1 Keep the guest count under 10 kids—8 is ideal. For a free, downloadable invitation, go to Partymakers.com. Be sure to note in the invitation that they'll be baking, and so should leave their favorite party outfits at home—even aprons can't protect against all spills.
2 Prep, prep, prep. Ready the equipment, and measure all ingredients. Prepare two trays: one with cake-making ingredients, and one with frosting and pastry bags. (Tip: If you don't have enough measuring cups, premeasure ingredients into clear plastic cups and label them. Then kids can just dump them into the mixing bowl.)
3 Divide the kids into two groups, and have each group make one layer for the cake. Have the recipe printed at each station for reference.
4 Involve all the partymakers when baking. Have one child hold the pan while the other butters, and one hold the bowl while the other stirs.
5 Talk with the kids while baking. Relax and have fun—if you are, the kids will.
