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Read More about this safari issue.Fa la la la la! It is homemade cookie time! Have you seen all the beautiful Christmas cookies made by cookie artists right in your own neighborhood? Beautiful, delicious cookies are a perfect way to personalize any celebration. But to master the task is a real art and takes skill, creativity, and a lot of practice to get it right.
Since I love hosting parties during the holidays and I love cookies, I decided to host a cookie decorating party in my home. But, then I had a great idea! Why not simply gather friends for a cookie party with an expert as the teacher, then we could all learn something new. It made for a perfect evening of being able to spend time with friends, learn a new skill, and support a local business right here in Arkansas.
This was a perfect way to host without hosting! At the cookie class, Katye from Love, Katye cookies in Searcy did all the work and we were able to have all the fun. She had the cookies already made, the different types of icings prepared and a personalized tray for each guest. As a personal touch, she had each of us a personalized cookie ready. When I saw this, I knew this lady was my hostess soul sister.
As soon as class began, it solidified that even more. She is a true Arkansan with a heart for community and supporting small businesses. Some of her inspiration in giving back to the community and leading classes comes from Make Do, another local business in the area.
To top it all off, she honored my request for an Arkansas Christmas Cookie-themed party by preparing an Arkansas cookie decorating contest. We learned a lot, but let’s remember as you see these pictures, we are amateurs so do not judge too harshly.
Sometimes hosting looks a little different. You don’t always have to host the party in your own home and do the work. The heart of hosting is gathering people together. In this case, it was gathering people together to have fun while also supporting an Arkansas local business. But, it wasn’t just supporting the local business of LoveKatye Cookies. The class was hosted in another small business, Mr. Postman Expresso, a unique one-stop-shop for packing, shipping, printing, gift items, and coffee.
I started out planning a low-pressure Arkansas cookie decorating party but what became most apparent is not how beautiful the cookies turned out, or didn’t, but about the time with people, relationships, being neighborly and the importance of supporting local. As a small-business owner, each time someone chooses to work with me, an overwhelming feeling of gratitude takes over and I know, that is the true spirit of Christmas and the heart of Arkansas.
As you are finishing up your Christmas shopping this year, consider shopping local and supporting your neighbors. If you need any Arkansas Ideas- CLICK HERE. When you buy local, you are helping families pay for clothing and shoes, helping your neighbors pay for groceries and gas. You are helping support each other through community, which is what OnlyinArk is all about.
Order the cookies, take a cooking class or gift one, and Merry, Merry Christmas, Arkansas.
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That looks like it was so musch fun!!