A table at Cake Hoopla in Tigard, Oregon near Portland set up and ready for a DIY cake-decorating party.

How to Host a Memorable DIY Cake-Decorating Party for Any Occasion

How to Plan the Perfect DIY Cake-Decorating Party in Portland

Whether you’re organizing a birthday celebration, baby shower, or team-building event, a DIY cake/cupcake-decorating party is the perfect way to blend creativity, social connection, and sweet treats. At Cake Hoopla’s studio in Tigard, just minutes from Portland, we make it easy to host a party that’s memorable, fun, and totally stress-free. Here’s how to plan the ultimate cake-decorating party your guests will rave about.

Step 1: Choose the Perfect Venue
Hosting your event at Cake Hoopla’s in-studio party space means you get a vibrant, Instagram-worthy setting that’s already equipped with everything you need. From decorating tools to a fun atmosphere and expert staff, our Tigard studio is ready for birthdays, baby showers, corporate team-building events, and parties of all kinds.

Why guests love it: “The studio was perfect for our group—bright, welcoming, and set up for success!”

Prefer to party at home? Our to-go kits are a great option, but nothing beats the full in-studio experience.

Step 2: Select Your Theme
A theme brings your cake-decorating party to life. At Cake Hoopla, you can choose from pre-designed decorating kits like magical mermaids, elegant florals, friendship bracelets, and more. Hosting a Portland birthday party for a teen, pre-teen, or group with a specific vision? We can create a custom decorating experience inspired by their current obsession, whether that’s Taylor Swift, anime, sports, or something uniquely them.

Pro Tip: Themed kits make for fantastic party photos and are a great way to get everyone excited about their creations.

Step 3: Choose Your Extras
Every Cake Hoopla in-studio party includes all the essentials: pre-baked cakes or cupcakes, colorful frosting, fondant, sprinkles, and decorating tools. You can also bring in non-cake snacks and non-alcoholic drinks for your guests. We'll provide the sweets, and yes, we sell beer, wine, and zero-proof options too.

Want to add something extra? Consider our apron decorating add-on ($3/kid or $4/adult) or a friendly Cake Clash decorating competition ($10).

Step 4: Set the Mood
Let us help you set the tone for your event. With a welcoming studio space and music of your choice, the vibe can be anything from laid-back to party-ready. Our decorating helpers keep things flowing smoothly while you relax and enjoy the celebration.

Pro Tip: Add apron decorating as a take-home memento your guests can use again!

Step 5: Host Without the Hassle
At Cake Hoopla’s Tigard studio, we handle the setup and takedown so you can focus on having fun. Our team is there to assist your group, offer decorating tips, and make sure the event runs smoothly. Hosting a Portland-area party has never been easier.

Why Cake-Decorating Parties Are Perfect for Any Occasion
From milestone birthdays to employee appreciation events, DIY cake-decorating parties bring people together in a way that’s fun, interactive, and delicious. They’re suitable for kids, teens, and adults, making them one of the most versatile celebration options in the Portland area.

What Our Customers Say
With over 100 5-star Google reviews, Cake Hoopla is hands-down one of the best party spots in the Portland area. Here's just a few reviews from our happy customers:

"What an awesome, unique place to have a birthday party! All guests raved about it, staff was friendly and the cupcakes were delicious! Highly recommend!!" - Stacey

"So fun! My daughter and her friends had a blast. The cakes and cupcakes were delicious." - Bonnie

"We had a team fun event at Cake Hoopla in Tigard to celebrate our Administrative Professional's. The entire team kept talking about how much fun it was. The cupcakes and frosting were delicious!" - Beth

"We had a bday party here for my daughter and it was such a hit with all the kids. It's such a fun, creative and engaging way to spend the afternoon. Highly recommend and will definitely come back with a big or small group!" - Kelly

Book Your Cake/Cupcake-Decorating Party Today
Ready to plan an unforgettable event? Whether you’re looking for a unique birthday party idea in Portland, a fun bridal or baby shower venue, or a team-building activity in Tigard, Cake Hoopla’s in-studio parties offer something for everyone. Book your party now and let the decorating fun begin!

 

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Let customers speak for us

from 107 reviews
In-Studio Cake/Cupcake-Decorating Party
Kit Kat
9th birthday party

14 girls had a blast! Funnest party ever! Jojo made an amazing cake from my daughter’s sketches-beautiful Red from Descendants themed cake! My daughter was delighted and I wish we could have kept it intact forever! The Photo Booth was a big hit! Thank you JoJo and staff!

In-Studio Cake/Cupcake-Decorating Party
Easter Egg Cupcake Kit - Open Studio Time
Rita Curtis
Kids LOVE it!

This was a perfect fun birthday outing for my 10 yr old great granddaughter. She has always loved arts and crafts, and these you can eat. Nice room filled everything we needed to make the day!

Easter Egg Cupcake Kit - Open Studio Time
LIMITED TIME: Holly-Daze Cupcake Kit - Open Studio Time
Sheree M.
Great overall experience!

The ordering process and set up was great! Loved the inspo/instruction card, tools available, and ease of clean up. Gluten Free cupcakes were ok, very crumbly, not a lot of flavor-could be improved. Loved having the option though. Buttercream was tasty and colors were vibrant.

