Simplicity and texture are the key to Zen style design.
There are almost as many cake decorating styles as there are cultures in Asia. However, a simple Zen philosophy tends to exist in most cultures. Zen design emphasizes simplicity and balance of line and texture.
Flowers
A simple floral motif, carefully arranged to maintain the balance of the cake, using textures in the icing as a main design component is common throughout Asia. Often, cakes will use fresh flowers instead of flowers created by icing. The floral motif can be easily carried through to other elements of party decoration.
Fresh Fruit
Often, simple fresh fruit is arranged on the cake as part of a majority of the cake decoration. In most cases, tropical fruits such as mango, mandarin orange, dragon's eye or another exotic tropical fruit make up part of the cake's decor. Other fruits such as grapes and peaches also add color and texture to the cake. Like floral-themed cakes, simplicity and balance of line are very important. Fruit motifs can be carried over to general party decorations. Peach-colored decorations complement a cake decorated with peaches or mangoes. For darker colors, deep purple decorations could complement a cake decorated with grapes.
Bamboo-Themed Cakes
Another good Asian theme for parties and cake decoration is bamboo. Decorating a cake with simple icing bamboo can be combined with bamboo-themed table cloths, napkins and other party decorations for a very simple, natural-themed party. A beautiful addition to a simple bamboo theme could be orchids.
Supporting Items
Regardless of the general theme, using Chinese or Japanese language banners, possibly with the English translations as subtitles, will add an authentic Asian flavor to your party decor.
Individual or Bite-Sized Cakes
Many Chinese and Japanese style cakes are small. Each attendee consumes one or more of these small cakes, according to his or her taste. For example, a plate with a combination of individual-sized fruit-themed, flower-themed and bamboo-themed cakes could be arranged on a bamboo-themed tablecloth.
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