The New Alternative to Cake!
What do you do when it's Birthday time for a friend and they don't like cake? That was the problem we got to tackle this week when a friend of ours got a year older. You see, she doesn't eat cake. We know, how could we be friends with someone that doesn't like cake? She's very nice. Trust us. Plus, when you're celebrating someone else's Birthday you know you'll never have to fight her for a piece of cake. So, what to do? The solution was easy to make and turned out super cute... a candy tree! That's right, a tree made out of candy. It's like Willy Wonka ... sort of.
You'll need to gather a styrofoam tree (or multiple small trees - your choice). These can be purchased at your favorite craft store. You'll also need to pick up some candy (get more than you think you'll need or you'll be stopping your project to go pick up more). Our Birthday girl prefers peanut butter cups, so we got those. You can get any kind of candy - though something with a flat bottom works best. You'll want a can of spray paint ... that's right ... spray paint. Pick up a can in a color that matches the wrappers of the candy you're using. And a glue gun to stick the candy on the tree - or, if you would prefer a lot of toothpicks (just know, using toothpicks will be much harder). (You'll also have the option to add ribbon if you want to.)
Step 1: Go outside and spray paint your tree(s). Remember to go outside or to a well ventilated area for spray painting. And, don't forget your best friend when spray painting ... Rubber Gloves! You would hate to ruin your manicure with orange fingers - or in our case, gold.
Step 2: After your spray paint is dry, it's time to start sticking your candy to your tree(s). It's going to take more candy than you think so make sure you have extra. Plus, you can snack on the extra when you're finished. Starting from the bottom, glue your candy around the tree until you get to the top. At this point, you'll be thanking us for making you spray paint the tree, candy rarely lines up perfectly and you'd hate to have that ugly styrofoam showing.
Step 3: This step is optional. If you want to add a little extra something to your tree, and why wouldn't you, add some ribbon around the tree to give it a little extra personality.
After that, you're done! See, we told you it was easy! And trust us, with the Birthday girl (or boy) that doesn't like cake, this is going to be a huge hit. You can also use this project for baby (pink candy tree decorations) or wedding showers (trees in the wedding colors). Keep this idea in mind and you'll be the hit of the party!
