How to Decorate a Cake Table for a Sweet Sixteen Party

Make her 16th birthday special with a unique cake.

At the age of 16, a girl gets many more responsibilities and privileges such as driving, dating, and wearing makeup. This is a special time of life and worthy of a unique celebration. Talk to the 16-year-old prior to the party to get an idea of her favorite colors and hobbies to make the occasion special. Focus your attention on using these ideas not only in her overall party theme, but also to create a one-of-a-kind cake table.

Things You'll Need

• Glitter marker
• Glitter spray
• Balloons
• Crepe paper
• Cake
• Candles
• Pictures of the 16-year-old at various ages
• White glue
• Brushes
• Acrylic varnish
• Sponge

Instructions

1. Bake or purchase a special cake to place at the center of the cake table. Incorporate the 16-year-old's favorite hobbies into the design. Many 16-year-old girls, for example, are enjoying driving a car. If the 16-year-old's favorite color is red, try making or buying a large cake shaped like a red car. Decorate the cake either with 16 single candles or special candles in the shape of a "1" and a "6."

2. Make the tablecloth itself a special keepsake. Cover a poster board with photocopies of pictures of the 16-year-old at various ages, from birth to present. Use white glue to affix the images to the poster board and use a wet sponge to remove any excess glue. Apply a finishing coat of acrylic varnish to protect your creation and make it water and spill resistant.
   Affix the board to the table with tape and let your creation serve as both a unique, decorative tablecloth for the cake table and a keepsake to remember the party.

3. Purchase helium-filled balloons in the 16-year-old's favorite colors and affix one or more to each seat for guests. Write each guest's name on the balloons with a glitter marker and set the chairs around the cake table. For an added special touch, spray the balloons with glitter to add a glamorous look.

4. Put a disposable camera at everyone's place setting. You can buy disposable cameras in many fun, festive colors. Making a camera available for everyone is a subtle touch that will help brighten the cake table, encourage party guests to participate in creating fun memories and ensure that activities can be captured from a variety of angles.

References

• Sweet 16 Party Ideas: Sweet 16 Centerpiece
• HGTV: Divine Decoupage