make cake balls -- but instead of round shape make in various shapes that match the center of a hat.
place on center of cupcake.
cover in bright red fondant.
detail out to make look like all kinds of different hats (add hat bands, flowers, feathers, play with roll of the brim, etc.)
ok, yet another thought.... IF you have the time....
can you get a photo of the ladies in the group and then make little replicas of their actual hats?
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might even consider personalizing by putting monogram on each cuppie based on each lady's name.
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and for dramatic color effect -- use BLACK cuppie wrappers. It'll put all the focus on the hats! (of course a deep purple would look good too)
How about making something like this except all in red fondant -
http://cakecentral.com/modules.php?name=gallery&file=displayimage&pid=1630459
There little bonnets on cupcakes.
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