LIMITED TIME: Holly-Daze Cupcake Kit - Open Studio Time
In-Studio Cake/Cupcake-Decorating Party
Sarah Herbold
8 year old fun!

My daughter had her 8th birthday party at Cake Hoopla and thoroughly enjoyed it. The kids loved having free rein over the design of their cupcakes and were very creative with the frosting and fondant. The cake we got to cut was absolutely beautiful! As much fun as the decorating was, the Photo Booth stole the show. The girls had an absolute riot taking pics and silly videos together. Thanks for a wonderful party!

In-Studio Cake/Cupcake-Decorating Party
To-Go Cake/Cupcake-Decorating Party
Vanessa Nitibhon
Second year in a row with the best cupcake party

Cake Hoopla didn’t disappoint, second year in a row my little one wanted to do cupcake decorating again instead of a cake for her 5th birthday. She and her friends loved it. She picked the colors and the theme, cake hookup gave two amazing options from that to choose from and the event was an amazing success. We love doing this as all the kids have so much fun decorating them and most took the second one home. We love this activity so much. Can’t recommend them enough.

To-Go Cake/Cupcake-Decorating Party
In-Studio Cake/Cupcake-Decorating Party
Carlee D.
So fun!

My daughter and her friends had a blast celebrating her 7th birthday. The cakes and cupcakes are delicious, the Photo Booth was a huge hit, and the Cake Hoopla crew did a great job of moving things along at the right pace, and made hosting a breeze. 10 shrieking, giggling girls was a little loud in that party room, but it was all shrieks of joy which made it worth it. Also, there are adult beverages, that helped too ;)

In-Studio Cake/Cupcake-Decorating Party
Happy Hearts Emoji Cupcake Kit (Shipped)
Ashley Frias
Phenomenal Experience

This place is amazing! The kits has everything plus more to make beautiful cupcakes with step by step instructions. Not only was it fun, but the cupcakes tasted amazing! We will absolutely be back!

Happy Hearts Emoji Cupcake Kit (Shipped)
SOLD OUT! Mother's Day Cake-Decorating Class
Arieshia Williams
Such a memorable experience with my mini

We had the best time. My six year old and I were welcomed in immediately. All was in order and ready for us. We sat across from another mom and her little that we got to enjoy chatting with. We laughed and had a great time. I enjoyed bottomless mimosas while we decorated and everything tasted delicious. I loved this so much and will be back for random fun another time!

SOLD OUT! Mother's Day Cake-Decorating Class
Beeyoncé's Cupcake Kit (Shipped)
Customer
First time, but not last!

This was the perfect kit to do with my husband and two boys. We all had so much fun and the cupcakes were delicious! We are already planning on coming back when family comes to visit!

Beeyoncé's Cupcake Kit (Shipped)
Wine Time Cake-Decorating Workshop - 4/26/24
Radhika Desai
Relaxing, Educational and oh yeah- Super Fun!

My sister and I went to this workshop together in the new-ish Cake Hoopla space sort of by the Costco/Walmart area. She loves wine and I love cake!
It’s such a cool space- and so many fun workshops, and also custom cakes for parties … it’s the Swiss Army Knife of cake/cupcake shops. I picked up last minute cupcakes for my son’s birthday and they were the moistest and most flavorful cupcakes I’ve had in a long time.
We were able to talk, catch up, sip wine, cider, and finally exhale at the end of the week. It was an intimate class and would do it again for sure.
I can’t wait to plan a bday or anniversary party there. We each got our own three layered cake, which my husband and son demolished within 2 days.
*they also do gluten free options for the wicked*

Wine Time Cake-Decorating Workshop - 4/26/24
Open Studio Time
Sean Neligan
Such a great idea!

My family and I had such a great time! Everything was ready for us when we arrived and they couldn't have been more helpful. We will definitely be back!

Open Studio Time
In-Studio Cake/Cupcake-Decorating Party
Karen Webb
Birthday Satisfaction!!

My granddaughters 9th birthday theme of San Rio, Kuromi. We had a wonderful time. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed decorating their cupcakes. The Photo Booth was an awesome addition to the party and with our decorations, everyone was so pleased. Will definitely be using Cake Hoopla again and recommending to everyone!!

In-Studio Cake/Cupcake-Decorating Party
Open Studio Time
K.M.
Such a bonding activity

Absolutely loved how easy and efficient it was to book this event online. 😀 arrived to the placed with my family and everything was explained , very welcoming . Absolutely had an amazing time. Great activity 👏🏾

Open Studio Time
Open Studio Time
Annette Gardiner
Great birthday outing

We celebrated a milestone birthday by decorating cupcakes. The venue is super cute and everything was provided for us. Really fun, would definitely go again!

Open Studio Time
In-Studio Cake/Cupcake-Decorating Party
Margie Anderson
What a BLAST!

We had a Cat Cake/Hello Kitty cake party for 10 of us and it was so much fun!! We had ages 5-50 there and everyone was engaged, laughing and having a great time. The space itself is bright, colorful and happy. The digital photo booth was a fun addition, able to work magic and convince teenagers to take photos with their parents. Jojo was very responsive before, during and after the party. Some comments from my guests: “Best day of my week!” And “This is awesome!” And “So fun!” True on all counts!!

In-Studio Cake/Cupcake-Decorating Party