Host a Festive Christmas Cookie Decorating Party: Ideas, Tips & Inspiration

Is it too early to start thinking about Christmas? For some, maybe. But for those of us who love to plan ahead, now is the perfect time to begin brainstorming holiday festivities! Speaking of holiday spirit, our family absolutely adores decorating cookies – any kind, for any occasion! Thanks to the magic of online tutorials, my daughters have truly mastered the art of cookie decorating.

While I appreciate the joy of Christmas decorations, I prefer to keep things relatively simple. After all, the goal is to create a fun and relaxed atmosphere. This guide is dedicated to creating a memorable Christmas cookie decorating party that is both fun and easy to manage!

When hosting a gathering, especially during the busy holiday season, simplicity is key. A Christmas cookie decorating party offers a delightful activity that brings people together without overwhelming the host. Focus on creating a welcoming space, providing the necessary supplies, and enjoying the process.

To make this holiday season even easier, I’ve partnered with Better Homes and Gardens at Walmart to share some simple holiday decorating ideas. By clicking on the images below, you’ll be redirected to product links for inspiration!

Simple Decorating Ideas for Your Cookie Decorating Party

I kept the console table decorations simple and practical. I have some cute cups for hot chocolate that guests can take with them. I decorated the lanterns with Christmas bulbs that I already had. A small bowl of candy and a few rustic snowflake decorations completed the look.

To add a little extra height to one of the lanterns I used a white cereal bowl, easy and it matches well.

Setting the Stage for Cookie Decorating Fun

When setting up the cookie decorating station, consider using wrapping paper as a table runner for easy cleanup. It’s a budget-friendly way to add a festive touch without worrying about spills or messes. While a rustic table runner can also look beautiful, wrapping paper is a more practical option for younger children.

Instead of traditional floral arrangements, consider incorporating a pre-made gingerbread house as a centerpiece. It adds a playful touch to the table and serves as an additional decorating opportunity. Place the gingerbread house on a beautiful marble topped cake stand to elevate the display.

Essential Supplies for a Christmas Cookie Decorating Party

I am excited about the new little plaid ramekins, they can only be picked up at a local Walmart store (I couldn’t find them online). They are part of the Better Homes and Garden’s line for Walmart. But seriously they will be great for almost anything, little chicken pot pies, a small soup cup, individually baked desserts, or decorating gingerbread houses filled with candy (or cookies!!)!!

Gather a variety of cookie decorating supplies to ensure everyone has what they need to unleash their creativity. This includes:

• Pre-baked sugar cookies in various shapes
• Different colors of frosting
• Sprinkles, candies, and other edible decorations
• Small bowls for holding sprinkles and candies
• Spoons or small spatulas for frosting
• Wax paper or parchment paper to prevent sticking
• Cookie decorating bags or bottles

The wood slices are made to be chargers for plates, I decided to use them as platters. For the ramekins filled with sprinkles and the cookies (the cookies are sitting on wax paper to make sure they are food safe) To vary the heights of the little platters, I again used a white cereal bowl.

I also picked up this cute snowflake salad plate at Walmart, I think you can only find it in the store, but there is a coordinating appetizer plate online.

Final Touches and Enjoying the Party

Easy cookie decorating is all about preparation. Get the cookie and frosting ready and you are set for the cookie decorating party of your dreams!

Once everything is set up, it’s time to let the creativity flow! Encourage guests to experiment with different decorating techniques and create their unique cookie masterpieces. Play some festive music, offer warm beverages, and most importantly, enjoy the company of friends and family.

• I’m honored to be a part of the Better Homes and Gardens Blogger Network. Find more online: Better Homes and Gardens at Walmart and follow along on social media, Instagram – Twitter – Facebook – Pinterest – Website

A Christmas cookie decorating party is a wonderful way to celebrate the holidays with loved ones. By following these simple tips and ideas, you can create a memorable and enjoyable experience for everyone involved. So gather your supplies, invite your friends and family, and get ready to spread some holiday cheer through the art of cookie decorating!

Expanding on Cookie Decorating Techniques

Beyond simply spreading frosting and sprinkling candies, encourage guests to explore different cookie decorating techniques. For example, they can try:

• Outlining: Use a piping bag to create a clean outline around the edge of the cookie.
• Flooding: Thin out the frosting with a little milk or water to create a smooth, even surface.
• Wet-on-wet decorating: Add decorations to the frosting while it’s still wet to create intricate patterns.
• Stenciling: Use stencils to create more detailed designs with frosting or powdered sugar.

Consider providing examples of different decorating techniques to inspire your guests. You can find numerous tutorials and ideas online.

Making it a Themed Party

To add an extra layer of fun to your Christmas cookie decorating party, consider choosing a theme. This can help guide your cookie shapes, frosting colors, and decorations. Some popular themes include:

• Traditional Christmas: Think snowflakes, reindeer, Santa Claus, and Christmas trees.
• Winter Wonderland: Focus on icy blues, silvers, and whites, with decorations like snowflakes, icicles, and snowmen.
• Gingerbread Theme: Decorate gingerbread men, gingerbread houses, and other gingerbread-inspired designs.
• Ugly Sweater Theme: Encourage guests to create the most outrageous and humorous “ugly sweater” cookies they can imagine.

A theme can help to create a cohesive look and feel for your party, and it can also provide a fun challenge for your guests.

Cookie Decorating Party Favors

To thank your guests for attending your Christmas cookie decorating party, consider providing small party favors. Some ideas include:

• Small bags or boxes for guests to take their decorated cookies home in.
• Cookie cutters in festive shapes.
• Small containers of sprinkles or other decorations.
• Homemade hot cocoa mix.
• Personalized thank you notes.

Party favors are a thoughtful way to show your appreciation and leave your guests with a lasting memory of your event.

Beyond Cookies: Other Festive Treats

While cookies are the main attraction, consider offering other festive treats to complement the decorating activity. Some ideas include:

• Hot cocoa or apple cider.
• Christmas-themed snacks like popcorn balls or gingerbread bites.
• A cheese and cracker platter.
• Fruit skewers with a yogurt dip.

Having a variety of treats available will ensure that everyone has something to enjoy throughout the party.