[Photo: Love The Day, Lindi Haws]

Congratulations to the Class of 2016!  Whether it is college, high school or kindergarten -we’ve got a great graduation party idea for you -and a bonus recipe.

Everyone has heard the phrase, “you are one smart cookie!” before, so why not make that statement come to life in a graduation party.  Yes, you guessed it -a cookie bar!  No matter what age, your guests are sure to love an array of cookies and milk.

Setting the table:  The trend right now for dessert bars is to make it as eclectic as possible.  So have fun and get creative with the things you already have in your home (or your best friend’s home) and allow the table to come to life.  We are talking plates, trays, cake stands, etc. that do not all match, but create that homemade look.

Table décor ideas:  Think school nostalgia!  Old books and frames that you already have around the home are perfect.  Chalk boards, of course.  A larger chalkboard backdrop could say something like, “Congrats Sarah -You are one smart cookie!”.  Mini chalkboards would make great signs for each type of cookie.  Definitely weave in some of the school colors of the graduate.  This could be done with accents on the cookies or linens.  Homemade pennants are super simple and have school nostalgia written all over them!  You could write fun phrases such as, “Yay!”, “Congrats!”, “2016”, “Go Hogs”, “WPS.”

FoodSignGlitterGuide

[Photo: Glitter Guide]

Cookies: Have a range of cookies to pick from -this could be a great way to get other people to help out by asking them to bring a batch of their favorite.  Of course make sure to ask the honored graduate what their favorite cookie is and have it displayed and labeled in the center of the table.  Below is a recipe from our Wedding Venue Manager, Maggie Lechner, and one that surely everyone can agree is a must-have on the cookie bar.

[Best Ever] Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 3 1/4 cup flour
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1 tsp. baking soda
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 1/2 cup chocolate chips
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar
  • 3/4 cup white sugar
  • 2 sticks butter
  • 1 tsp. vanilla

Instructions:

  1. Mix flour, salt, and baking soda in a small bowl.
  2. Mix brown sugar, white sugar, and 2 sticks butter (melted) in a large bowl.
  3. Add eggs and vanilla extract to the large bowl and continue mixing.
  4. Add the flour mix a little at a time.
  5. Add the chocolate chips and mix well.
  6. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes.
  7. Eat the best chocolate chip cookie you’ve ever experienced.