https://milkbarstore.com/blogs/party-tips.atom Milk Bar - Party Tips 2023-12-08T12:52:13-05:00 Milk Bar https://milkbarstore.com/blogs/party-tips/corporate-gift-idea 2023-11-22T18:48:39-05:00 2023-12-04T10:47:16-05:00 Top 9 Corporate Gifts That Impress Anya Dikih Introduction

One of the best elements of the holiday season is giving gifts to all the people in your life that help you through the year. A well timed holiday gift to your employees, business partners, colleagues, vendors or customers is the perfect way to end your calendar year with a bang, but fruit baskets and tins of popcorn are so old news. We’ve got just the tips you need to be the best corporate gift giver ever.

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Since the early days of office life, business owners have been using employee gifts to show their appreciation to staff, customers, vendors and more. A simple gesture of a small appreciation gift, sent during the holidays or end of the year goes a long way in relationship building, showing a sign that you acknowledge the importance of the person’s role in supporting your business. For vendors, this can help humanize your relationship, reminding them that a person is behind those emails and invoices. For staff members, something for them to enjoy in their time off the clock helps drive home your care for them outside the walls of the job.


While we know that corporate gifts are a good way to strengthen relationships, there are some considerations you should keep in mind when making your selections. Choosing a great gift that fits everyone on your list can prove to be tricky, based on personal preferences, and you would be wise to consider the recipient's dietary restrictions, lifestyles, and uses. For example you wouldn’t want to send a fuzzy knit hat to a team member who lives in Florida year round, or a tin of cookies to a gluten-free vendor (unless of course they were Milk Bar gluten free Fruity Marshmallow cookies that is). Perhaps it might be worth it to pay the extra bucks for the luxury corporate gift to give to your boss.
Now that you have a sense of the role corporate gifting plays and what to consider in choosing them, here are a few categories of gifts to help guide you in your corporate gift idea planning.

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The under $25 edit

If you have a large list or a modest budget you may be looking to keep your gifts under $25 each, no worries! There are loads of gifts you can send on a budget that get the message across. Here are a few of our favorites.

  • A board game. The holidays are a fun time to get together with friends and family to relax and play games, so sending a fresh board game for the group to enjoy is a timely and timeless gift set!
  • Something sweet. Sometimes the perfect gift is something that can be enjoyed and not something to make space for in your home. A tin of our signature cookies make for a great gift.
  • Coffee shop gift card. A hot latte made by someone else feels like one of life’s best luxuries, and an easy to use, easy to mail gift card to a local coffee shop puts your recipient in the driver seat to pick their fave beverage.

Get personal

With a personalized gift,let your recipients know you had them in mind when you planned it, so go the extra mile to show them you care to make a lasting impression. Here are a few of our favorite customizable presents.

  • Chain-stitched sweatshirt. While a cozy fleece sweatshirt is a classic holiday gift, you can take it one step further by having the team member’s name or nickname chain-stitched into it for a cool, thoughtful touch.
  • Sweets with a familiar look. If you’re looking to send gifts to build company pride, a box of Milk Bar goodies labeled with your company logo will do the trick. Our custom corporate gifting options allow you to easily make each shipment your own!
  • Stationary. The art of the letter is alive and well, at least it will be when you send your crew stationary with their name personalized on it for that lasting impression. Watch your inbox for a thank you note.

Something they can put to use.

If you are more of the practical kind, we get it, it’s nice to have a gift folks can actually put to good use! Here are a few of our handy gift ideas.

  • A nice water bottle. Stanley bottles are all the rage on TikTok these days for a good reason: folks have to stay hydrated! And you can never have too many.
  • Milk Bar Pie. A pie in the freezer is the perfect corporate food gift to pull out when company calls, and this gooey, brown sugar treat pleases every pallet.
  • Amazon gift card. The adult kid in all of us has our eye on a shiny new toy, and an easy to use gift card gives your recipient the chance to finally snag what they really want.

Now that you see why corporate gifts are not only important but super simple, it is time to get to it! Milk Bar is your one stop shop for the best gifts of the season, for everyone on your long list. Our easy bulk ordering system makes perfect gift giving a breeze, so you can get back to enjoying the holiday season! If you are still wondering what to bring to a holiday party, check out more Christmas dessert ideas for a show-stopping party entrance.

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https://milkbarstore.com/blogs/party-tips/christmas-dessert-ideas 2023-11-22T18:31:14-05:00 2023-12-04T10:45:06-05:00 Festive Christmas Desserts Anya Dikih Introduction

You wait all year long for Christmas day to come, and now that it is here there are so many ways to celebrate the festive season. The holidays are a busy time for friends, family, and food, so make sure you have your dessert game plan ready to rock. Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without desserts galore, and loved ones to share it with. Get hungry, we are going to dig into the seasonal sweets you need to fuel your Christmas dessert season.

The Joy of Christmas Desserts

The holiday season brings with it loads of opportunities to celebrate Christmas dinner. To start with there is the classic holiday office party, a gathering of colleagues and work acquaintances meant to celebrate a year of hard work and a chance to unwind. Office holiday parties can range from a simple gathering in the conference room to an elaborate black tie soiree, and no matter the level of class there are always desserts galore. Pro-tip for those on the party planning committee: Milk Bar delivers edible corporate gifts straight to your office, nationwide. You can also browse our list of corporate food gift ideas and what to bring to a holiday party. Off the clock, the holiday season is full of gatherings with family and friends, from casual secret santa parties to full family feasts. Each gathering has its own theme and vibe to match, but they all have room for dessert.

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A Feast of Flavors: Milk Bar’s Christmas Dessert Ideas Lineup

If you’ve been invited to a Christmas day celebration or are hosting a holiday hang, there are a few types of desserts you should consider serving. Guests have come to expect a bounty of sweets during the winter season, so don’t disappoint them and ruin the festive spirit!

