It’s hard to believe we’re mid-August and nearing end-of-summer already! Want to help your little ones get back into “school mode” in a fun, creative way? This adorable, Vintage Back to School Bake Sale theme from Nicolle at Libby Lane Press should do the trick! There’s tons of great inspiration for any charming “school house” themed party OR an actual bake sale event… why not end summer on a high note by earning a few extra bucks for your school or favorite charity!

PARTY HIGHLIGHTS to look out for:

• Burlap bunting sign + a menu made out of a window pane
• A classic red wagon with popcorn bags & mini apple pies
• School house, classroom bell & chalkboard sugar cookies
• Cookies wrapped in baker’s twine & cupcakes with a cherry on top!

PARTY DETAILS, as told by Nicolle…

I knew I wanted to approach the Back to School theme from a different angle and once my friend and photographer, Helen John Photography, led me to the Seneca Schoolhouse from the 1800’s I knew this was the perfect location for my Vintage Bake Sale Collection.  The green distressed antique tea table from Lucketts has been in my garage awaiting a styled shoot with all the appeal that this schoolhouse offered.

Sweet Treats

For this event I wanted to use as many local vendors as I could from everything to the table to the desserts to the vintage books borrowed from Helen John Photography.  My talented friend, Fresh of Freshly Baked DC made the most darling little homemade apple pies and mini-donuts.  I am a fan of anything ‘mini’ so it was love at first sight when I opened the box.  I also collaborated with Kristen of Lilly Magilly’s Cupcakery .  I envisioned an old time sundae in the form of a cupcake using vintage candy cups from Sesame and Sparrow. Kristen and her team were able to perfect this little treat all the way to the cherry on top.  Sarah, of Bundles of Cookies, designed and created vintage inspired cookies that were so intricately decorated you had to question whether or not you could eat them {and the answer was YES!}.  I also called upon an oldie but goodie from my own childhood: Little Debbie Oatmeal Creme Pies.  Not only are these budget friendly treats a nod to my own past, but with a little baker’s twine they looked like they were made especially for this table.  My second budget savvy treat was caramel popcorn in red striped paper bags that also coordinated with the old time feel.

Party Decor

The printable Bake Sale banner was backed with burlap and displayed with jute string.  This is a simple way to customize a printable banner while keeping with the look and feel of the event.  I used a mason jar as the vase, vintage books as a dessert stand, and a wagon as another means of displaying the desserts.  My goal was to be as resourceful as possible when creating this table so it would naturally take on the feel of the past.  An old window was used as the menu display.  I used black construction paper, lined the glass of the window and used chalk to create my own DIY chalkboard.  The printable Bake Sale sign was attached to a painted wooden dowel and seersucker and ric-rac were added for texture.  This was such a fun party to design and style that I think it would be a one of a kind idea for a birthday party theme.