The Christmas Cookie stand. A long easel for displaying cookies. Because if you create cookies that are works of art you should display them like they are.
O.K., we're at the part of the month where you've either made cookies or have been given cookies. If neither of these things have happened you need to reconsider your priorities. And your friends.
A few years ago at Christmas I made a bunch of gingerbread cookies that were all in the shape of my favourite farm animals. Which would be all farm animals except the rat.
They turned out beautiful and I loved them. They were perfect for me and I was sick of making my usual Gingerbread men wearing a thong. But when I put them out on a plate or even a platter they didn't look nearly as impressive. Therefore I didn't look as impressive.
Now, when you have everyone over for dinner there are two things you want to accomplish in the small amount of time that people are in your home. 1) You want them to feel at home and welcome. 2) You want them to be insanely envious of you, your life, your home, your food and how effortless and impressive you are all at the same time.
I put a lot of work into the stupid farm animal cookies but just stuck on a plate they didn't display well. Without those cookies looking their best I was just another schmo having a Christmas Eve dinner so I needed to do something.
Enter:
The DIY Cookie Stand
In 2015, on Christmas Eve, 10 minutes before everyone was supposed to show up here for dinner I ran downstairs, found a length of 1"x4" wood and some trim and made a cookie stand.
I cut two triangles and screwed them into the back of the wood so it would act like a really, really long cookbook stand.
And then I glued a thin piece of trim to the bottom of the front of the board so the cookies would have something to rest on and stand upright.
Depending on how long you make it, it can either run all the way down a dining table or in the corner of a kitchen counter or wherever.
The angle of your triangles should be somewhere just less than 45 degrees. It doesn't really matter. As long as your two triangle supports are the same angle they'll stop your cookies from falling over.
They should be just tipped back to not fall off and display well. You'll know you got the angle right if your cookie stand incites a crowd of people to applaud cookies for the first time in their lives.
These are quickly made Gingerbread houses and a few Gingerbread apartment complexes. Because not everyone lives or wants to live in a house.
Granted, these cookies aren't all that impressive. If you want impressive read about my Snowglobe à la modes from a few years ago.
Like I said they're not my best work but guess what? People will still applauded and gave each other knowing glances that they came to the RIGHT house on Christmas Eve, because of the kick ass stand.
What's funny is this is the one year I might actually have time to make those really cool farm animal cookies. I won't be displaying them on the stand though, I'll have to hand deliver them with kitchen tongs while wearing a mask.
The Christmas Cookie Stand.
You can whip this cookie display stand up in less than 30 minutes.
Materials
- Length of 1X4 wood
- Length of thin trim wood
- Wood glue
- Screws or nails (optional)
Tools
- Saw
Instructions
- Cut your 1x4 to the length you'd like. If you have a lot of cookies and want them to run down an entire table you could make it 6 or 7 feet long if you want.
- Cut 2 triangles to act as support. My triangles dimensions are 4" x 3.5" x 3". This gives good support and an ideal lean to the display board.
- Glue the 3" side of the triangle supports to the back of your board. Screw in one screw if you want extra strength. You know, like if you make cement cookies or something. Otherwise you don't really need to screw it.
- Cut a length of thin trim so it's the same length as your main board. The trim just needs to be thick enough for the cookie to rest on.
- Glue the trim to the very bottom of the main board, clamp it and let it dry.
- You're done.
Recommended Products
I'm an Amazon affiliate some I get a few cents when you buy something I've linked to.
Many years ago Martha Stewart told me that "You should feel good about making your home nicer for your family and your friends. And if they secretly hate you for it you should feel really, really good about it."
When she told me this she was on the television and I was on my couch. Also I added in that last bit about people secretly hating you myself, but we all know it's what she really meant.
If you're going to do something, DO IT. Don't half ass it. Kick ass it. Always.
→Follow me on Instagram where I often make a fool of myself←
Melissa Leach
Kiss ass indeed!
Michelle
Opinions can be like farts... Just because you have one doesn't mean you should share it. -just my opinion. Lol
You are the only blog I've ever read or would take the time to even browse so you caught an odd fish. And I bet I'm not the only one. So no reason to change. (Really think their wasn't much chance of you changing anyway) ? I respect how secure you seem. Just wish people did not have to be negative and grumpy.
Thank you for the constant inspiration. Merry Christmas!
jainegayer
Clap, clap, clap, clap!!! I love it and you are a genius!
MaryJo
Karen, yours is the best blog ever! I love your ideas; I love your sense of style; and most of all, I LOVE your sense of humor. I will also be quoting you.
Merry Christmas, m'dear!
Tigersmom
Sometimes the best ideas are the ones that strike like lightning.
And please don't tone down your humor. It's what keeps me coming back. Well, that and the photos and the ideas and the inspiration, etc.
Rose
Don't you dare tone one thing down Canadian. You're perfect just the way you are! Love everything you do.
Linda in Illinois
Second that Rose.
