It seems like there’s always someone in our lives who is moving, buying a new home, or buying their first home. In fact, we are on the hunt for a new home ourselves as we need more space and want more of a “community” type neighborhood. Once the move is complete and all (most) of the boxes are unpacked it’s time to host a housewarming party so your friends get to see the new place. You can make it casual or more formal, but either way I have a terrific party favor idea for you, complete with a printable address tag.
Favors are the perfect punctuation mark to the end of any party and I personally love to give edible treats because it’s economical, and the recipient doesn’t have to worry about using it or storing it. In this case I made classic shortbread cookies. I don’t know anyone who doesn’t like these melt-in-your-mouth cookies, and they hold their shape when baking so they’re just right for using themed cookie cutters. For a housewarming party, what could be more appropriate than a house shaped cookie?!
These favors have a bonus too. The tag attached has your new home address printed on it so when the guest takes a cookie they will have your address which they can add to their address book. I’m sharing the cookie recipe and the printable tag below.
Shortbread Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup confectioners sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoon orange extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- cookie decorator icing
- In a bowl, cream butter and sugar together with an electric mixer on low.
- Add orange extract and combine.
- Gradually add flour while continuing to mix on low.
- With your hands, form a ball with the dough and then press out on a lightly floured surface. Spread dough out to 1/4 inch thickness.
- Use cookie cutter to cut out shapes. Place on baking sheet and bake in pre-heated oven at 350 degrees, for 9 to 11 minutes.
- Remove cookies with a spatula and let cool on a wire rack.
- Decorate with cookie icing if desired.
For my cookies I cut out a “window” using a sharp paring knife, and used different colors of decorator icing to differentiate the ‘roof’ from the ‘siding.’ Cellophane bags from the craft store and ribbon are all you need to complete the look. Place the cookies in a basket or tray near the door so when guests exit they can grab one. The tags are easily customized using a photo editor.
Is there a housewarming party in your near future? If its not you then share these ideas with someone you know, and for more ideas on everyday entertaining visit Celebrations At Home.