  • Pies a plenty.
    • Some might think pie is more a Thanksgiving dessert, but we say it has a place at any party. Whether you’re sticking to the classics and serving up slices of gooey, brown sugary Milk Bar Pie or switching it up for a more festive chocolate and peppermint holiday dessert recipe, your spread isn’t completely without some type of pie.
  • Sugar Cookies are a classic.
    • Perhaps the dessert most connected to Christmas baking, cookies are a big player on the holiday food gifts scene. Cut out Christmas cookies with royal icing are a festive favorite, as are chocolate snowballs, gingerbread cookie men and houses and an infinite number of regional recipes. A tin of Milk Bar cookies also makes a great secret Santa gift.
  • Cakes make a statement.
    • As the holidays are no time to be modest, a big, bold Christmas cake is always in order. Cake makes a great holiday centerpiece and a great hosting gift. From Milk Bar’s Peppermint Bark Layer Cake to your family’s favorite Christmas recipe, a seasonal cake is always welcome during Christmas eve.
  • Truffles are a breeze.
    • Some occasions aren’t the type to deal with forks and plates, and hand held desserts are more appropriate. Office cocktail parties or family friendly holiday brunches are the perfect time to plan a menu folks can snack on while standing and mingling. Milk Bar cake truffles come in a variety of seasonal and classic flavors for easy holiday eating.
  • Show them something new.
    • If you are planning a holiday event with more adventurous eaters, and want to surprise them with something they haven’t seen before, Milk Bar’s Mini Peppermint Bark Snaps are just the treat you need. Chocolate cookies topped with caramel and pretzels, wrapped in peppermint white chocolate and wonderfully seasonal, snaps are a great addition to a holiday table.

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Conclusion

As you look at your Christmas eve calendar and start to make your menu plans, it’s important to go big on dessert. The festive season holidays are a team for sweet treats galore, and there is a perfect dessert recipe for every occasion. Chocolate! Christmas Cookies! Pies and more! Your Christmas tree is just begging for something sweet to go along with it.

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https://milkbarstore.com/blogs/party-tips/what-to-bring-to-holiday-party 2023-11-22T18:29:49-05:00 2023-12-04T10:44:55-05:00 Essentials for Holiday Parties Anya Dikih Introduction 

The holidays are a time for coming together with friends and family, to celebrate the season, share in traditions and, of course, eat! Staff parties, family feasts, and friendly hangs, the calendar really fills up with opportunities to celebrate the holiday season, and here are a few tips for how to make the most of every gathering and what to bring to a holiday party.

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The Importance of a Holiday Party Contribution

No winter holiday party is complete without tables of savory and sweet food, with folks contributing their favorite dishes to the merriment. Good manners dictate you should never show up empty handed, and if you’re trying to snag more holiday dinner invitations in the future we suggest bringing something to share.

There are a few things you should consider when planning what you will bring to a holiday gathering. Think of the crowd that will be enjoying your item: do they have dietary restrictions? Are there any foods they don’t like? Is it a christmas party or new years eve? You’ll also want to think of the setting for the gathering. Will there be a place for you to heat up your dish? Should it be edible without utensils? You may opt to bring something for your host to enjoy after their guests leave the holiday celebration!

One option is to bring something with a creative and festive flair. The internet is full of how-to guides for creating charcuterie boards in the shape of Christmas trees. Or perhaps a crudites christmas appetizer that looks like Santa, with red peppers and cauliflower. Of course there is always the classic holiday cheese ball!

Another option for holiday food gifts is to bring something sweet. The holidays are a time of indulgence and folks are looking to let their guards down a bit when it comes to dessert. Our Milk Bar Chocolate Mint Truffles are easy to serve and easy to eat, which makes them a great party gift. If you’re headed to more of a meal based gathering, our beloved Milk Bar Pie is always a crowd pleaser. Even better: we can deliver your treats straight to the party for an even easier holiday season. We also have plenty of additional Christmas dessert ideas that are sure to delight your guests.

Conclusion

If you're lucky enough to escape the office holiday party and spend the holiday celebration with friends and family, make sure you do your part in hosting and being something to share with the crew. Whether you DIYing your own festive holiday dish or looking for the top corporate gift ideas to bring your corporate holiday party on new years eve, we know it’s going to be a seasonal celebration to remember!

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https://milkbarstore.com/blogs/party-tips/most-popular-thanksgiving-dessert 2023-10-24T15:25:10-04:00 2023-12-04T10:49:46-05:00 Unveiling Thanksgiving’s #1 Dessert Anya Dikih What is the most popular Thanksgiving dessert?

The holidays are here and that means it’s time to plan your holiday menus. Sweet and savory food are a key part of celebrating any holiday, especially at Thanksgiving, but deciding on what to serve can feel more stressful than celebratory. We’ll take a look at the traditional thanksgiving dinner dessert moves and suggest what types of treats you should order for your big day.

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Why Thanksgiving Desserts Make the Holiday So Special

Sure, Thanksgiving conjures images of turkeys and pilgrim hats and cornucopias, but not far from mind on this holiday is one thing: dessert. While many holidays carry with them some elements of dessert, Thanksgiving celebrates the sweeter side of food in a big way. Imagine going to a family Thanksgiving meal with no pecan pie or cake to cap off the meal – it just wouldn’t feel right would it? So why is it that Thanksgiving has become so synonymous with dessert? Perhaps to balance out all the savory items? Or because folks want an excuse to linger a little longer with friends and loved ones.

Exploring Thanksgiving Dessert Trends

While we know pumpkin flavor desserts are a popular fixture of the Thanksgiving dinner, there are a few specific items that are most closely associated with this November holiday. In general, pie reigns supreme as a Thanksgiving dessert. While some families have their nice selections of pie servings, tradition says apple, pumpkin pie, and a southern pecan pie are the go-tos, typically made with a buttery pastry pie crust. It wouldn’t be unusual to see a chocolate cream pie of some sort if your crew is into chocolate desserts. So how do you choose the right dessert to serve or bring as a guest? Here are some choices that everyone at the table will enjoy.

