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Today I am going to share some easy outdoor party planning ideas with complete party planning checklist and printable, of course I’ll be sharing some awesome recipes using delicious and affordable OREO Cookies, Nutter Butters and Chips Ahoy! You will find these boxes in the big dump bins near the check-out aisle in Walmart stores.
I have had outdoor parties in all seasons of the year, even in wintertime in Minnesota and Colorado. Some years the winter months are a bit more tame than other years and allow you to set up outside and enjoy the winter wonderland surroundings. Other years heat lamps may be needed. If it’s just too cold, most all of the below steps can easily be moved inside (except for some of the sports J). I am now in a more moderate climate where we can have outdoor parties year round without the heat lamps (but unfortunately don’t have the beautiful snow either). Planning the parties is so fun, I love making the invitations and creating a theme. Supplies are of course essential, and then there’s my favorite part, the food. I am showcasing some really fun dessert ideas that go great with a seasonal, holiday party theme. Each is very different from the next. Please use the below guideline for planning your outdoor party.
Here’s my outdoor party planning tips and checklist :
Outdoor Party Invitations:
- It’s key to know (roughly) how many people will attend, so getting RSVPs the old fashioned way or through the web helps me to prep as far as what to cook and how to budget.
- Send invitations via email saves money, but handmade invitations increase attendance.
- Mention details! What to bring (and not to bring), what to wear (and what not to wear… have some fun with this!). Ask to inform the host if there are allergen or special/restriction diets.
- Make the invitations unique and reflective of your personality.
Oreo Cookies Cheesecake Recipe
Outdoor Party Theme:
- Pick your theme early! It will make planning your party so much easier.
- White, gold and silver themes feel luxurious and give off an almost magical feel (especially around the holidays), while not necessary using expensive party supplies.
- Make and set up your outdoor party supplies early, as this often takes longer than expected.
Chip Ahoy! with Vanilla Butterscotch Marshmallow Recipe
Outdoor Party Supplies:
- Keep kids entertained with games and toys.
- Keep adults entertained with games and toys too! (cornhole and bocce ball are always a hit)
- Place trash and recycling cans or bags in every corner. It’s easier for guests and less cleanup for you.
- Instead of hiring a DJ I often use free music apps or a customized playlist.
- Heaters/Fans depending on time of year
Outdoor Party Table Checklist (Party of 6):
- Essentials: Dinner & Salad plates, Silverware , Wine & Water Glasses, Cup & Saucers (if appropriate), Napkins, Placemats.
- Optional: 1 Big Flower Vase, 4 Small Flower Vases, Fresh Flowers, Fresh Juice(s), Fresh Water w/ sliced Lemon or Cucumbers, Salt/Pepper shaker, Small Candle Vases.
Outdoor Party Recipe Ideas :
- OREO Cookies, Double Stuf OREO Cookies, Nutter Butters and Chips Ahoy! are a nice addition to every party and celebration. I grew up on these and am very accustomed to eating them right out the box, but they elevate the taste in recipes like those listed below. The products are very affordable and easy to find them at Walmart. They are the perfect size to also be used as a holiday gift/stocking stuffers! I’ve chosen three recipes that are personal favorites of mine, each of them is visually appealing and especially fitting for the holiday season:
- OREO Cookies Cheesecake: Delicious cheesecake showing an elegant touch. With simple ingredients and baked with love, this recipe is just amazing! Less than 20 minutes in preparation and the cake can be eaten within the day. Keep it in the fridge until ready to eat.
- White Chocolate-Covered Nutter Butters: These are so quick to make and very fun for kids. Get kids involved in decorating these treats!
- Chips Ahoy! Vanilla Marshmallow Stacks: While not as decadent as the other two, this dessert just might taste the best.
You Can Purchase OREO Cookies, Chips Ahoy!, Nutter Butter, RITZ Cookies and Crackers at Walmart stores.

