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste
•    2 tablespoons powdered sugar
•    Garnishes: candied oranges, magnolia leaves

Directions

1.  Preheat oven to 325°. Beat butter and shortening at medium speed with a heavy-duty electric stand mixer until creamy. Gradually add brown sugar, beating at medium speed until light and creamy. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating just until blended after each addition.
2.  Stir together evaporated milk and bourbon in a bowl. Stir together flour, baking powder, and salt in another bowl. Add flour mixture to butter mixture alternately with milk mixture, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Beat at low speed just until blended after each addition. Stir in vanilla bean paste. Pour batter into a greased and floured 10-inch (12-cup) Bundt pan.
3.  Bake at 325° for 1 hour and 5 minutes to 1 hour and 10 minutes or until a long wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan on a wire rack 10 to 15 minutes; remove from pan to wire rack. Cool completely (about 1 hour). Dust top lightly with powdered sugar.

Rum-Glazed Sweet Potato Cakes

Ingredients

•    3/4 cup golden raisins
•    1/3 cup dark rum
•    4 large eggs, at room temperature
•    2 cups granulated sugar
•    1 cup vegetable oil
•    2 teaspoons vanilla extract
•    2 cups pureed roasted sweet potatoes
•    3 cups all-purpose flour
•    1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
•    1 teaspoon baking powder
•    1 teaspoon baking soda
•    1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
•    1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
•    3/4 cup buttermilk
•    1/2 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
•    1/4 cup butter
•    3 tablespoons whipping cream
•    1/2 cup finely chopped toasted pecans

Directions

1.   Stir together first 2 ingredients. Let stand 30 minutes.
2.  Meanwhile, beat eggs and granulated sugar at high speed with an electric mixer 2 to 4 minutes or until thick and pale. Add oil and vanilla, beating at low speed just until blended. Add sweet potato puree, beating just until blended and stopping to scrape down sides as needed.
3.  Preheat oven to 350°. Sift together flour and next 5 ingredients; add to egg mixture alternately with buttermilk, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Beat at low speed just until blended after each addition. Drain raisins, reserving rum. Fold raisins into batter. Spoon batter into 3 lightly greased 12-cup Bundt brownie pans, filling each three-fourths full.
4.  Bake at 350° for 14 to 16 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans on lightly greased wire racks 5 minutes. Remove from pans to wire racks.
5.  While cakes are baking, bring brown sugar and next 2 ingredients to a boil in a heavy saucepan over medium-high heat. Boil, stirring constantly, 3 minutes or until mixture begins to thicken to a syrup-like consistency. Remove from heat; stir in reserved rum.
6.  Pierce tops of cakes multiple times using a wooden pick. Dip top halves of cakes in glaze, and hold 1 to 2 seconds (to allow glaze to soak into cakes). Place, glazed sides up, on lightly greased racks. Sprinkle each cake with pecans.
Note: To puree roasted sweet potatoes, peel potatoes as soon as they are slightly cooled. Press pulp through a wire-mesh strainer with the back of a spoon. You’ll need to roast about 1 1/2 lb. potatoes for 2 cups puree.
Brought to the table by Sheri Castle (adapted from The New Southern Garden Cookbook).

 Cranberry Apple Pumpkin Bundt Cake

Ingredients

•    3/4 cup finely chopped pecans
•    1 1/2 cups peeled and diced Granny Smith apples
•    2 tablespoons butter, melted
•    1/2 cup finely chopped sweetened dried cranberries
•    1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
•    3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
•    2 cups granulated sugar
•    1 cup butter, softened
•    4 large eggs
•    1 (15-oz.) can pumpkin
•    1 tablespoon vanilla extract
•    3 cups all-purpose flour
•    2 teaspoons baking powder
•    2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
•    1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Directions

1.  Preheat oven to 350°. Bake pecans in a single layer in a shallow pan 6 to 8 minutes or until toasted, stirring halfway through. Cool 15 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 325°.
2.  Toss diced apples in 2 Tbsp. melted butter to coat in a medium bowl; add cranberries, next 2 ingredients, and toasted pecans, and toss until well blended.
3.  Beat granulated sugar and 1 cup butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating just until blended after each addition. Add pumpkin and vanilla; beat just until blended.
4.  Stir together 3 cups flour and next 3 ingredients. Gradually add flour mixture to butter mixture, beating at low speed just until blended after each addition. Spoon half of batter into a greased and floured 10-inch (12-cup) Bundt pan. Spoon apple mixture over batter, leaving a 1/2-inch border around outer edge. Spoon remaining batter over apple mixture.
5.  Bake at 325° for 1 hour and 10 minutes to 1 hour and 20 minutes or until a long wooden pick inserted in center of cake comes out clean. Cool in pan on a wire rack 15 minutes. Remove from pan to wire rack; cool completely (about 2 hours).
6.  Meanwhile, prepare Sugared Pecans and Pepitas.
7.  Prepare Maple Glaze; immediately spoon onto cooled cake. Arrange pecans and pepitas on cake.

All images via Southern Living

For more holiday recipes on Stagetecture, click here.

For more DIY ideas on Stagetecture, & Stagetecture’s You Tube Channel, click here.

Selecting gift items for the kids is easy especially when it comes to food as the options available to you are plenty. Why not try not something different this time that is going to make them really happy? Many dessert food items will rush in your mind, the moment the two things that is kids and foods are placed together. Starting from cookies to chocolates to ice creams, the list is almost endless. All you need to do is plan it accordingly and well ahead of time to make your children’s party really successful.

