I want to promote some Halloween things and even started thinking about Christmas. I have a few local businesses that promote for me. I was thinking of taking some things to them. Is it too soon? I don't want to wait too late cuz then everyone is so sick of sweets by then.

Today, I made my NFSC dough and it's in the refrigerator. TOmorrow, I'm rolling it out and making stars, Christmas trees and snowmen cookies (all one color ... simple). I'll be taking them to area businesses with a flyer reminding them it's time to start thinking about Christmas cookie trays and time to start booking their employee Christmas dinners, luncheons, etc. I already have two Christmas parties booked and this week I have TWO brides coming in for samplings for their 12/31/08 weddings.

It's Sept ... most venues are booked already for Christmas, so no, it's NOT too early to think about Christmas.

i was thinking about doing that too... maybe do cake balls with colored frosting

I think I will do this next week. I am going to do cake balls, too, which I've been wanting to try making. I think I'll make up a some sets of different shapes and take those sets to some local businesses to drop off w/ a card. I just think that by the time November hits, people think of Christmas and just go UGHHHHHHH - no more!! Especially offices, where clients and vendors usually bombard them with edible gifts starting at the beginning of December. If I hit them now, they'll appreciate it more and probably be more open to the idea.........

yes i think if i make some mini cakes... with maybe a card or flyer to drop off...

i also thought of having a mixer, or... cake tasting party for local vendors...

i also wanted to get on some of the vendor lists for some banquet halls... but dont know how to do it... does anyone have any suggestions?

Indydebi, you're a genius! In my case, I was always working with attorneys. A lot of court reporters send edibles to the law offices during the holidays. Usually attorneys will stick with one agency, so those reporters really like to suck up at the holidays......

Debi...what is in your sample advertisement? Do you make a small basket/bag with a variety of shapes of cookies, as well as your flyer?

I don't know how elaborate to make it...just one cookie seems chintzy, but I'm not sure.

Funny this subject just came up, I was debating if it was too early to start just yesterday...

Debi, I just made my flier today, too. Unfortunately, I could've used my old one from last year, but the computer crashed and I lost all my files! So it did take a while, but I'm happy with it. I'm going to give out 2 decorated sugar cookies to the office manager w/ 2 coupons, a brochure and a biz card. I'm going to 3 attys offices, a court reporting place, and still debating where else I should go...

I'm thinking building managers. They like to send stuff to their tenants......

I was thinking of doing yule logs...does anyone have any hints?

Maybe translation services, too. Anywhere where the place would have repeat customers that they'd want to send gifts to at the holidays... Maybe surveillance places, too. I'm thinking back on my old legal secretary days. Even whatcha callits.... umm... it's on the tip of my tongue... process servers! Usually the entire office will use one company, so they tend to kiss butt - a/k/a send gifts.

Oh, the coupon is a great idea! Looks like hubby is going to be printing me off some add'l paper for me! (his workplace has a GREAT color printer! )

Wonderful ideas and advice...thanks ladies!!

Now to get busy planning, packing and passin' 'em out!

No hints on yule logs, although they look fun to make!

We do yule logs for the holidays and they are always a big hit. They aren't very hard to make & they are delicious. Another thing to consider is pumpkin rolls. They are also very good!!

Here is the recipe in my Betty Crocker cookbook that I trust completely.

Jelly Roll

3 eggs
1 c granulated sugar
1/3 c water
1 tsp vanilla
3/4 c all purpose flour or 1 cup cake flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt

Line jelly roll pan w/ parchment paper, tin foil or waxed paper. Grease foil or waxed paper generously. Beat eggs in small bowl on high about 5 min or until very thick and lemon colored. Pour eggs in medium bowl. Gradually beat in granulated sugar. Beat in water and vanilla on low. Gradually add flour, baking powder and salt. Beat just till smooth. Pour into pan, spreading into corners. Bake 12-15 min. Immediately loosen cake from edges of pan and invert onto towel generously sprinkled w/ powdered sugar. Carefully remove paper. Trim off stiff edges of cake if necessary. While hot, carefully roll cake and towel from narrow end. Cool on wire rack 30 min. Unroll cake and remove towel. Spread desired filling onto cake. Roll up and sprinkle w/ powdered sugar.

10 Servings.

Our recipe is longer than the jelly roll recipe. If any of you would like it, I can pm the recipe. It is delicious & there are several variations of flavors.