Karen is awesome just the way she is. Ignore the comment from Kidneybean, if they are offended by you then they don't belong here. You Rock Karen!
Karen
Oh cripes, my own mother can't change me, so some troll on the Internet isn't likely to, lol. Thanks for the support Linda! ~ karen
Claudia
Don’t EVER tone it down bit...I love kidney bean. She loves you! It IS annoying how amazing you lifestyle, your house, your sense of humor is. You’re too modest to know that what you wrote...is true!!! Kidney bean and I feel inferior! But you are just so cute, and smart, and TALENTED, we can’t resist you!!!
Penny
Merry Christmas Karen. Keep on saying what we all secretly hope but would never say out loud!
TucsonPatty
This is the most awesomest of the awesome! Very very kick ass.
I've never before heard of a dink - thank you so much for that. I love it and will use it every time I am able, eh? I agree with the t-shirt quote with cleaver. I would buy that.
Mary W
Don't know where it is but over a year ago she posted something that caused the commenters to tell their naughty words and it is so funny. I really enjoyed reading what other areas of the world call their naughty bits. Wonder how to find that post in her new search "area"?
Karen
Just search the word "dink" and it'll come up Mary W. :) ~ karen!
Karen
I'll look into getting it done TucsonPatty. :) As for the dink, yep, that's one of the Canadian words of choice for "it". ~ karen!
Kim
Can you be my best friend? Because I'd be okay with that. I think we would get in fabulously after a couple of bottles of wine. I also think we would get kicked out of places. But that's okay. Then we could just go back to your house and applaud your cookies. Maybe even toast them because we would be that drunk together. That's how I imagine imaginary us: really really drunk.
Karen
LOL! ~ karen
Tina
Can I sign up for that? I usually find I’m more creative after a bit of lubrication. And I bring snacks!
Marna
Very impressive! Love the whole display! :)
Ardith
Brava! Ingenious idea that lends itself to all sorts of display creativity.
Milton
"If you’re going to do something, DO IT.
Don’t half ass it.
Kick ass it.
Always."
-Karen Bertelsen
I just added this to my collection of favorite quotes by famous people.
Karen
Milton - I have always, ALWAYS wanted to be someone that someone else quoted. I have fiercely wanted this. Thank you! ~ karen
Milton
Along with your cleaver logo, it would make a nice T-shirt or maybe a coffee cup for those of us who need caffeine and positive inspiration early in the morning.
Miriam Mc Nally
I second the t-shirt idea, Karen! The quote is super, I'm saving it in my "quotes, card inserts and nice things" file. You're already famous, but now you're being quoted = got it made!
My daughter made us a bookstand in woodwork class in school, I'm going to surprise her this Christmas day by having cookies (or biscuits as they're called here!) on it!
Thanks for all your wonderful ideas.
Merry Christmas Karen!
Karin
i have to chime in right here, i so agree with you guys, this is my new motto, i would totally buy a shirt with the cleaver and the motto. where can i enter my credit card please?
danni
I love that quote! I bet my family would prefer it to the one I have on my refrigerator... being a widow and my parents also passed on, my motto is "you can't make me!"
My kids just kind of give me side-eye and hope I don't burn the house down! :D
LeeAnne Bloye
Fab thing to say Karen. The first thing I did when I read it was copy it. It now has a link to your blog and is is pasted in one of my email signatures:
-LeeAnne
<\_~.
// \\ :. <--- If you have this problem, don't call me, I've retired ;-)
"If you’re going to do something, DO IT. Don’t half ass it. Kick ass it. Always." - Karen
Darla
I shall quote you on my facebook page! You will be famous with all 200 of my friends!!
Denise
I just think you're pretty kick ass all the way around. Have a great holiday and Merry Christmas to you Karen. Thanks for always entertaining us while teaching us!
Becky
I love this. It makes something simple into something important. Could you add another board down the backside of the triangles and make it double sided, so both sides of the table can ooh and ahh over your genius?
and if the cat jumps up and eats the cookies, you could always use it display Christmas Cards-- although I've gotten two, only two, this year. I wonder if they are a thing of the past.
I want to make a shorter one, and use it to hold crackers for a cheese platter.
Nancy Blue Moon
Hey Becky..I am beginning to wonder the same thing...I have received two this year also...sad..
Dawn
The second side what exactly what I was thinking too!
Dawn
*was
where's my tea?
Rose
Second side was my thought also. We use both side of the table here. But I also love the idea of individual ones which would solve the problem and be more adaptable.
Nancy Blue Moon
I like the Gingerbread Camper the best...your Gingerbread looks really soft and good...are we sharing the recipe? Also the cookie rack looks so nice on your table...nighty nite Karen.....
Nancy Blue Moon
OK..I just saw the recipe link above...I think I will try some soft and some crispy to see what I like best..Thanks Karen...
Nancy Wilder
If I make Christmas cookies, they are naked. Yes, both men and women, anatomically correct gingerbread people, stark naked cookies. I've been making them since high school and no one has ever refused one. Merry Christmas! That is a perfect cookie easel.
