{piggy party tools} amazing cake pans

I'm launching a new series of posts called...

I'm often asked by party go-ers where I found a unique item and what gadgets I use when creating invitations and party ware. You know...my favorite tools...my standard go-to items!

Then it came to me...why not pass my insider tips and tricks onto you--our faithful Oink! readers?!? All the tools and tips to help you take your party to the next level! I'll also pass on some of Hank's Hints along the way which often include penny pinching ideas!

Ready? I thought I'd start with a super fun item that's always a hit!

A couple of years ago, we celebrated my birthday with a "Birth-Day-Que!"

Here's a glimpse at the artwork J created for the invitations...

{I'll share this party with you when Bar-B-Que season returns!}

I wanted to create a cake that had the same over-sized feeling as the

frosting-covered grill so I purchased a cake pan similar to this one...

{photo source: Williams-Sonoma}

...and created a cake similar to this...

{photo source: Williams-Sonoma}

...so mine didn't look SIMILAR to the photo!

I'm not sure any normal human could make one that perfect!

Unfortunately, we can't find a single photo of the cake I made for the

Birth-Day-Que....so I'll just have to recreate it! {wink!}

The cake was a HUGE hit and worth the splurge on the cake pan. I've made several other GIANT cupcakes since and it's reserved for a few friends to borrow!

Hank's Hint: Want a unique item? Research the best one for the best price--cheapest isn't always the best buy! If you splurge on this item, make sure that you adjust your budget. One item shouldn't break your piggy bank!

Designer Tip: If using boxed cake mix, you will need 2 boxes BUT don't overfill the pan! Prepare a little pan or cupcake tins for the extra batter. {Take it from someone who had to clean her oven the night before a party!}

I ran across similar GIANT cake pans in a store flyer and just had to share them with you!

Any donut lovers?

{photo source: Williams-Sonoma}

{photo source: Williams-Sonoma}



Cookie lovers?



{photo source: Williams-Sonoma}



{photo source: Williams-Sonoma}



I LOVE them!

I think the cookie cake would be perfect served

with coffee and tea at a Holiday Cookie Swap!

It would coordinate with our Sugar Cookie Collection!

I hope you enjoyed our first Piggy Party Tools post.

Any tools you'd like to share with us?

Stay tuned to Oink! for more inspiration...