Holiday music fills the air almost everywhere we go these days, a sure sign that all of the festive winter celebrations are just around the corner. But despite the magic and cheer of the season, it can become overwhelming if you are planning a number of holiday gatherings. From the office party and multi-generational family activities to December birthdays and cocktail soirées, what’s a harried hostess to do?
Holiday party planners, rejoice! Muddy’s Bake Shop is making our job a little easier. Muddy’s on-site private parties combine fun hands-on activities, plenty of social time, and (best of all) no set-up or tear-down tasks.
This season, leave the holiday party planning to Muddy’s Bake Shop.
The party begins with a cake decorating demonstration from a Muddy’s hostess, who is on hand to help throughout the event. Up to eight guests gather ’round and watch a plain 6-inch cake become a holiday-themed masterpiece. It’s almost too pretty to eat, but don’t worry, the cake is sliced and served to guests! “It’s a nice way to start the evening,” Muddy’s Bake Shop owner Kat Gordon says. “It gives everyone a chance to loosen up, and latecomers don’t feel like they’ve missed out.” As the party planner, you can choose from any of Muddy’s signature cake flavors, including seasonal favorites Reindeer Bundt Cake and Santa Baby Cake.
Next up is the main event: guests decorate their very own baked goodies – four cupcakes and four butter cookies each. The event is less instructional than a cooking class, with no baking involved. Since guests don’t need to pay attention to measurements and hot ovens, idle chit-chat and socialization are encouraged. The focus is on having fun alongside friends, family, or co-workers.
During the party, guests can decorate both butter cookies and cupcakes. Yum!
Each person has a station with all the necessary supplies to make your treats spectacular, and Kat tells us that the different icing bag tips have proven very popular in the past. “We’ve got four different tips that you can combine to make all kinds of designs,” she says. “Plus, you’ll have a ridiculous amount of sprinkles. People get so giggly as they have fun with the decorations! We have a blast.” You can eat what you make at the party, but most people like to take their treats home to share. Of course, it’s our little secret if you keep them for yourself!
Every station has all the necessary decorating supplies ready to go, including icing bags, icing tips, and, of course, plenty of sprinkles!
How did the Holiday Party Packages come about, you ask? Last year, Muddy’s hosted quite a few parties in their then-new Broad Avenue location, and the team realized they were a great idea. “We worked on determining what made a package like this easier for hosts,” Kat explains. “We wanted to eliminate all the million details that go into planning a holiday event. Now, all you have to do is select a date and figure out who to invite.”
Holiday Party Packages take place in Muddy’s on-site classroom.
Kat gives credit to her “sidekick” Kirby Rogers, a Muddy’s team member of seven years, for coming up with the final concept. Kirby is the primary contact for the Holiday Party Package and follows up with the party planner to confirm all details.
Also included in the package is one keepsake embroidered apron — and how to award that apron is another source of fun. Kat says she’s been called upon to judge decorating contests, Great British Baking Show-style, with the winner awarded the apron. Other times, it’s an easy choice — after all, Muddy’s books many December birthday parties, and the apron makes a wonderful souvenir for the birthday boy or girl.
One lucky participant in your party will receive an embroidered Muddy’s apron!
For more details – or to book your own Holiday Party Package at Muddy’s – visit their website!
All photography courtesy of Muddy’s Bake Shop
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