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Finding the Perfect Thanksgiving Desserts That Everyone Will Love

Go with the classics: pie.

If you’re not trying to rock the boat, or a sucker for playing the classics you simply can’t go wrong with pie. Our iconic Milk Bar Pie is a buttery, gooey, brown sugary soulful treat and pleases snackers of all personalities. If you want something a little more thematic, a Milk Bar Pumpkin Pie ups the ante with vegetal pumpkin flavors perfect for the fall. These pies are modern twists on the classics, and your fellow feasters will be asking for seconds.

Go big with flavor: cake.

If you’re more of a fan of frosting, no need to apologize! Cake makes a great holiday centerpiece. Our cakes are layered up with loads of texture and flavor, making them a worthy complement to the holiday main course. Our Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cake will bring the traditional pumpkin energy your guests may be expecting, but surprise them with gooey cinnamon energy that feels like a cozy fall moment. If you prefer apple to pumpkin, our Caramel Apple Pie Cake remixes apple pie into a caramel loaded cake topped with ice cream frosting for something fresh and new.

Go with something snackable: cookie treats

Maybe you want something folks can graze on with their coffee or snack on while they watch the big game, cookies are an easy, low lift but high impact treat for Thanksgiving. Our assorted cookie packs mean you’ll have the perfect flavor for all of your guests, from salty and sweet to creamy and dreamy.

Go with the crowd’s needs: gluten free.

Don’t forget to take the dietary needs of your guests into consideration as you plan your dessert spread. We deliver gluten free cookies and cake for easy solutions to special requests. Even better: your non-gluten free guests would never guess there’s no gluten to be found in these goodies.

Save Yourself Precious Time by Ordering Milk Bar for Delivery

Still thinking about what to buy for Thanksgiving dinner? No matter what you’re serving, one thing is for sure, you don’t want to add any extra stress to the holiday. Order your treats from Milk Bar and we’ll send the freshest, tastiest treats straight to your door so you can unwrap, plate, and celebrate. You can even pick your delivery date so you’ve got one less thing to worry about!

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Conclusion

From pies to a cheesecake, desserts are a key part of celebrating the Thanksgiving holiday. We’ve helped take the guessing work out of the meal planning process by pairing the best Thanksgiving Day desserts with your holiday spirits. Whether you serve pumpkin ice cream to go with a pumpkin cheesecake, or a cherry pie topped with whipped cream and a perfected pie crust, all that’s left to do is plan the rest of your thanksgiving day menu! Check out more Thanksgiving timeline & pre-order tips for the perfect process!

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https://milkbarstore.com/blogs/party-tips/thanksgiving-timeline-and-prep 2023-10-24T15:14:30-04:00 2023-12-04T10:58:54-05:00 Tips for Mastering Thanksgiving: From Hosting to Being a Great Guest Anya Dikih Introduction

If you’ve ever attended a Thanksgiving day gathering, you know food is really the main event. While it’s lovely to celebrate tradition and gather with friends and loved ones, a Thanksgiving without loads of sweet and savory foods just isn’t the same from a glistening roast turkey to a pumpkin pie table, but preparing all that food can be a bit of a chore.

Planning Your Thanksgiving Timeline

Like most things in life, planning is the most important part of pulling off a successful holiday meal. A few weeks before the big day you should sit down to thanksgiving menu plan, taking into consideration how many guests you will have, what kind of equipment you have to work with and any scheduling limitations. Note which items can be made in advance, and start to build out a prep week schedule and grocery list.

In this phase it's also good to consider what items you don’t need to make from scratch. Maybe you like to make your own rolls, or are good with ones from the bakery. Perhaps a box of stuffing is your preferred route, or you like to DIY. If you need help with dessert, don’t forget we ship our iconic desserts nationwide.

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Preparing Your Thanksgiving Menu

When planning your menu make sure you take into account your guests. What are their preferences? What is the most popular Thanksgiving dessert? Are they big eaters or more snackers? Vegetarians (perhaps some green bean casserole)? Will there be any gluten free guests? Best to add mashed potatoes to the menu as well! These elements should all go into planning your big day and the dishes you will serve.

Mastering the Art of Hosting a Happy Thanksgiving Day

Cooking and baking is just one of the tasks of hosting. There are loads of big and small touches that go into hosting a Thanksgiving gathering. Here are a few Thanksgiving timeline tips to make your home feel ready for your guests and channel in your inner Martha Stewart while hosting thanksgiving.

  • Think about seating. Make sure there is enough space around the table - as well as place settings - so everyone feels comfortable and welcome.
  • Plan your vibe. As host it's your job to set the scene - so make it a nice one! Crank up the music and light some candles to get folks in the spirit.
  • Set yourself up for success. One way to ensure your party will be a dud is to be so stressed in the kitchen that you can’t hang with your guests. One shortcut to a fun time: order dessert to be shipped to your door!
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Being a Great Thanksgiving Dinner Guest

Confused on what to buy for Thanksgiving dinner? If you’re not on turkey day hosting duty this year, don’t get lazy and think you are on easy street - being a good guest takes work too. Here are a few tips on how to make sure you get an invite to return again next year.

  • Show up on time. Not early. Not late. No one wants someone in their house when they are still setting up. And on the flip side, waiting for latecomers to arrive before you can dig in is a real buzzkill.
  • Offer to help! Don’t just stand there, make yourself useful. Offer to do the dishes, or set the table, or watch the sweet potato casserole bake, whatever you can do to keep the host feeling stress free.
  • Never show up empty handed. A bottle of wine is nice, but a Milk Bar Pumpkin Pie is nicer! Bring something for the group to enjoy or for the host to have the next day.

