Birthday
Birthdays live and die by the cake — but around it the table wants savory nibbles, open sandwiches, and sweet treats that vanish before the candles are out. Find recipes for a celebration you can pull off at home, from a filled sponge to quick spreads for a crowd. Pick what makes the day.
Quick answer
Go for a sponge layered with cream and fruit, or a classic under chocolate glaze — it looks festive and you can make it at home. Keep decorating simple: fruit, chocolate shavings, and candles do the work on their own.
Savory canapés, open sandwiches, mini quiches, and something to nibble with drinks. Prep most of it ahead so you get to enjoy the party too.
Figure roughly 4–6 savory bites and 2–3 sweet ones per person, plus the cake. Err on the side of a few extra sandwiches — party food disappears faster than you'd think.
Most of the spread, yes. Bake the sponge a day ahead, make the filling and sandwiches in the morning, and decorate just before guests arrive.
In the fridge, ideally under a cake dome, it keeps 2–3 days. Take it out half an hour before serving so the cream softens and the flavor opens up.
