Hi

Im new to all this and would like to do a stacked cake. I would do 2 tiers, probably an 8inch and 6inch. How can I stack them without dowels? I dont have them and really didnt want to use them this time. I have heard things about drinking straws but was hoping someone here could walk me through it.

Thanks so much!!

You need some type of support if you are stacking cakes. The dowels will take the weight of the cake above, otherwise it will collapse.
I use bubble tea straws all the time now. I have used wooden dowels and the wilton lollipop sticks in the past. The key is to make sure that they go in straight (perpendicular to the table surface). and they should be the same height as your fully covered cake.
Check these vids out -