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Second Oldest was baptized in October and I felt like I would be an old-pro at it this time since I’ve been through one before. ( See my oldest son’s baptism here). But somehow I kept having to refer to my blog post to remember how to do things! Haha. He actually got baptized the week that the announcement came out from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints that any member of the church could stand as a witness to a baptism. So that was pretty neat for him to pick his older brother and Grandma to be the witnesses. I’m grateful my mother was in town to help me, and that my mother-in-law, as always, was super helpful.

A Little Bit About the Baptism

I used a lot of the same ideas from my oldest son’s baptism because I really liked how they worked out. We used the same announcement, poster and book of mormon guest book idea where guests could highlight their favorite scripture and sign their name next to it. We ended up having the baptism on a Friday night, just worked out weird like that since it was General Conference weekend. And I decided to go with a cookie bar for refreshments. A little change from our Soda Float Bar we did at the previous baptism. We had spent the week in Universal Studios so it was a busy, but very fun week.

Question: do people typically set up tables and chairs at the baptism receptions you’ve been to? I know a lot of stakes and wards are frowning on having little refreshments at all anymore. Our ward still has them for the most part, but tables and chairs are never set up. I decided to set up a couple in hopes that it would reduce the amount of craziness with kids running around and jumping off the stage etc. I thought: maybe if they have a place to sit… they’ll sit?! Haha, I think it worked a little.

Another fun little Baptism tradition we have is matching ties. When I posted this on Instagram everyone seemed to love the idea so I thought I better share it here! I let my son pick out matching ties for he and his Dad and they wore them to the Baptism. Now it is their special tie and my husband plans to wear that tie for all the big events in his son’s life. Then one day, our son can keep that tie as a special memory of his Dad.

Black & White Cookie Bar Details

For this black & white cookie bar I used black craft paper (actually it’s bulletin board paper) to cover the table. The banner is just regular sheets of black cardstock with letters glued on (that I cut with my cricut in the Hallsey font). But I made a printable version for you as well! To label each cookie I cut the words with my cricut and put it right on the black paper. It works best if you wait until you have your table all the way set up and add the words last. You could also just write on the black craft paper with a fun paint pen or chalk pen. I happen to have atrocious hand-writing.

Some fonts I used to label the cookies include: Amatic, Desmond, Dusty Lane, Hallsey, & Barbara Script. The banner is in the Hallsey font.

Some of Our Favorite Cookie Recipes

If you happen to be curious for the recipes for these beloved family favorites I will link the ones I can here:

White Chocolate Chip (just substitute chocolate chips for white chocolate chips)

Andes Mint Chocolate Chunk

Snickerdoodles (seriously the best snickerdoodles ever)

Sugar cookies- these are a family recipe I can share with you. But only if you want to get praised for your amazing sugar cookies wherever you bring them 😉 Baker beware. Will change your life. (and they are best the second day after the frosting and cookie have a chance to mingle).

Best Ever Sugar Cookies

• 3/4 C Sugar
• 1/2 C melted shortening
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 2 C sifted flour
• 1 tsp cream of tartar
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt

Combine sugar and shortening, blend well. Stir in the beaten eggs and vanilla. Sift flour, cream of tartar, baking soda and salt. Add gradually to shortening mixture, mixing well. Chill until easy to handle (at least 2 hours). Then roll out on floured surface and cut to 1/8″ thickness. Bake at 375 for 10-12 mins. Makes 2 dozen cookies. Add more flour if dough is sticky.

Amazon Finds for a Black & White Cookie Bar

• Confetti (love this!)
• Table runner (I got my checked one at walmart)
• Straws (such a cute set!)
• Hanging decor fans
• Paper lanterns
• White chalk markers
• Cute ribbon!

Free Printable Banner!

I wouldn’t leave you without a free printable! I made a prinable version of the “cookie bar” banner and you can download it with the google drive link below!

Thanks for stopping by! You can follow along on Instagram for more party ideas, free printables and mommy inspo!