Make Thanksgiving Special with Milk Bar

Of course no Thanksgiving is complete without something sweet on the table. While a gooey Milk Bar Pie makes a great Thanksgiving centerpiece, don’t forget how great a layer cake can be. Our Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cake is a festive dessert, and makes a great snack the next day as well. Your guests, or your host, will be going for second helpings.

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Conclusion

Thanksgiving is a holiday folks look forward to all year, so make sure you are planning well and giving yourself time to enjoy the festivities. Starting your menu and Thanksgiving dessert planning early, thinking through the thanksgiving dinner dishes you want to serve, and outsourcing where you feel comfortable will all help you have a turkey day holiday to remember!

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https://milkbarstore.com/blogs/party-tips/what-to-buy-for-thanksgiving-dinner 2023-10-24T15:06:04-04:00 2023-12-04T10:58:54-05:00 Predicting Your Favorite Thanksgiving Dessert Based on Your Preferred Side Dish Anya Dikih Introduction

Flannel tablecloths, folding tables, fake leaves as decor – it must be Thanksgiving time. This autumnal holiday is a favorite for many, and not just because of the family togetherness and cherished traditions, this is a bigtime dessert day! Whether you’re favorite Thanksgiving dish is the turkey or you gravitate more towards the sides, we all know dessert is the star of this Thanksgiving Day holiday meal, and we are here to take the guesswork out of finding your perfect Thanksgiving dessert match. So put on your apron and read on to discover the perfect dessert for you based on your preferred savory situation.

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The Thanksgiving Feast: a Symphony of Flavors

Before we can play matchmaker, let’s set the table. Thanksgiving is nothing if not a time for family dinner traditions. Whether it’s tuning into the big game, serving your cranberries from a can, or making grandpa sit at the kids table, year after year you can expect some classics to make an appearance. The traditional Thanksgiving meal is built around a roasted turkey as the lead, with some lineup of supporting cast members. You can expect to see: stuffing, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, sweet potato casserole, rolls, and corn casserole. If that sounds like a doozy of a line up, we’ve got one bit of advice for you: start your prep early! No one wants to spend Thanksgiving day stressing out.

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Thanksgiving Sides and Their Dessert Companions

Now that we know who is making an appearance at the Thanksgiving feast, we can focus on the most important element of the gourmet turkey feast: the dessert. Let’s play matchmaker with our treats to see who is your perfect post-meal dessert.

  • Mashed potato fan? Fluffy and buttery and all around satisfying, what is not to love? We suggest: Milk Bar Pie. Gooey, and buttery with a soulful simplicity, we think this pecan-less pecan pie will be right up your “less is more” alley.
  • Stuffing stan? Maybe you’re the hodge-podge, mix-and-match sort, liking a little adventure in your dishes. We suggest: Compost Cookies. These cookies bring butterscotch chips, potato chips, pretzels, coffee, oats, and more to the table for a mixed bag of flavor and adventure.
  • Green Bean Casserole connoisseur? This dish screams “responsible choice” as it's the most green item on the table. If you’re going for a dessert with some sense, we suggest the Corn Cookie will be your BFF. Salty, sweet with some vegetable element in the mix, you’re going to be proud.
  • Cranberry Sauce head? You like to play the seasonal hits and always commit to the theme. We suggest our fall showstopper Pumpkin Coffee-Cake Cake. Earthy pumpkin remixed with cinnamon goo for a cozy vibe of a cake.
  • Turkey breast purist? You like the main event, nevermind these distractions. If you’re coming to play, it’s got to be a Milk Bar Pumpkin Pie. A Thanksgiving dinner classic with a Milk Bar edge, you won’t be sorry.
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Conclusion

From the classic brussels sprouts and mashed potatoes to the seasonal cranberry sauce and stuffing, there’s a match for every type of Thanksgiving feaster. While this is a holiday for traditions and gathering with family and friends, you’ll be most thankful if you save room for a big serving of dessert. For hosts, you might wonder what is the most popular Thanksgiving dessert when prepping for something for all guests, or are looking for Thanksgiving timeline & pre-order tips to make sure your process is as seamless as possible - at Milk Bar, we’re here to help.

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https://milkbarstore.com/blogs/party-tips/what-to-bring-to-a-halloween-party 2023-10-12T14:49:34-04:00 2023-12-04T10:58:54-05:00 Ways to Celebrate Halloween: DIY Treats to Dressing Up Anya Dikih Introduction

We firmly believe that age is a state of mind, and holidays like Halloween can be fun no matter how old you are. While your days of trick-or-treating may be behind you, there are many ways to celebrate this spooky holiday. Halloween parties have become the popular activity for adults come October 31st, but deciding what to bring to share with the other ghosts and goblins can be pretty scary. Say “Happy Halloween!” with our expertly crafted list of sweet and savory treats, diy halloween desserts, and all around bone-chilling good times.

Why Easy Treats are Essential for a Halloween Bash

From apple picking and hayrides to school functions and getting ready for the winter holidays, the fall can be an action packed time. Finding time on the calendar to spend all day baking or shipping might not be an option for most, so it’s key to find easy desserts that don’t take a load of time. Whipping a quick treat to bring to a Halloween party or outting means you have more time to enjoy all of fall’s festivities.

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Factors to Consider when Choosing a Treat to Make

Picking the perfect item to bring to a Halloween party requires considering a few key factors: time, audience, and party theme. First you will want to consider how much time you have to create something to bring, maybe you have all day to spend in the kitchen creating something from scratch or maybe you need to find a way to fancy up some premade items. Next you will want to think about who will be enjoying your offering. What kinds of foods do these people enjoy? Are there any dietary restrictions? How many people will be enjoying them? And finally you should think about the vibe of the party. A Halloween Theme can range from silly and kid friendly to polished and proper, your item should match that vibe.

