Asking for Ideas and Help for a Special Occasion

I am sorry for your sister's loss. I couldn't imagine loosing one of my children.

What if you made the cookies once you arrived to your sister's house? Will you have enough time to decorate them before the event? What if you made them ahead of time and made extras just in case some break. You will need lots of bubble wrap to secure each cookie. Shipping them might be expensive too, but have you checked if you can carry them on board...not sure if that is allowed...I don't travel much. I hope someone with traveling experience will help you out before you leave.  I wish you a safe trip and a successful event! Claudia

Oh, I am heartbroken my your sister's and your loss.  I was checking my schedule to see if I could help out and send some from here in the states, but we are out of town the two weeks prior to the event.

 

If you do not have time to do them from start to finish once you are there, what about baking them and then taking them to decorate once there?  I am not sure how much time that will save, but just a thought and easier to transport if not decorated.

 

As for the theme, I would just do golf.  Very easy and fast design possibilities. It doesn't get much faster than a golf ball or a square with the word, "FORE!"

 

Also, I just looked at your cookies and you *are* a baker extraordinaire, so she was right on the mark with her thoughts along those lines.

 

Again, I am so very sorry for your loss. I just wish that I were able to help out.

Thank you ladies, If I carry them on board,they will either get them in Turkey or New York, those that don't break. I was also thinking golf balls and something fun but am too afraid to make light something so heart breaking to them. Besides all the laughter and golf( never have) there is allot of tears and memories. I have been away so long I don't know what goes and what doesn't anymore. I wouldn't know how to do serious either. Then I was thinking of a monogram cookie but I work best on fondant. See what I mean? It's a sticky one. And I'd would give my sister the world to make her happy.

I see what you are saying. It is more a memorial event for him, not a fundraiser being done to raise funds in his name.  As a memorial event, that changes it.  

 

I would ask your sister for ideas of the types of design that she would like.  She will be the best gauge.  That will take the angst away from you and set you in the right direction.

It's both. By raising money she feels that she is doing something good in his name and the event keeps his memory alive. Which is all that is really left. She doesn't boil and egg and wouldn't have a clue. She just said the desert table is mine! About 200 golfers show.

Oh, I am so sorry to hear about your sister's loss as well. So tragic. I hope I can be of some help . . .

 

I've traveled a lot on planes with cookies, and if you carry them on, you shouldn't have trouble getting through normal domestic checkpoints and hopefully through customs as well. (It's pest-carrying fruits or veggies that get most scrutiny by customs inspectors, but it's wise to check specific airline regulations first.) Heads up: inspectors may want to look very closely at your cookies, so plan a few extras to keep them happy!

 

I find it easiest/safest to pack my cookies in special containers that fit snugly under the seats in front of me, so they don't have to be tilted inside overhead compartments. I've only ever broken a few cookies this way, and I have taken countless plane trips with them. BUT I am careful to NEVER check them and I never allow anyone else to handle them!

 

I have examples and links to these containers, and also packing tips, here in this tutorial on my blog. I hope I've helped a small bit. Best of luck.

 

P.S. Depending on how the cookies are decorated, I can fit about 50 cookies in each container. Cookies that are flat, without relief on  top, are obviously best, because the cookies must be stacked inside these containers. But 3-D elements could be brought separately and quickly added later.

You are so sweet to take the time and share with me, too, Julia. Great read on traveling with cookies. You are an expert.

I am coming from Greece and there are no such containers here. I have a 1 hour and 20 minute layover in Istanbul and the connect in New York.I'll be running to make the connection. Adding cookies won't be easy for me. I am not young and athletic!

The dogs have sniffed out and thrown away( I am sure they ate it) baklava, cookies and Easter bread, bought at the duty free shop on other trips so I don't want to chance it. I will have a few days there to whip something up.BTW coming into Greece custom never checks food stuff, it's coming into the States that's tough.

I am concerned about an appropriate design for the occasion and one I can handle. Golf balls were mentioned and I thought of that too but want to make sure it is appropriate,

Thanks again!!!!!

Tina, how about doing a few "feature cookies" - large plaque cookies that really showcase your awesome work and maybe indicate the name of the event or something meaningful to your sister, or the charity recipient logos...something like that to catch the eye...like a center piece.  Then plates of minis that could be quickly decorated.  Maybe even contact an Etsy wafer paper seller to see if they could do sheet of cookie sized logos or golf scenes - then you only have to base coat and decorate around the edge.  I have even had a local bakery do cutouts for me when I had a party and ended up sick - couldn't do it all myself.  With 200 golfers, and assorted other attendees...a variety of undecorated cookies on the table in addition to the "centerpiece" might make your job a bit easier.  If they are used to cookies and ice cream, bumping it up a notch with an assortment of iced minis will be greatly received I imagine.  You can even do little brownie bites (easy and can use a mix) with mini cupcake pans - see if you could find a golf ball stencil for the top and dust powdered sugar over the stencil.  I did that for Halloween one year (stencils over brownies with white powdered sugar).  Just keep all of the treats bite size.  Just free-form thinking here. 

 

I have an event July 13th I'm trying to find something for that doesn't make me crazy and will travel.  At least I'm driving... I can't imagine having to fly with stuff.  Maybe focus on taking your tools and not try to fly internationally with cookies! 

 

Good luck.  We all will want to see dessert table photos!

Some ideas...a golf ball with your nephew's initials,  cookies with the colors of the fundraiser logo colors and your nephew's initials, a golf shoe, or a mini golf course with your nephew's initials. Hope this helps

Wow you all are the sweetest people taking time to give me ideas and support for this. Great ideas. 

T

My heart goes out to you and your sister! What a terrible, terrible loss. Here's a thought for cookies: Debbi had a wonderful idea for doing some plaque cookies, which could be as detailed as you want. Then, surround them with simpler cookies. Another decorator I know did some star cookies for a friend whose husband had died. The tag on the jar read: "Perhaps they are not really stars. Perhaps they're openings in the heavens where our loved ones shine down to let us know they are happy." LOVE this saying! You could do a mix of golf balls and stars, with the stars dusted with sparkly sugars. Easy, but pretty.

 

Again, what a sad time for your family. Whatever you do, I know you will do a wonderful job. Your decorating is beautiful!

I L*O*V*E the star saying...that would be so moving!  I recently lost my big sister and all of this is making me cry.  What a great bunch of suggestions!!!