How to Throw a Cookie Decorating Party

Holiday Cookie Decorating Party by B.Nute productions on Etsy

Kids love decorating cookies all year round! Whether it's the Holidays, Valentines, Easter or anytime of year, a Cookie Decorating Party is a great gathering, and surprisingly easy to coordinate too! Here are some simple "how to's" on having a Cookie Decorating Party, sure to please all ages!

Cookie Decorating Party Inspiration

To Pot Luck or Not, That is the Question!

Depending on the size of your gathering, and the occasion (i.e., birthday party, or holiday cookie party), you may want to do the party all by yourself or have help. I threw this party for my daughter's preschool class, and went the pot-luck route. It was quite a success! 

If you're throwing a small gathering, it's easy to make a couple batches of sugar cookies the day before the party. You can also pick up pre-made cookies at your local grocery store. If you decide to go the pot-luck route, ask guests to bring undecorated cookies and a topping/decoration to share. Tell guests to keep it simple... they can make handmade cookies, or store bought... no need to stress, since really the fun part is the icing and toppings! 

It's All About the Decorations

The more decorations for the cookies the better. It's amazing how many toppings can actually fit on one cookie when tried! Here is a list of decorations for you to get (or have people bring):

• sprinkles (varied shapes and colors)
• silver balls
• red hots
• chocolate sprinkles
• colored sugar
• peppermint candies
• chocolate chips
• mini marshmallows
• M&M's, Skittles, and other small candies
• colored icing

Party Set Up

Set up some large folding tables with plastic table cloths. In the center of the table, put the decorations in bowls for easy reach. Make sure to spread the different types of decorations around so all can have access. Depending on the age of the guests, chairs for each person may be optional. Many little ones will prefer to stand as they decorate their treats.

Lots and Lots of Icing

You can either purchase pre-made icing, or make up a couple batches of simple icing in your blender. Set out paper bowls in the center of your decorating table with several spoons in each bowl. You can also color the icing, and set out smaller bowls with the varied colors.

Trays of Cookies and Packaging

It's helpful to have a large counter area or extra tables set up to put the decorated cookies sit while the icing hardens. After all the decorating is done, have a station set up for packaging up the treats. You can purchase some cookie boxes, or just paper plates and wax paper will do as well! 

Drink Ideas

Decorating cookies can be hard work! Depending on the time of year, make sure to have some drink options ready for your guests. Here are some beverage ideas for different seasons:

Holiday Cookie Decorating: Hot Cocoa, Peppermint Milkshakes, Mulled Wine (for adults)

Valentines Cookie Decorating:

Easter Cookie Decorating:

Cookie Decorating Birthday Party: Lemonade, Fruit Punch or Milk, of course!

Decoration Ideas for your Cookie Decorating Party

Here are a few decorating ideas to make your space ready for cookie-fun!

Cookie Cutters - Head to an antique store, or even buy new cookie cutters, and string them up with colorful ribbon to make a cookie cutter garland.

Cooking Utensils- Set out cooking utensils in a glass jar on a buffet table or drink table to add to the cooking charm of the party.

Paper Cookie Garland - Remember the crafts you used to do in elementary school? Make some cookie shape garland (stars, hearts, gingerbread men) to fit the theme of your cookie decorating party. Here are some links to some similar crafts:

• Gingerbread Man Garland
• Valentine Heart Garland