MAMA DOREEN’S CUPCAKE PARTY ||Take cupcakes. Add children and you have the perfect party!|| ||That certainly seems to be the secret of Mama||Doreen’s success.|| ||This emporium of cupcakes is where six ravenous reviewers|| ||are heading for our lunchtime party.||
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HEY range in age from 6 up to 11 years old, united by a love of cake and creativity. The girls – because they are all girls – settle in their shabby chic seats, in the shadow of the vintage bunting, ready to start the fun. On hand are three party hosts with bowls of icing and bags of enthusiasm. “We want to teach the children to create something really special,� explains Jessica Wyatt from Mama Doreen’s. “When you tell them what they’re making they often say they can’t do it. But when we help them and they do create a fabulous cupcake, they’re proud of themselves.� Today our group are making Princess Elsa from Frozen and a puppy. When the group are shown the finished product, they follow Jessica’s script and admit defeat. But the party hosts have none of that and with icing on the table and knives at the ready it’s time to get making. After the initial tasting and some sugar shocked excitement, the group settle into transforming a simple cupcake into a beautiful princess. There’s a dress to make, a head to craft and a long icing plait to create. “We cater for all ages,� explains Jessica. “Generally a 10 year old is more creative and takes more time over the decoration. The younger children tend to need slightly more help.� There’s a lot more help given by the party hosts than I was expecting. When I thought about a cupcake decorating party, I thought the group would be left to their own devices, armed with a table of silver balls, butter cream and glitter. Not so. The aim of the party is fun, but it’s also about learning a skill. After the 6 princesses take to the cake stand, it’s time for the group to tackle the puppies. As tiny bits of icing were rolled, it was hard to imagine how thIngs were going to turn out but the finished product looked too good to eat. With appetites worked up, it was time for the party tea. And this is no ordinary party tea. Mama Doreen invites party guests to an afternoon tea, served on finest china and fit for the very princesses the group have fashioned out of icing. On the tiered stand there’s miniature sandwiches, tiny macaroons, chocolate covered strawberries, petit cupcakes and mouthwatering chocolate squares. Juice is served in
china cups and before too long, the girls ask to be left to enjoy their afternoon tea ‘in peace’. Not a problem when there’s the perfect cup of Mama Doreen’s coffee to keep me occupied. With nothing but crumbs left of the party tea, it’s time for the girls to head to the onsite sweet emporium to fill up their party bags. From gob stoppers to chewy strawberries, from sherbet treats to jelly beans there is something for everyone. Even the parents! After the cupcakes are packed into take home boxes and the grown ups have inhaled what’s left of afternoon tea (well, no one likes waste do they?) it’s time to head home. “So girls, did you enjoy it?â€? I asked. There were some full mouthed grunts and a lot of nodding heads from the backseat. I’ll take that as a yes. Mama Doreen’s Cupcake Parties are available at the emporiums at Moortown and Harrogate. Prices start at ÂŁ15 per child with a minimum of 6 children. For more information on themes and availability, call 07969 306 583 • www.mamadoreenscupcakes.co.uk
Mention FAMILIES LEEDS and get a 10% DISCOUNT on a Mama Doreen’s Party.
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Hall hire & catering options Dedicated party co-ordinator Pool parties Football parties Roller Disco parties Face painting Bouncy Castle activities Peppa Pig lookalike appearances Contact our events team on 01423 724 827 or email parties@ashville.co.uk Ashville College, Green Lane, Harrogate HG2 9JP www.ashvilletrading.co.uk