I so often see new decorators putting out tons of money to buy all the latest tools and materials. I don't think this is necessary! You can do so much with few tools and lots of creativity. What do you consider to be the barest essentials for cake decorating?

Here is my list of bare essentials (for Buttercream & Royal Icing):
* Mixer
* Round & sheet pans
* Medium Star tip
* Medium Rose tip
* Rose nail
* Parchment
* Short icing spatula
* Long icing spatula
* Turntable
* Quality food coloring
* Scissors & sharp long knife

What do you consider to be the barest essentials for cake decorating?

Don't forget a round tip for writing and great recipes! I think your list is pretty complete. I have all of those things plus a few more to round out my supplies.

I never use tips for round or leaf designs. Did you know that you can just cut your parchment tube for these?

Something that I consider as essential is my writing stencils. I have beautiful handwriting until I try and write on cakes!!! I have both the italic set and the regular set. Love them!! Plus all the stencils for the loops & etc. Can't forget a good roll of VIVA towels for the smoothing!!!

OOPS!! Forgot the most important item!!! CAKE CENTRAL!!!

I would have to add metal bowls and a good silicone spatula. I love my metal bowls for quick rinsing with hot water.

But for essentials? I'd say good recipes. If you have a good recipe, any basic tool will work as long as it fits the need (ie: any bowl and a spoon are basic for making icing)

Thank you all....I have been searching for this list for about a month. I would love to start cake decorating but money is tight right NOW. I love this list. THANK YOU THANK YOU. I was going to buy the 101 piece caddy but I guess that can wait. I need some good recipes and need to know if a 2 layer cake is cut in half then filled with filling or if it is 2 of the same size cakes just iced together?....Will figure it oout when I get good.

I couldn't live without my Kitchen Scale!!

Oh yes! Can't live without my scale. I got an old postage scale at an antique/junk store for just a few dollars. I always try to buy pans and things like that used.

Your list is almost complete to me!

Just a very few more items I consider essential that would be in addition to your list:
toothpicks! (Hate when I realize I don't have them on hand!)
serrated knife (to get a perfect flat cake)

I consider all my pans essential..rounds, squares, sheets, hex ,oval and heart...I am a pan fanatic!