How to Host a Hamantaschen-Making Party for Purim

I’ll start with the not-so-good news: Apparently, in the nearly seven (!) years that have elapsed since this happy, pink-tinted day, the internet decided to eat all of my photos from the event. The better news: Turns out I captured most of it via video! Good thinking, 2017 Rebekah.

Anyway, I did love this party very much—I had a group of friends over to celebrate and bake hamantaschen, and it was such a fun afternoon. Also, “interactive” parties like these are your chance to hand over some of the would-be party prep work to your guests. Win-win.

I set up individual baking stations complete with the cutest mini rolling pins you ever did see, artist palettes filled with toppings, and all sorts of different fillings. Here are a few other things I did to make this day memorable (even without photo evidence):

Prep individual stations for each guest!

I love the way this works out logistically—no one has to share, so there’s no waiting around—but the little stations also just look really pretty from a distance and double as décor. Each guest got their own miniature rolling pin and cookie cutter in addition to a flurry of toppings (everything from pastel-colored M&Ms to chocolate chips and coconut flakes)—all housed in an artist’s palette. In the center of said palette, where paints are normally mixed, I plopped down a jar of jam and a little chalkboard place card; I also added a small paper takeaway box so that each guest could transport some of the resulting deliciousness back home.

Make the dough ahead of time.

I doubled one batch of hamantaschen dough to give each girl their very own piece to work with. While you could make this (the dough) with your guests, I chose to simplify things by making it the night before, and then dividing it up into enough groupings for the number of girls I was baking with (7!). I then wrapped each section in cling-wrap and let it chill in the fridge overnight. (I should note that this works particularly well for hamantaschen because most of the decorating/shaping work happens after the dough’s made.)

Add something to drink…

Because drinking water would just be sad, ya know? And also, it’s PURIM! You’re obligated to have a glass of something. I love the idea of bringing in early spring colors and florals here to up the cheer factor. Pink lemonade works well; this spritzer looks delicious; love the look of this blackberry cucumber gin spritzer and this raspberry peach champagne cocktail…whatever makes you happy!

…and plenty to eat.

If you’re going to be around sugar all day, it’s a good idea to have some savory snacks on hand. I opted for a smorgasbord of olives, dried fruit, and nuts—things that contrasted nicely with the sugary dough and toppings. A crudité platter and a few dips would be perfect, too. Just something to change up the sugar-everywhere vibe.

If you do end up throwing your own party, tag me or DM me over on insta—I’d love to see your take on this idea! Oh, and don’t be like me…TAKE PHOTOS! And save them!

Chag sameach!