I am assembling 10 cookie bouquets for a relative's 50th class reunion coming up. I normally have a real problem with the cookie sticks twisting all around once I put them in the styrofoam - which really kills the beauty of the presentation. So, I started hot gluing the sticks right into the styrofoam. However, I cannot do this because the guests are each going to be allowed to take one of the cookie sticks home w/them for a favor. So, I cannot hot glue them! Does anyone have any ideas for assembling the pots so the cookies don't twist around!

Maybe you can use double stick tape, or maybe put some playdough in the container and sitck the cookie sticks in it.

I am having the same problem. I know this came up in the past, but don't remember if there was a solution.

The only thing I can think of would be if the sticks were not round, but flat like a Popsicle stick. That would keep the cookies and the sticks from twirling.

When I do mine, after I am done, I wrap the whole container with cookies in a big clear gift bag and then tie a big bow on top. The "outer wrap" as I call it, helps to hold the cookies in place. I'm thinking, maybe you could do the outer wrap and then when its time to leave or after dinner or something you could untie the wrap and let people take thier cookies. Just a thought.

You could double up on the stick that will be below the surface of the foam.

Just take an extra piece of stick that's long enough to reach from the bottom of the container to the top of the foam, and tape it securely to the bottom of the cookie stick.

It won't show when the bouquet is made, and will keep the cookie stick from being able to turn.

Depending on how large your cookies are and the look you're going for, you might try using the wooden coffee stirring sticks instead of the round sticks, but if your cookies are very large and/or heavy, that might not be the best option.

hth!
Laura.

I used skewers and it was horrible. I had the same problem.

Try putting royal icing inside the holes and stick the sticks back in.It will harden but you should be able to snap them out when the guests go to take them home!!

I always use the green floral foam (Floral section at Michael's), NOT the one that soaks up water, but just the green one..It holds the stick in place.

i too use the green floral foam. since i use skewers in my cookies the green floral foam keeps them in their places.

I only use Dowels as my cookie sticks since I make very thick and big cookies..That's what Cookies By Design uses also..

Okay, add me to the list of users of the green floral foam. It's just perfect!

A small amount of green florist clay on the bottom of the sticks help keep them in place.

Thank you all for your helpful suggestions. You guys are just awesome! I do use the non-soaking green floral foam ... but maybe my cookies are just too heavy ... or maybe I just poke too many holes in it trying to get just the right placement. Putting clay at the bottom of the pot sounds like a very promising idea (plus it will automatically add a nice anchor to the pot) ... I'll let everyone know the results when I try this!

What about using that tacky gum that you use to stick posters on your kids walls. If you put some of that on the bottom of the stick and stuck it in the stryo it might bind it so it doesn't move.

Oh my gosh, debsuewoo. Did you say corn vendors? I was addicted to the corn. That is one of the small wonders I miss about living in California.

The corn vendors - LOL!! - the DJ on the radio this morning made a comment about corn with mayo and I thought of them.

Anyway, as far as the cookies go. Use popsicle sticks. You won't have to bother with finding a way to anchor them and they are stronger than the lolli sticks. Top heavy cookies need the stronger anchor of a thicker stick. I use the green floral foam and never have a problem. Even after repoking several times for positioning a cookie just right.

nagarza07 - Cute cookie bouquets you made. What do you do for the really tall cookies in the back? Don't popsicles sticks only come about 6" long? Could you possibly break it in half and hot glue one of the halves to the bottom of a regular cookie stick like one of the other members suggested?

TS - For lengthening the sticks I just use regular tape to tape two together, and sometimes half sticks, depending on how much height I need.

Thanks for the compliment. I really enjoy making these.

Do you guys cut your dowels in half? If so, how? and how do you get them smooth after cutting them?