If you are looking for a fun activity for Christmas weekend, look no further than this adorable Gingerbread Decorating Party created by the sisters behind Happy Wish Company. Bloggers and Party Shop owners, these girls know how to throw one adorable kids party!! With an array of fun party packages, I highly recommend checking out their site! So get ready for a dose of bright colors and sweet details {pun intended} because these FH Dinner Party Series Guests definitely know the definition of merry and bright!

Q & A: 

FH: Tell me a quick bio of how you came to start?

Alicia and Betsey: We’re Alicia and Betsey, a sister team who always dreamed of working together. Five years ago, we decided to combine our talents, interests and craving for a creative outlet and voilà, Happy Wish Company was born.

FH: How would you describe your blog or company?

Alicia and Betsey: We are a blog and online party shop filled with goodies for your sweetest celebrations. Children’s parties are our specialty and we’ve styled themed party collections to make planning super simple. We hope people visit our site for ideas, inspiration and for a one-stop shop to get all the supplies needed for an adorable party. Our goal is to help create meaningful memories with your children.

FH: What is your entertaining style? Traditional, Contemporary, Seasonal?

Alicia and Betsey: Kids parties are our jam, so we try to make our celebrations bright and colorful with a sweet, modern twist. When styling parties, we try to keep things simple and streamlined choosing only the very best products that delivers high impact (think balloon garlands, balloon letters, giant balloons, layered garlands, creative backdrops and more).

FH: How often do you entertain and for how many guests?

Alicia and Betsey: We have a big family so it seems like there’s always a birthday or holiday to celebrate together. We both love to entertain people in our homes, but if we’re not hosting ourselves, we’re usually helping supply the party décor!

FH: Do you have a go-to recipe or dish or cocktail (or do you avoid cooking at all costs)?

Alicia and Betsey: Sugar cookies are always a staple at our parties. They help carry out the theme and are popular with guests of all ages. They’re also the perfect take-home favor when wrapped in cellophane and tied with ribbon. Our mom is a baker extraordinaire and her sugar cookie recipe is amazing. We’re excited to share it with you.

Yummy Sugar Cookie Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2/3 cup shortening
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 4 teaspoons milk
• 1 egg
• 2 cups flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions: Cream shortening, sugar, vanilla, milk and egg together. In separate bowl, sift flour, baking powder and salt together. Then blend in creamed mixture. Divide dough in half and refrigerate for 1 hour. On lightly floured surface, roll dough to 1/8-inch thickness. If desired, roll on colored sugar sprinkles before cutting shapes. Bake on greased cookie sheet at 375 degrees for approximately 6-7 minutes. Cool slightly and remove from pan.

Fluffy Frosting Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 teaspoons milk

Directions: Combine ingredients and stir until smooth. Color with food coloring, if desired. After cookies are completely cooled, frost and let dry overnight. Do not stack cookies until frosting is dry. 

FH: Did something inspire you for today’s tablescape?

Alicia and Betsey: Christmas is such a magical time full of fun family traditions. We always put together a holiday bucket list to check off with our kids and at the top of that list is decorating gingerbread houses! They serve as the focal point for this table scape, along with all the colorful bowls of candy. We elevated the gingerbread houses with small cake stands and used a wooden sleigh for the candy. Plates were set out for candy and cups for hot cocoa (a must-have at any holiday gathering)! Of course we had to add a pink tree, balloon garland and white paper snowflakes for a super winter wonderland vibe!

FH: If you could give one party tip for readers what would it be?

Alicia and Betsey: Can we share three?!?

1. Do not decorate the entire party space. Choose one focal point for all the party décor and make that area extra special. This saves a ton of time and money!
2. Serve dessert only. Schedule the party between meal times so you don’t have to serve food and can focus on dessert. This will save money and eliminate the stress of figuring out a meal menu.
3. Plan activities to keep guests entertained. Use the party theme to guide the crafts/games/activities. Our blog has some great ideas or a quick search on Pinterest will get your wheels turning. The crafts/games/activities can be adjusted based on age and will keep guests entertained. Double-up and let the crafts serve as the take-home party favor.

FH: Table top…Share all the deets!

• Plates: Happy Wish Company
• Cups: Happy Wish Company
• Paper Straws: Happy Wish Company
• Wooden Forks: Happy Wish Company
• Balloon Garland: Happy Wish Company 
• Tassel Garland: Happy Wish Company
• Tree & Ornaments: Target
• Gingerbread Houses: Target
• Candy: Lolli and Pops
• Invitation, Thank you Tags, Thank You Notes: Minted

Location:  Happy Wish Company studio

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Photography by Tammy Hughes Photography (www.tammyhughes.com)