Sweet Treats

The first - and we think best - option for bringing treats to a Halloween party is to bring something sweet. Candy reigns supreme on this holiday so many guests will have dessert on their mind. There are many Halloween theme options to consider, so here are a few of our favorites.

  • Pumpkin Cheesecake Bites
    • Pumpkin is the belle of the ball all October long, and we like to turn the dial up by pairing the earthy flavors with a sweetened cream cheese.
  • Ghostly Sugar Cookie
    • A simple ghost shape cut out of slightly sweet sugar cookie dough and decorated with white icing is a Halloween classic.
  • Witch Hat Cupcakes
    • If you are short on time, decorating store bought cupcakes with upside down ice cream cones for a witch hat effect is always a crowd pleaser.
  • Milk Bar desserts
    • A cinnamon cozy slice of Pumpkin Coffee Cake or classic Milk Bar cookies delivered to your door always make a great dessert table offering.

Savory Treats

If you think the sweets are already handled and want to bring something more savory to the party, here are a few spooky treats to snack on.

  • Mummy Wrapped Hot Dogs
    • Hot dogs are always good, but wrapping one in some crescent dough for a mummy effect is just plain fun/
  • Cemetery Cheese Board
    • Charcuteries - a fancy word for meats and cheeses - is always a great party move as guests can snack with their hands. Decorating your board like a little cemetery adds some Halloween vibes.
  • Spooky Guacamole
    • Guacamole is a top 5 party favorite, and its natural green color makes it feel like a real monster mash.
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No-Bake Treats

If you are limited on space or need to whip up something in a hurry, no-bake treats can be a life saver. Marshmallow treats allow you to mix in your favorite cereals and candies, and only require a microwave to melt your butter and marshmallows. Pudding cups that look like a little headstone with gummy worms only requires a stove top to make your pudding. And of course the ultimate no bake treat is just to buy a bag of mini candy bars to pass out.

Allergen-Free Treats

Keeping your audience’s dietary restrictions in mind, helps everyone have a spook-free holiday, and bringing something allergen friendly to a Halloween party is a total breeze. The classic caramel apple is naturally gluten free and so cute. Ghostly meringues and macarons can be gluten free as well. Vegan candies and fruit based desserts can be decorated to add a spooky theme as well. Here are some more Halloween dessert ideas, if you are really looking to provide a spooky and sweet experience to your party guests in the right Halloween spirit.

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Don’t Forget to Dress Up!

It may go without saying but dressing up as something to interact with your treats is the ultimate Halloween power move. If you’re a scarecrow, bringing corn cookies is a cute touch. Or if you’re a vampire and have red licorice to recreate a bloody trademark could be fun. Of course you can always dress as a baker and have an excuse to hang with the baked goods all night long.
Whether savory or sweet, Halloween is a match made in snacking heaven. Taking the time to think about the best treats to bring to your epic Halloween party will help make sure you come prepared with the right goodies to share. These ideas should give you all you need to win best treats, best costume is up to you! Seeking out more advice on how to throw a Halloween party? Here's some additional advice to make it the absolute best halloween party to exist!

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https://milkbarstore.com/blogs/party-tips/halloween-dessert-ideas 2023-10-12T14:43:10-04:00 2023-12-04T10:58:54-05:00 Trick-or-Treat: Halloween Dessert Ideas Anya Dikih While many major holidays give top billing to savory main dishes, Halloween is the one night a year where candy and sweets reign supreme. With the holiday’s main attraction being centered around the goal of getting the most candy possible, it’s no surprise that Halloween is a dessert lover’s dream.Any Halloween party or event is not complete without Halloween decorations, a spooky soundtrack, and plenty of treats to go around. The other 364 days of the year may be about a balanced diet, but this day hosts should go all out with goodies, so here are a few tips on how to make desserts the star of your halloween party and what kind of treats you should be serving up.

Why Desserts Are the Life of a Halloween Party

If you’ve ever been to a gathering before, you know the crowd always ends up in the kitchen. The truth is no good party is complete without food, and Halloween means that food should be sweet. Good desserts can add excitement to your Halloween party, giving your party guests something to do while they show off their creative halloween costume, and also adds a layer of excitement and contributes to the decoration and vibe of the festivities. Just like you wouldn’t have a holiday party with frosted cookies, Halloween desserts, candy apples, snack sized chocolates and more are a must have. And no one is ever upset to see a bowl of candy corn.

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Top Halloween Dessert Ideas

Half the fun of a Halloween party is seeing your favorite snacks transformed into something on theme for the spooky day. What seems like an everyday rice krispie treat gets a monster spin with some green food coloring and candy googly eyes. A little red velvet pudding mix means you’ve got vampire blood pudding cups for guests to do their best Dracula on. Regular cookie dough shaped like a log and topped with a kernel of candy corn becomes a zombie finger cookie. The possibilities for cheesy and fun snacks are only limited by your imagination.
Beyond the cutesy, you can also plan your epic Halloween party menu around flavors of the season. Pumpkin spice rules October for a reason, so why not give into a little basic behavior and load your buffet up with fall spins on your favorite recipes. Pumpkin Pie cupcakes, apple cider donuts, caramel apples, and cinnamon dusted puppy chow all make great fall offerings. And of course there is always Pumpkin Milk Bar Pie, Caramel Apple Cake and Pumpkin Coffee Cake Truffles if you are showing off.

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Vegan and Gluten-Free Halloween Dessert Options

Of course there is nothing spookier than being a bad host, so it's always a good idea to consider the dietary restrictions of all the ghouls and goblins coming to your Halloween bash. A few vegan and or gluten-free options can go a long way in making everyone feel festive, and they are a breeze to do on theme. A ghost shaped white meringue is naturally gluten free, and pretty cute. Many candies and cookies are available that are vegan for your trick-or-treat stash, or you can swap in alternative milks in your Halloween baking to fit the bill. A dozen Gluten-Free B’Day Truffles is always sure to please.

