Are you thinking of ordering a big, impressive cake for your next celebration? Well, you might want to think smaller and go with cupcakes, instead. There's a reason these little cakes have become such a party favorite with guests of all ages. In fact, here are ten reasons.

1. They're easy to make. No, you don't have to go to a gourmet cupcake shop and pay over $3 each for these delightful desserts. Whether you make them from a cake mix or follow a recipe, they're not difficult to bake. Plus, you can use paper liners in your cupcake pan, which makes the cleanup a cinch and keeps them from sticking to the pan.

2. They're easy to decorate. You can personalize these mini cakes for any occasion by simply using cupcake toppers. Just stick plastic or edible decorations sold at party stores on top of your frosted dessert and you're done. Or you can add a little toy or token that ties in with your theme.

What else can you add to customize your creation? You can top off your frosted cupcakes with a slice of fresh fruit, sprinkles, chopped nuts, chocolate chips, shaved chocolate, cookie crumbs, crushed peppermint candies, M&Ms or other small sweets. You can also bake them in patterned or colorful paper liners to coordinate with your party.

3. They're easy to eat. You don't need a knife to cut the cake. It already comes with a liner, so you don't have to supply plates. Forks are unnecessary, since you hold them in your hand. They're extremely portable. That's what makes cupcakes perfect for parties on the go at the office, school, park, beach or any other locale.

4. They can be used as place cards. One way to do this is to write each guest's name in icing on an individual cupcake. The other technique is to write their name on a small card, attach it to a toothpick and stick it in the cake. Your guests will love this sweeter version of the old fashioned place card.

5. You can offer your party guests more flavor choices. Simply divide one large batch of batter and add different flavors and mix-ins. Check online for a basic recipe with variations for guidance. Instead of serving one big cake with the same flavor, everyone will love the variety.

6. There's no cake cutting fee. If you choose cupcakes instead of a fancy cake for a catered affair, such as a wedding, you can save $2 or more per person. Restaurants and other venues often charge to cut and serve dessert. But there's no need for this service, because there's nothing to cut.

7. They're an individual dessert. No one else handles it, touches it, steals a bit of your frosting. No one blows out the candles and gets bits of melted wax and worse on your piece. And everyone gets their own equal, portion-controlled serving.

8. Cupcakes can make a beautiful centerpiece. If you're having an elegant event, you can showcase them on a tiered tray. You'll find all sorts of different platters, towers and trees available for purchase, specifically designed to display these little cakes. Or, if you're planning a child's party, you can assemble them into a shape or the number of the birthday they're celebrating. Your dessert becomes part of the decoration with just a bit of imagination in your arrangement.

9. Your guests can choose to take their cupcake home with them. Not everyone has room for dessert after a big meal. So, instead of skipping the cake, they can carry these portable sweets with them when they leave the party. In fact, there are little, festive cupcake boxes available at party supply stores that make it even easier to pack up these treats for the road..

10. They're fun. Even when they're served at a formal occasion, cupcakes are sure to bring a smile. They're beautiful, little, individual cakes and are a pleasure to eat. Whether you're five or a hundred and five, they'll bring out the kid in you.

It's no wonder that cupcakes remain the hottest trend in party desserts. Whether you're planning a formal occasion or a casual birthday, these mini cakes are sure to delight your guests.