The Joy of One Cupcake

It started with a single cupcake and a candle.

For my niece Margherita’s first birthday, I made a small porcelain stand—just big enough for one treat. At that age, she wasn’t going to eat a whole cake. But I wanted her to have something special: a little pedestal to hold the soft swirl of frosting, the flicker of a candle, and all the joy that comes with being celebrated.

What began as a simple gesture quickly became a collection. Other parents asked for similar pieces, and I realized how much I enjoyed making them.

Each stand is thrown on the wheel and paired with a handbuilt base. Their proportions are intentionally small—just enough for a single cupcake or a few treats. I think of them as little stages, inspired by the things my toddler niece delights in: a single flower, a carousel, the planets, a snowman, a birthday candle. That sense of wonder became part of their form.

Though I originally thought of them for birthdays, they’ve found their way into other corners of daily life. I’ve seen them used to present cookies at brunch, to serve a single chocolate tart after dinner, or to hold a special gift like a wrapped chocolate or piece of jewelry. One customer told me she places her child’s pacifier on one between naps—"a tiny altar," she said.

I still think of them as celebration stands. Not just for big moments, but for the ones you might otherwise overlook: a first day of school, a made-it-through-the-week muffin, or simply the ritual of breakfast with someone you love.

You can find the collection here, and if you're local to Brooklyn, some are also available at A.MANO.