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Conclusion

Under the full moon, with witches and ghosts galore, you now know that when it comes down to the basics of how to throw a Halloween party, you’ll need a variety of good halloween desserts. Halloween treats make the party theme feel more festive, and for one day of the year folks are showing up expecting something sweet. From candy apples to easy halloween recipes, and whether you’re hosting or are wondering what to bring to a Halloween party as the guest, make sure you give everyone a good treat this year!

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https://milkbarstore.com/blogs/party-tips/how-to-throw-a-halloween-party 2023-10-12T12:30:07-04:00 2023-12-04T10:58:54-05:00 6 Tips for Throwing a Perfectly Spooky Halloween Party Anya Dikih Halloween is considered one of the biggest holidays in North America, right after Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve. With children across the country putting on a Halloween costumes and participating in the time honored tradition of trick-or-treating, for many Halloween is a favorite day of the year. In fact, 70% of adult Americans plan to celebrate the holiday this year. But as you grow older, your options for celebrating become more restricted, leaving most adults to attend a Halloween themed party. If you’re in need of tips on how to throw a Halloween bash to remember, you’ve come to the right place. Here's our best advice on how to throw a halloween party:

Setting the Mood: Halloween Decorations that Make a Statement

One of the easiest ways to set the right spooky and fun mood for your Halloween party is to go all out on decorations. This holiday is a very visual tactile one, with a strong visual identity, so putting together great decorations is a breeze. Your local general store will have things like purple and orange colored lights and fake cobwebs. If you’re the handy type, you might consider making some fake gravestones or coffins. And if you want to really go all out, you could have a different theme for each room of the party - allowing your guests to explore their own haunted house.

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The Soundtrack to Your Fright Night: Halloween Music

Beyond halloween decorations, a sound track is always a fantastic halloween party idea. You want to make sure your music matches the energy of the party, if you want people to dance make sure to play pop music. If you are going for more of a creepy, eerie vibe there are loads of Halloween spooky soundtracks online to blast. And you absolutely must play the Monster Mash at least once.

Ghoulish Goodies: What to Serve at Your Halloween Party

No party is complete without something to snack on, and Halloween is known as a major dessert holiday. Upgrade from just candy and provide your party guests with treats to get them in the Halloween spirit. From sweet to savory, there are loads of recipes that can match your Halloween party vibe. Caramel apples, pumpkin flavored goodies, and mummy wrapped hot dogs are some of the classics to serve, but get inventive and put your own Halloween touch on your favorite party bites. A Milk Bar Pumpkin Coffee-Cake Cake is always popular. And don’t forget about drinks. Carving out a large pumpkin as an ice bin for your beverages can add a seasonal touch.

Costumes: Dress to Impress

No Halloween is complete without costumes, and you’re never too old to go all out. Whether your guesting or hosting, make sure you take your halloween costume duties seriously to keep the feelings festive. Costumes can be one of a few types: scary, funny or even just a current pop culture reference. For an added activity, organize your guests into a costume contest with judges and a special prize for the winner! Who doesn’t like a little competition right? Look at more DIY Dress UP ideas for some inspiration to prevent anyone else from having a chance, as you are deciding on what to bring to a halloween party.

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Party Games: Keep the Fun Going with Halloween Activities

Aside from chatting and snacking you may want to have some activities at your Halloween party for guests to partake in. Carving a great pumpkin is a holiday go-to for a reason, allowing guests to get creative and make a little mess. A caramel apple station is a fun way for party-goers to DIY their own desserts. And of course a good game of operation or charades feels more fun on this spooky holiday. And, if you're looking for some deliciously eerie Halloween dessert ideas, we have you covered.

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Setting up a Halloween Photo Booth

With everyone looking their best, a photo booth is a nice way to send guests home with a memento of their holiday. Setting up a scrappy photo booth can be really simple. You just need a simple backdrop, like a wall or a curtain. A tripod for folks to use their own phones, or someone designated to work a camera helps folks get the perfect shot. And don’t forget to add a box of boas, top hats, glasses, and Halloween theme trinkets for guests to use.

With Halloween being a fan favorite holiday, there are loads of fun and easy ways you can host a party to remember. Paying attention to things like halloween decor and soundtrack is key. Serving up savory and sweet snacks keeps your crew fueled and having fun. Setting up a few games and activities helps folks get in on the fun. And don’t forget the importance of a good costume!

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https://milkbarstore.com/blogs/party-tips/milestone-birthday-ideas 2023-10-03T19:01:50-04:00 2023-12-04T10:58:54-05:00 Milestone Birthday Ideas for 30th, 40th and Beyond Shannon Marr Voting age. The “Big 4-0.” Half a century. There are some birthdays that are just a little more monumental than others, we call them milestone birthdays. Sure, we like to think your 1st birthday to your 100th birthday is worth celebrating, but the ones that end in a zero always deserve a little more commotion, so we are here to tell you some of our favorite ways to ring in the big ones. What’s the fun in getting older if you can’t do it with a little fanfare, right? We’ve got milestone birthday celebration ideas for you, your friends, your family, pets or whomever. 

 

18th Birthday Ideas

After your 1st birthday - possibly the biggest milestone birthday ever - the 18th birthday is the first big one. Not only can you vote, but society sees you as an official adult, which sounds like a good reason to have a party. 18th birthdays are often spent with a combination of family and friends, so why not bring everyone together for a big party at home? Cook your favorite dinner, plan some party games, crank up your favorite playlist, and splurge on some super cheesy balloons - we’ll even ship our iconic birthday cake to your doorstep for you and your guests to enjoy for the special occasion. Make sure you store any extra properly. Wondering how long do birthday cakes last in the fridge? We’ve got you covered. If the party life isn’t for you, mark the occasion with a trip. A glass of champagne in Paris on your birthday sounds pretty classy to us! 