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Sweet treats that are homemade are always a hit!

Homemade cookies are definitely the best option for kids. Children love to indulge in cookies and no matter how much cookies they eat, they are hardly bored of it. Therefore, you can bake various flavored cookies for them and in different shapes. They are definitely going to appreciate your effort and love you even more. Moreover by including some dry fruits or fruit in the cookies and make it a health option as well.

In case you do not have enough funds to arrange the party right at this point of time and do not want to touch your savings as well, then you can always opt for instant online loans. On the internet you will come across many financial institutions that will provide you with loan instantly. The rate of interest is quite reasonable and the terms on which these loans are available are also extremely flexible. Therefore you have the option of paying back the whole amount at your convenience.

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Chocolate treats

Chocolates have remained the favorite item of kids and also of varying age groups. Age is not a bar when it comes to chocolates. So you can even make some nice chocolates at your for the children’s party wrap them nicely and present it to them. Making a chocolate is really easy and to make it far more interesting you can actually give the chocolates different shapes by putting them into different molds. For the boys you can get the mold of cars that are available readily available in the market and for the girls dolls and fairies have always been their favorite, therefore making the choice really easy.

Cakes and pastries

Nice and yummy cakes and pastries cannot take the place of any food on earth. You can bake small cakes of different flavors and present the children their most favorite ones. Strawberry, pineapple and of course chocolate are the most favorite option of the kids. This leaves you with a plenty of choice as well. All you need to do is plan well ahead of time. This will provide you with ample amount of time to store all the things that you require for making these favorite items of the kids.

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Fresh baked goods

Freshly baked muffins are also a great food gift item for the kids. The kids are definitely going to like it and the procedure for making it is also quite simple. Therefore, your smallest effort will be appreciated by your little guests. Muffins can be prepared in various flavors. This also leaves you with plenty of options to choose from.

Another food item that you can also try to make are candies. The children love to eat candy and if they see a lot of colorful candies as their parting gifts, they will be ecstatic with joy. The candies can be prepared well ahead of time and stored in the freezer.

Therefore, there are plenty of ideas but all you need to have is the vigor and enthusiasm to do something different this time. The delightful faces of the kids is going will be enough to wear off all the tiredness that you have gathered to arrange the party.

Jonny Pean is a professional event manager and a writer. He recommends every to take up  instant online loans  for arranging the kid’s part. Visit his site. 

For more food ideas on Stagetecture, click here

If you’re up to the challenge, there’s lots of creative freedom and huge savings when you DIY your beach wedding. With a little help from Mother Nature you can take credit for a story-book beach wedding anyone would want. Ready to get your feet wet?

One of the best things about getting married at the beach is the free-pass you automatically get to do whatever you want in terms of staging. After considering practical matters like shade and not wearing high-heels  in sand, a well-planned beach wedding gives you dramatic surroundings that need only a few simple touches: perfect for DIY.

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Gather your inspiration from the sea itself, whether you decorate an existing place like a permanent gazebo or you’re intent on building a structure of your own. Choose a lightweight, sturdy frame and assure that it’s built to withstand wind: you’ve got to have a space that’s architecturally sound. Silky fabrics affixed to corners will blow romantically in the ocean breeze and they’re glamorous yet not too pricey. Wrap fabric properly so it doesn’t catch you up!

Reflect shapes of the ocean by using flowers, greens and branches that are tall and graceful, like kelp floating in the sea. Take advantage of the limitless sky above you and design tall arrangements that punctuate your décor with vivid color. Stick with just a few high-drama arrangements — they’ll be highly memorable, cost-effective and easy to transport as needed.

Seashells and sea stars are easy to collect or find on-line, continuing a motif that’s timeless and charming. We love the idea of placing large sea stars half-deep in the sand to mark the aisles and end-chairs for your guests. This kind of special little touch reinforces your theme and lets your guests know they’re in for a treat. Add edible sea stars to your nautical wedding cake or sprinkle seashells across your tables, mixed with sea glass and a few plain tea lights in glass votives… the effect is elegant in an easygoing way.

Tempted by the endless blues and greens of the ocean, you may think your DIY beach wedding is limited color-wise to what the waves bring… but it’s the beach, so there are no limits, remember? In wedding cakes and bouquets, cool shades are stunning and you can’t go wrong picking up a nosegay of hydrangea in sky-blue or holding just a few deep purple/blue Iris with bright yellow centers.

Now take your cue from nature once again:  use that same sunny yellow color at key points throughout your decorative plan, from invitations to cake. Lime green, citrus orange and rosy pinks enhance your beach-y hues. Finally, if it’s your goal to dress up your beach wedding and conjure up a formal atmosphere, add liberal touches of black and white to your table-scape. You’ll get great prices by ordering white linens and adding black is always classic move.

Whatever you decide to DIY your beach wedding, keep things simple and make it yours.

Susanna Miles, from (kisswedding.com) and real wedding blog (kisswedding.com/blog) is a place for brides to go for simple wedding ideas that make planning a wedding on a budget a heck of a lot easier.  The Guide, the Workbook and now the eCourse however help brides de-stress by de-mystifying the wedding industry, simplifying planning, and uncovering alot of the myths surrounding inexpensive wedding ideas.

All of the elements of the K.i.s.s. brand are based on keeping it simple & special – the very things that kept me sane while planning my own wedding and thousands since

For more wedding ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

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