Hi friends! Could you be anymore excited it is Friday? I am sure you have a lot on your plate given it is the weekend before Christmas. Last minute shopping anyone? As holiday break quickly approaches, you may still be thinking, what can I bring to contribute to the holidays this year? If that is the case, I wanted to share an activity that is super easy and everyone will enjoy!
To give you some background, my lady friend Kit, invited Maya, Jess, Emily, Erin, Jennie and myself over to decorate cookies last week. To be frank, it was less about the cookies and more about the cocktails and convos. Hence why this is good for the kiddos AND the adults. Not to mention crafts are good for the soul. Since we had such a swell time, I wanted to share how you can recreate the same experience with just five little rules.
Rule #1: Boozy cocktails. You have to incent people right? We made cranberry mimosas (champagne + cranberry juice) and Erin whipped up these yummy White Rudolphs that taste like milkshakes. Of course wine and beer works like a charm too.
Rule #2: Divide and conquer. Never do all the work yourself. And isn’t Christmas all about giving and sharing anyways? Chores included. So take advantage and ask everyone to contribute. Whether it be sprinkles, icing, those cocktails I mentioned above, appetizers, etc. Many hands make light work and it is quite minimal for everyone involved.
Rule #3: Set the scene. A large work space is key and decorations really elevate things to a whole new level! Minted has the CUTEST stuff. I highly recommend bookmarking this website as your “go to” for events and party decor. Their printed garland, table confetti, labels and signs really spruced up the space don’t you think? Kit used small bowls for icing, sprinkles and paint brushes for icing. Loved this idea for easy application!
Rule #4: The cookies and icing. Obviously these are the main components so listen up. There are two ways to do this. The Best Way and The Easiest Way. As the host, Kit had the sugar cookies and icing already made prior to us arriving. No one wants to watch you make cookies and they can be made days prior.
Kit is one of the best cooks I know and made everything from scratch. AKA The Best Way. Bless her. She used the original Betty Crocker Sugar Cookie recipe and we had two types of icings – Buttercream and Royal. I’m however not going to lie, if this were me, I would be purchasing the pre-made sugar cookies and icing you can find at the local grocery store. The Easy Way. Don’t judge.
Rule #5: Eat, Decorate, Drink & Be Merry! This is the fun part. Now that everyone has brought their item to share, the cookies are baked, the icing whipped (use food coloring for the different colors) and the table is spread with all the fixings, it is time to get decorating. Anything goes and tasting is encouraged. As the icing on top, Kit provided darling take home boxes (found at Target) for us to tote our cookies in. A very nice touch.
So there you have it! Maybe leave a few out for Santa if you can spare a cookie or two.
So what is on the agenda for the weekend? My husband gets back from his work trip tonight so I think we are keeping it easy. And tomorrow is our Holiday Hotel Bar Crawl. Whoop, whoop!
Also, great news! Next week I am announcing a new series that I hope brings significant value that YOU can apply to your everyday life. It is something I have been longing for myself and all stems from here. However it won’t be me talking this time around. I am bringing in the experts! So stay tuned and enjoy your weekend friends.
This looked like THE BEST time! I’ve got my work party tonight and I’m throwing a little holiday soiree tomorrow night. Have fun at the bar crawl and bring on the bubbly 😉
p/s I’m excited to see what the new column is!
26 and Not Counting
Have a great weekend Jess! I hope there is a recap on your holiday soiree – I know it will be oh so fabulous!