Karen
Naked like boobies and dinks with icing? Or naked like no icing? ~ karen!
Nancy Wilder
Boobies and dinks and all! I used food coloring with the icing for the best effect. They are always quite a hit.
Martina
Dinks with icing..I'm so proud that you're Canadian!....lol (really you kill me...lol)
Karen
dink dink dink ~ karen!
rktrix
So. Dinks. Gingerbread. Winter. Shrinky Dinks?
j
Shrinky Dinks-ok!
Stinky Shrinky Dinks-go way!
Sorry, not enough sleep here, and it' still raining! You all make me laugh!
Tiredoldwoman
Love your cookies , they look like a soft to eat cookie- not like my teeth breakers ! Have you still got the recipe for the dough ?
Karen
Hi Tiredoldwoman. :) They're actually pretty crispy because I overcook my gingerbread a bit. I like a really crunchy gingerbread. But if you bake them the proper amount of minutes they are soft. You can find the recipe in a link in this post. It's from The Better Homes and Gardens cookbook. ~ karen!
Kathleen
I am impressed, as will be your family!
That's a nice idea that can double up as a place card setting... you can pop the names on card in between the cookies!
Have an awesome day. (When you wake up!)
Karen
I'm up! I'm up! And thanks. I love your idea of a place card setting!! You could also do tiny little individual ones for each place setting. It would be fantastic. Just enough room for a cookie with someone's name on it or a place card. Good thinkin' Kathleen! ~ karen!
jaye
Or, the cookies could be the namecards -- the names in icing !
jaye
Sorry, I posted that before reading Karen's reply as it just popped into my lil brain ASAP
Tina
I LOVE that idea!!!
Mary W
Love this idea and hope to see the Karen Tiny Easel edition soon! They would be useful all year long - for birthdays, other holidays, etc.
Pam
A standing ovation!! That is a kick ass cookie easel if ever there was one!
Karen
A standing ovation. Excellent. You are an excellent reactor. Just what I was looking for. ~ karen!
Allison
I think she may want an invitation to dinner. :)
Mark
That cookie display rack really complements your decor. Fantastic!
Karen
Thanks Mark. Yes, it does look pretty good in the room doesn't it? But you mentioning that made me realize it would look ridiculous in other homes, lol. But painting it would solve that problem pretty quickly. :) ~ karen!
kidneybean
It blocks what should be there - the wine glasses. Also Karen, your humor is so self-aggrandizing that it can be a bit irritating. If you could just tone it down hon, I'd be ever so grateful.
MaryJo
Kidneybean, you need to see a doctor--obviously your nose is out of joint and your funny bone is broken.
Deb Brennan
" Tone it down, hon" ICCKKK! Or am I the only one who had her little back getting way up on this one. I felt so protective of you Karen!
Danni
oh no not the only one.. but I'll try to take the high road and not start implying someone is a cranky PMS'ing killjoy.
Laura Bee
I think Kidneybean just needs a glass of wine....
Kelly
How un-Canadian not to more self-depracating! This is WHY I read your blog, Karen...love it! ;)
Karen
Hey Maryjo. Thanks for having my back! :) Don't worry. Kidneybean is just a troll that's been on the site for a while. I usually spam her but everyone seemed to be having a good time replying to her today so I've left it up. ~ karen!
martina
I actually find you irritatingly modest. You should toot your own horn now and then. ;)
Kiara
Seconded... I'm going to fan-girl for a sec. You're good-looking, talented, and moderately well-off but you come off like everyone's homegirl. Very genuine and humble. Like if I saw you in person we could have snacks and talk about cats and chickens. You keep doing you.
Karen
Thanks Kiara! I think "moderately" is the operative word in that sentence, lol. And yes. We'd definitely have snacks. ~ karen!
Laura
There is always room for both wine glasses & brilliant cookie displays with a lot of good humor thrown in besides.
Sarah McDonnell
suggested cookie and wine pairings:Gingerbread Men (with or without thongs)/Riesling, Oatmeal/Cabernet Sauvignon, butter/Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, Peanut Butter/Port, Girl Scout's Thin Mints/Malbec, Chocolate Chip/Merlot, Do-Si-Dos/Zinfandel in a box. I see a party opportunity!
Suzanne
Hahahahahahahahahaha!
Suzanne
Ok....so maybe I’m dumb and did not for one minute think a fellow follower would be mean....the nerve.....I initially put in a hahahahaha! comment because I thought a friend of yours was taking the piss, and if you read it that way it is amusing sarcasm.....and then I read the other comments....if that is a troll comment I apologize for laughing....bad bad person. We love Karen, leave her alone!
Karen
Kidneybean has since crawled under her bridge, but may resurrect herself after today. We may have poked the bear so to speak, lol. ~ karen!
Mark
Karen, I don't think it would look ridiculous anywhere with those amazing looking cookies on them! Unless you are in line for a humour transplant (not mentioning anyone LOL).
Karen
ha! ~ karen