Cath Kidston Cupcake Papers: Making Khaki Cute

A few years ago I wanted to try making my grandmother's caramel frosting.  I had an ever changing audience of family members at the cottage and I knew that even if the cupcakes weren't perfect, it would be a welcome snack after a swim in the lake.

However, I am driven by the Power of Cute. I couldn't imagine setting out a plate of drab khaki cupcakes. Caramel frosting is delicious, but it isn't pretty. I like it when my audience is excited about a bite before they even try it.

Thank heaven for Cath Kidston. My favorite British designer saves the day again. My mom gets some credit too, as she found this darling Cath Kidston cupcake kit and gave it to me for my birthday. I've been saving them for the right occasion. 

Light brown frosting is the right occasion. Don't they look great? And they were delicious. I am going to make the recipe one more time and then I'll share it with you. 

#cathkidston #cupcakes #caramelanythingisgood #powerofcute

Cath Kidston Jam Jar Kit: The Power of Cute

Never underestimate the power of cute. I would never say that homemade jars of jam need decoration.  People have been making and giving jam for as long as it has been possible. It is truly a gift.

But when you can doll up your jars, why not?

I am a Cath Kidston devotee.  I have loved her modern Laura Ashley-esque style for years (oilcloth tablecloths, polka dot fabric and darling dishes) and have visited her stores in New York City (sadly, now closed) and London. She makes me want to be British.

There are very few places in the United States that sell Cath Kidston products, so my heart skipped a beat when I noticed her Jam Jar Kit on the shelf of Pacific Fabrics, a sewing shop in Seattle. 

I knew I would be buying some fabric and ribbon, but a jam jar kit? Clearly this store is interested in bringing delight. The kit includes sweet label stickers and a variety of scalloped paper circles in some of Cath Kidston's signature prints that you fold down over the sealed jar lid and secure with a bit of coordinated elastic cord. 

My raspberry jam and peach jam now look so good that I've made it a little harder for my friends to remove the cover and dig in. I actually keep the paper lid and elastic on the counter and replace it after breakfast. Why not?

Visiting England: Cath Kidston

I have loved the work of Cath Kidston for years and made a beeline to one of her shops when I arrived in London.

I love her light-hearted prints, her vintage-style travel accessories, her commitment to oilcloth. Seriously, I believe in this brand and I think her approach to lifestyle design is perfect. I have seen very few designers with such a complete vision.

Cath Kidston just started making a magazine out of her print catalog (genius!) and decided to commission vintage candy tins (full of travel sweets) to sell in her store. A tin of sweets was the first thing I picked up when I arrived at her Portobello Road shop.

Because if you are going on a Summer holiday and you are packing your car full of vintage-style luggage pieces and oilcloth travel pouches, you'll need some candy for the trip, right? I love how she thinks.

I hope that someday everyone will know the name Cath Kidston.

Cath Kidston

Do you know the British designer Cath Kidston? Soft colors, pretty florals and polka dots tend to be her signature look and I love it.

This darling mint green cupboard is from her only retail store in the United States. This morning as I was drinking my coffee from one of her floral mugs (similar to those hanging from the row off hooks on top) I realized that I should show you this lovely display.

Everything tastes better on pretty dishes, don't you think?