 

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21st Birthday Ideas

Turning 21 is a milestone birthday as it means you’ve entered legal drinking age - whether that’s your cup of tea or not, this new era means you can enter music venues, clubs, and casinos. Grab your crew of besties and take in a night on the town. Take your birthday party on the road with a cheesy limo ride to the casino, for some to try your b-day luck. Put on your best pair of leather pants and hit the bar for some Rock ‘n Roll karaoke - Pat Benatar is our go to song if you need a recommendation.  Dancing the night away at a club sounds like one of the most epic milestone birthday ideas to us too. 

 

30th Birthday Ideas

A 30th birthday is definitely one of the classier milestone birthdays, so do it up right with a sophisticated dinner. Book a table for you and your crew at your favorite upscale restaurant so there is room for everyone to help you celebrate. Send birthday invitations so they know the deets and get a few decorations for the table, but keep them simple and classy! Ask the restaurant if you can print custom menus with the birthday information at the top for a little something extra. Birthday cake truffles make a pretty awesome party favor. Hopefully you get some sparkly birthday gifts to suit the special occasion. You are the birthday star - it would only be fitting!

 

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40th Birthday Ideas

The stresses of work, kids, and all of life’s responsibilities can be intense around 40, so celebrate this milestone birthday by giving into some ultimate self care. Go big on things that make the birthday celebrant feel at ease, whether it’s a lush trip to a spa, a day at the beach, a round of golf, or a staycation at a fancy hotel. Sometimes the best birthday gift you can give is a little time to unwind and take it easy, and a little dessert on the side doesn’t hurt either. 

 

50th, 60th, 70th, and Beyond

Milestone birthdays from 50 and beyond deserve something monumental. If you are scavenging the internet for the best birthday gift ideas, consider spoiling your loved one on their birthday with a cruise or safari. This feels like a proper birthday gift for such a big moment. A 70th birthday is the perfect time to get the whole family together for a reunion, spoiling the birthday person with attention from their favorite people might be the best milestone celebration idea. By these ages most folks might have a specific way they want to celebrate their birthday, so try asking what they have in mind before sending out the invitations - they might just want a nice birthday cake as opposed to a big surprise party

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How Do I Plan an Age-Specific Milestone Celebration

The truth is, everyone’s milestone birthdays are a bit different. For your bestie, being the birthday girl with the best party for her 35th might feel important. For your brother, his big birthday boy moment might be 42, everyone has their own milestone moments. No matter what the age, getting someone’s birthday numbers as candles for their cake is a nice touch, as is making decorations by hand. A birthday card signed by their friends and family is a great birthday gift no matter the number. Doing little things like serving their favorite cookies at their birthday party can be enough to make someone feel special on their big day. And if you don’t share a similar zip code as the birthday celebrant, count on us for all things birthday gift delivery to ensure they feel the love even from afar.

From a party at home for an 18th birthday to the trip of a lifetime for a 70th milestone moment, big birthdays have a lot of different ways of showing love to the people in your life. Party favors, invitations, decorations, cheesy cards and lots of love help celebrate milestones right. Maybe a big party is in order or maybe a trip to the spa, but no matter what the birthday has in store, we think a special birthday cake delivery should always be part of the equation. ]]>
https://milkbarstore.com/blogs/party-tips/how-long-do-birthday-cakes-last-in-the-fridge 2023-10-03T19:01:42-04:00 2023-12-04T10:58:54-05:00 How Long do Birthday Cakes Last in the Fridge? Shannon Marr  

The expression "have your cake and eat it too" might be rooted in an age-old dilemma: how do you keep cake tasting good after you’ve taken a slice. As experienced as we are in making and eating cake, we can’t always polish off a whole cake, and are often left with a few slices to spare. Or, perhaps we’ve made a cake for a milestone celebration that is a few days away and we want our hard work to be tasty at its big debut. We are here to answer your burning question: How long do birthday cakes last in the fridge? We’ll even throw in some general cake shelf life tips.

Importance of Cake Storage

First of all, a moment to explain the importance of cake storage. Let’s be real, making a beautiful, delicious, colorful cake takes a lot of effort! Whether you’ve rolled up your sleeves and baked something showstopping, or left the baking to us and ordered a birthday cake for delivery right to your doorstep, some serious time and energy went into making that cake, and it deserves to be enjoyed for as long as possible. With a few simple moves you can extend the shelf life of your cake and have something sweet at the ready when the mood strikes.


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Types of Birthday Cakes and Their Shelf Life

Now that you know why storing your cake is key, it’s important to know what kind of cake you are working with. Different birthday cakes have different needs, and the components of your cake will impact how long your cake will last. When it comes to cake storage and shelf life, one of the main issues you need to consider is moisture. Made with perishable ingredients, a cake can get too dry and lose its taste or it can get soggy and moldy. Cakes that have heavy ingredients like fudge sauce and thick jams are packing a lot of moisture, which leads to a quicker spoiling rate, meaning less leftover cake for you to enjoy if not stored properly. Simpler cakes that are oil based and only have a layer of say buttercream frosting or fondant have less moisture to deal with and may last longer if stored properly.


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Factors Affecting Cake Longevity

Aside from the ingredients used in the birthday cake mix itself, there are a number of environmental considerations that can impact your cake’s life expectancy. The temperature you keep your kitchen at, the amount of light getting to the cake, the humidity in the air, all impact your cake’s freshness. If you are looking to get the most time from bake to plate possible, wait until the day you want to serve to compile the cake elements - an unfrosted cake sponge will last longer in the freezer wrapped tightly with plastic wrap or saran wrap.

