7-15-2024
How to Set Up and Teach a Halloween Cookie Decorating Class
From Lauren, The Cheerful Baker
How to Set Up and Teach a Halloween Cookie Decorating Class
Halloween is a popular holiday that people of all ages love, and themed activities like cookie decorating are always a hit. Hands-on, creative classes not only foster creativity but also provide a fun place for friends to get togther. By hosting Halloween cookie decorating classes, you can help build a community of cookie decorating enthusiasts and share your passion for the craft.
Preparing for Your Halloween Cookie Decorating Class
Choosing a Halloween Theme
Popular Halloween designs like ghosts, pumpkins, bats, and witches are always a favorite. Choosing a theme can make the cookide decorating class more cohesive and fun, as everyone works on similar designs. Halloween designs don't always have to be super spooky. Create a class around designs that any age can decorate. That way you can have a class for both adults and kids without having to change up the cookies that you decorate. I have guests decorate 5-6 cookies for a 2 hour class. Our Cookie Cutter Sets are perfect for themed classes!
Gathering Supplies
To get started, you’ll need a variety of supplies. These include Halloween-themed cookie cutters, cookie recipe ingredients, royal icing ingredients, food coloring, icing bags, decorating scribes and sprinkles.You can find high-quality ingredients and tools both online and in local stores. I like to get my Halloween sprinkles from Michaels. They always have a great assortment! Make sure to create a detailed checklist to ensure nothing is forgotten and to help with organization. Having all your supplies ready will make the class run smoothly and efficiently.
I set up each decorating spot with a sheet of parchment paper, individual bags of royal icing, cookies, a scribe, step by step guide and finished cookies photo and paper towels.
Creating an Inviting Atmosphere
Setting up your venue is an important part of preparing for your class. Choose a location that has enough space for all participants to work comfortably, whether it’s your home kitchen, a community center, or a rented space. Decorate the venue to match the Halloween theme with cobwebs, pumpkins, and spooky music. This will create a fun and inviting atmosphere that gets everyone in the Halloween spirit. A great place to get inexpensive and fun decorations in your local Dollar Store.
Designing Your Cookie Decorating Class Curriculum
Outlining Key Decorating Topics
When planning your lesson, outline the main topics you want to cover. These might include piping, flooding, and adding details with royal icing. It’s important to break the lesson into manageable segments to keep participants engaged and not overwhelmed. This is a good outline for a
2 HOUR CLASS
First 30 minutes of class: Introduce yourself and explain what you will be doing in class Explain piping and flooding and have everyone practice piping on the piping sheet. cookie
Next 90 minutes of class: Show how to decorate and we do each step together. Spend about 15 min. per design. I have also created step by step sheets and given them to each decorator - Good to do when you have established repeat customers.
Spend last 15 minutes boxing up cookies and taking photos. This structured approach helps everyone follow along easily.
Step-by-Step Guides
Providing clear, step-by-step guides with photos or illustrations for each decorating technique is very helpful. I take a photo of the finished cookies to give to each decorator with the basic steps beside each photo.This is very helpful for decorators who don't go at the same pace as the rest of the class.
Hands-On Activities
Hands-on activities where participants can practice each technique on their own cookies are crucial for learning. Incorporate group discussions and Q&A sessions to allow participants to ask questions and share their experiences. Adding Halloween-themed giveaways like cookie cutters or contests, like a best cookie design contest, can make the class more fun and engaging. These interactive elements help keep the class lively and enjoyable.
Teaching Your Halloween Cookie Decorating Class
Making a Great First Impression
Greet each student warmly and make them feel welcome as they arrive. Start with a brief introduction of yourself, your background, and what participants can expect from the class. An icebreaker activity, like Halloween trivia, can help create a relaxed and fun atmosphere. Making a great first impression sets a positive tone for the entire class.
Step-by-Step Demonstrations
Demonstrate each decorating technique clearly and step-by-step, ensuring all participants can follow along. Use visual aids, such as projecting your work onto a screen, to ensure everyone can see the details. Encourage questions and interaction during demonstrations to keep participants engaged and ensure they understand the techniques.
Providing Hands-On Assistance
Circulate the room and offer individual guidance and feedback to each participant. Manage your time and attention effectively to ensure all students receive the help they need. Encourage peer support and collaboration to foster a sense of community among participants. Providing hands-on assistance helps students feel confident and supported as they practice their decorating skills. For classes over 15 guests, I hire a helper to walk to assist those who come to class.
What to do after the cooke decorating class
Importance of Collecting Feedback
Gathering feedback is crucial for improving future classes and understanding participants' experiences. Use surveys, informal conversations, or follow-up emails to collect feedback. Use the feedback to make adjustments and enhancements for your next class. Showing that you value participants’ opinions helps build trust and improves the quality of your classes.
Encouraging Continued Practice
Providing Take-Home MaterialsGive participants take-home materials, like practice sheets and royal icing recipes, to encourage continued practice. Offer follow-up resources, such as additional tutorials or access to online support groups, to help participants keep improving their skills. Invite participants to join your social media groups, where they can share their progress, ask questions, and stay connected.
Promoting Future Classes
Marketing TipsMarket future classes to your current students by offering discounts or early registration incentives. Use social media to showcase photos of student work and class success stories to attract new participants. Maintain an email list for updates, promotions, and engaging with your community. Promoting future classes helps build a loyal following and keeps your business thriving.
