A Complete Guide To Christmas Cookie Decorating Party Ideas
How to throw the best Christmas cookie decorating party.
These Christmas cookie decorating party ideas will make it incredibly easy to host the festive party of your dreams!
This step-by-step guide will help you set up your party to ensure it runs smoothly, is fun, and has all the festive cheer. You’ll get a list of party supplies you need, decor ideas, and fun extras (like personalized aprons & a cozy hot cocoa bar!) to make your party extra special.
I really think every party detail is covered in this quick guide so follow these steps for an easy yet thoughtful Christmas party!
Hosting a Christmas Cookie Decorating Party
1. Choose a cookie decorating party set up
Start by deciding if you want to have a cookie decorating bar, buffet-style decorating set up, or individual kits at each table setting.
Cookie decorating station
Arrange a buffet-style decorating area where guests can come up, gather their supplies and start decorating.
Separate the table with three sections; plain cookies, frosting options, and a topping section.
*This gives guests the freedom to move around and create at their own pace, and is perfect if you are hosting a big party.
Cookie decorating kits
Prepare small cookie kits for each guest with pre-baked cookies, mini containers of frosting, individual tools, and toppings.
Use boxes, trays, or baskets to hold each kit or the individualized materials.
*The kits make the perfect party favor! Kits can help avoid a messy setup which is perfect if you are hosting a kids Christmas cookie decorating party.
Buffet-style cookie decorating
Use kraft paper (can easily throw it away!) or a festive tablecloth (easily washable on a long table. Space out trays of cookies, decorating supplies, and any other items your guests may need.
*This option is perfect for families or a small group of friends.
2. Christmas Cookie party decorating decor and party supplies
Here’s a quick checklist of all the party decor and supplies you will need!
Cookie decorating party decoration ideas
- Table cloth or Kraft paper
- Baskets for cookie cutters and decorating tools
- 3 tier display to show off cookies (or drying racks)
- Christmas lights, mini Christmas trees, and festive signs for the table
{RECOMMENDED POST: 17 Stunning Homemade DIY Christmas Table Decoration Ideas }
Cookie decorating party supplies
- Piping bags/icing bags or squeeze bottles
- Sprinkles
- Edible glitter
- Pre-made cookies (be sure to make enough cookies! Keep extra cookie dough in the freezer just in case)
- Festive candies (like crushed candy canes!)
- Spatulas, small bowls, plates, cookie cutters in different shapes, airtight containers to store cookies
- Royal icing
3. Prepare sugar cookies and gingerbread cookies beforehand (or at least the dough!)
Choose the base of cookies you want to have for guests to decorate. Leave them in a round shape or pick up some Christmas cookie cutters for a festive touch.
I would suggest starting with just a few. Here are some types of cookies that are crowd-pleasers:
- Sugar cookie
- Gingerbread cookies
- Chocolate chip cookies
- Gingersnap cookies
- Peanut butter cookies
4. Cookie Packaging Table
Use a side table for a spot for guests to package their cookies!
Provide boxes, bags, ribbons, mason jars, and custom cookie tags so guests can package their cookies as gifts. Create a wrapping station with holiday-themed materials for guests to personalize their packaging.
Don’t forget to include markers, stickers, glitter, and more so guests can customize their boxes and tags.
5. Display cookie decorating ideas to inspire guests
Have a display setup that shows different Christmas cookie decorating designs. If your friends aren’t super artsy they will appreciate having some visuals to inspire them.
Laminate them or put them in simple frames around the table for a classy touch.
Christmas cookie decorating ideas:
- Edible paint cookies (using paint brushes and food coloring)
- Mini gingerbread cookie houses
- Classic gingerbread men
- Mini Christmas wreaths
- Ugly sweater cookies
- Winter Wonderland (plenty of snowflake sprinkles and glitter)
- Ornament cookies
- Candy cane stripes
{RECOMMENDED POST: 13 Best Homemade Gingerbread House Decorating Ideas To Try}
6. Christmas cookie decorating party extras
Cookie decorating contest
When everyone is done decorating their cookies, host a contest!
Create categories like “Most Creative” or “Best Use of Sprinkles.” and pass out mini awards or party favors.
Hot chocolate bar & cookie pairing
Hot cocoa and cookies go together like peanut butter and jelly. Hard to have one without the other!
Serve yummy hot chocolate with fun add-ins like whipped cream, mini marshmallows, chocolate shavings, or peppermint sticks for guests to enjoy while decorating cookies.
Personalized cookie decorating aprons
Order some personalized aprons or DIY some aprons for guests to wear while decorating their cookies.
It keeps the party tidy, adds a cute, personal touch to the event, and makes the perfect party favor!
Christmas music playlist
Create the perfect Christmas party ambiance by creating a Christmas playlist in the background to keep the mood festive and lively as guests decorate their cookies.
Cookie decorating is a fun way to bring some sweetness to the holiday season! I hope this post helped to get you in the holiday spirit and to plan the perfect cookie exchange, cookie decorating party, or cookie swap party you have been dreaming of! Merry Christmas!
Have any other Christmas cookie decorating party ideas? Let us know in the comments below! I’m sure others in the community would love to learn from you as well.
Stay well,
Maggie
This post was all about Christmas cookie decorating party ideas.
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