 

Proper Storage Techniques to Maximize Freshness

The first step in keeping your cake’s freshness is to keep the air away from it. Wrapping your cake in cling wrap and/or storing it in an airtight container helps stop the cake from absorbing outside flavors and moisture. The last thing you want is a cake that tastes like the hard boiled eggs it was stored next to in the fridge. Wrap that cake up tight! Most cakes can be stored in a freezer for up to one month, or in the fridge for one week. Cakes are best sliced frozen for crisp edges, but for the best flavor, allow your leftover cake to hang at room temperature for thirty minutes to an hour before digging in. Many folks keep their wedding cake in the freezer for the first year of marriage as a first anniversary treat. While this cake might not taste as delicious as it was on the big day, it's probably safe to eat in that moisture-free environment.


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Signs Your Birthday Cake Has Gone Bad

If you haven’t followed our cake storage protocols and are trying to decide if your frosted cake is past its prime, here are a few ways you can tell. A spoiled cake that has gone bad will have an “off” odor, something a little sour or musky. If your cake has changed colors in any way, it may be on its way out the door. You can especially see this when your cheese cake frosting starts to get yellowed at the outer parts. Cake that has crumbly or scraggly looking edges or sheds when you cut it has dried out and might be less flavorful than you would like - you can revive it by splashing some milk or flavored liquid on it for a little boost - we like to add a few drops of vanilla extract to milk for birthday cake vibes.

 

From one cake fan to another, there is nothing sadder than seeing a good birthday cake go to waste, especially if the cake was an idea for a birthday gift for someone special. We spend hours building ours to cake perfection for you to enjoy and want to make sure you enjoy every single slice of it. So take your time to consider what your cake ingredients mean for moisture levels as you are slicing in. Wrap those cake slices tight and toss them in the freezer for the longest shelf life possible. Keep the party going for days to come by making your birthday cake last in the fridge for up to a week!

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https://milkbarstore.com/blogs/party-tips/ideas-for-birthday-gifts 2023-10-03T19:01:35-04:00 2023-12-04T10:58:54-05:00 Top Ideas for Birthday Gifts Shannon Marr

From spoiling your best friend to surprising your mail carrier with an unexpected birthday gift delivery, we live for a good birthday celebration - after all, everyone has a birthday right? Gift cards, handmade cards, birthday cakes - these are a few of our favorite things. Shouting out someone on their birthday helps make your loved ones feel special and supported, and brings a little more joy into the lives of those who get to help celebrate. No birthday celebration is complete without a birthday gift but picking out the perfect item can be a little tricky, so here are a few of our favorite ways to treat the birthday girl or boy person in style. 

 

Unique Ideas for Birthday Gifts

When picking out a birthday present gift, you want to find something unique, we all have enough scented candles by now. While a bottle of wine or a piece of jewelry can be nice, try to think of a gift that feels different and unexpected, especially if you’re looking for milestone birthday ideas. Unique and creative birthday gifts can range from a dozen flavor-filled birthday cake truffles to a piece of artwork from a local artist - and they show the birthday person that you cared enough to find something special just for them. 

 

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Personalized Birthday Gifts

If you are having a hard time finding the perfect gift that feels good enough just right for the birthday boy or birthday girl in your life, consider giving them something personalized with their name. A custom stack of stationary is a thoughtful gift idea for those who like to make lists or send letters. A tote bag or sweater embroidered with the person’s name or initials is nice for a fashionista. Or keep it classic and write happy birthday with their name on top of a rainbow sprinkle birthday cake delivered to their home - make sure you snag a picture of them blowing out the candles too! Savor any extras by storing them properly - if you’re wondering how long do birthday cakes last in the fridge, we have you covered!  

 

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Birthday Gifts for Her

Celebrating the special lady in your life? If you’re saying “happy birthday” to the moms, sisters, coworkers and besties with a killer birthday gift, you’ve got some options. Think about how she likes to spend her time and get her something that she can put to good use. If she’s a reader, a gift card to a bookstore or a new release from her favorite author is nice. If she’s a theater nerd, tickets to a show will go over well. Maybe she likes to hike or hit the gym and could use a new set of headphones to keep her entertained. If she’s the type that likes to show up with something sweet, a dessert sampler like The Milk Bar Sampler might just be in order to celebrate her special day.  

 

Birthday Gifts for Him

For the man who has enough ties, try to think of something experiential. The birthday boy might like a gift card to his favorite restaurant or fitness center. If you’re shopping for a man who likes comedy or the cinema, a membership to his favorite theater could be put to good use. Tickets to a sporting event or music festival can be a great way to acknowledge his hobbies and personal interests. If likes to use his hands, a baking class or cookbook can help him master a new skill. 

 

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Birthday Gifts for Coworkers

While you spend 40 hours a week with your teammates, buying a birthday present gift for a coworker can be a tricky task. Having your team sign a birthday card can go a long way in showing you care for your co-worker, as would a gift card to their favorite lunch spot. Taking your teammate out for a special birthday meal, or having their favorite birthday cake for everyone to share helps make a workday birthday feel more festive. And if you’re gifting for a whole team, make sure you check out our super easy corporate gifting program. 

 

Affordable Options for Birthday Gifts

From new acquaintances to teachers and service workers, there are a lot of folks in your life you may want to give a birthday gift to, but don’t want to break the bank on. Affordable, yet nice birthday gifts can make the people in your life feel special and cared for based on your thoughts, not how much money you spent. A pack of flavor-packed Cake Truffles, a gift card to the local coffee shop and a nice card, or a pair of new gloves for the winter are low cost ways to spoil those you see often but aren’t that close with. Just remember: it’s the thought that counts most! 


Showing up for the people in your life on their birthday with a thoughtful gift is a nice way to show you care and that you spent a moment to treat them. While life can be hectic and schedules and budgets can be tight, a tin of cookies or a slice of birthday cake can make a birthday feel special, and put a smile on someone’s face as they turn a year older. From the guys and girls in your life, to the coworkers and new friends, giving the perfect gift is one of life’s greatest pleasures!]]>