- For crust :
- 26 OREO Cookies
- 1/3 cup melted margarine
- For filling :
- 24 Oz room temperature cream cheese
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 lemons’ zest
- Top crust :
- 10 Double Stuf OREO crumbled
- Heat oven to 325 F
- Using hands or food processor, crush cookies to fine crumbs then place into a mixing bowl.
- Mix crushed cookies with butter then transfer to a lightly coated non-stick spray springform pan. Press onto bottom gently using a hard surface (such as the bottom of a glass), measuring cup, etc.
- Place in fridge for 5-10 minutes.
- In the mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese in a low speed mixer for about one minute
- Add eggs, one at the time and beat slowly until combined.
- Add vanilla, sour cream, lemon zest, sugar and beat until creamy for 1-2 minutes.
- Pour over crust then bake for about 55 minutes
- Tips on baking a cheesecake : Use a roasting pan with boiling water about halfway up. Foil the springform pan in multiple layers to prevent the water from seeping into the cheesecake. Place the springform pan into the roasting pan. This method will allow the cake to set slowly, resulting in a creamy texture and preventing cracking
- Let it cool in a pan for about 30 minutes and don't forget to add the top crust before putting it in the fridge for at least 4 hours (I recommend over 6 hours).
- Cut the cake using a dry and warm knife.

- 20 Nutter Butters
- 2 Cups white chocolate baking chips
- 1 tablespoon Shortening
- Sprinkles
- Melt chocolate over a low heat. You can use a double broiler or microwave (I heated the 1st cup in a small microwave bowl for 30 seconds and pull the bowl out the microwave). Add 1 more cup white chocolate, stir it then put it in the microwave for another 30 seconds. Then add 1 tablespoon of shortening.
- Dip each cookie into white chocolate then add sprinkles. Place dipped cookies on a baking pan covered with waxed paper and place in fridge for at least 30 minutes

- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup light corn syrup or honey
- 1/3 cup water
- 1/8 teaspoon fine salt
- 3 large egg whites at room temperature
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons bourbon vanilla extract
- Combine water, sugar and corn syrup in a medium sized pan, then stir gently. Insert a candy thermometer and set for 240°F and heat over medium high temperature.
- Meanwhile, place the egg whites and cream tartar in the bowl then beat using a mixer for about 3-4 minutes
- Remove the sugar syrup mix from the heat then pour the syrup into the beaten egg whites. Whip the mixture until begin to fluff up for about 7-8 minutes then add bourbon vanilla and whip for another 1 minute
- Place the spread into an airtight jar then store in a fridge until ready to use.
- You can rewhip if the mixture becomes flat
- Add a teaspoon of marshmallow fluff into one side of cookies then place another cookie on top
46 Comments
Robin Masshole mommy
Dec 11, 2015 at 12:55 pmThese are all such great tips. It’s winter here now, so I will bookmark these for next summer 🙂
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle
Dec 11, 2015 at 1:20 pmThat’s got to be one of the most beautiful outdoor party set ups I’ve ever seen. Bookmarking!
Jennifer Van Huss
Dec 11, 2015 at 2:23 pmWhat a great recipe!! I love the beautiful outdoor party set up you did as well! That is stunning!
Jeanette
Dec 11, 2015 at 2:29 pmThat has GOT to be the most pretty Oreo cake I have ever seen! What a wonderful job you did! Just looking at it I think I gained 5 pounds!
Fashionable Librarian
Dec 11, 2015 at 3:11 pmYou are killing it..#bloggersrock
Liz Mays
Dec 11, 2015 at 4:02 pmThis is really helpful. I’d love to start having more parties outdoors. Your dessert treats look great!
Elizabeth O.
Dec 11, 2015 at 6:21 pmHow can you say no to all of those yummy treats! And they’re easy to do as well, so you don’t have to beat yourself up trying to make them!
Ann Bacciaglia
Dec 11, 2015 at 8:56 pmThis is a great checklist for the holidays. I will have to try making some of these delicious treats.
tara pittman
Dec 11, 2015 at 9:08 pmGreat way to decorate cookies. They look so yummy
victoria
Dec 11, 2015 at 10:10 pmSuch a nice idea and i really love the food. I want all of these for Christmas.
Erica Brooks
Dec 11, 2015 at 10:15 pmThat table setting is lovely. I’m sure my kids would enjoy all of the treats. Oreos and Chips Ahoy are their favorite cookies.
Claire'scomfycorner
Dec 12, 2015 at 2:20 amThat cheesecake looks so delicious. I’m craving it now! Yummy!
Ana De Jesus
Dec 12, 2015 at 3:55 amDefinitely pinning this post. It is winter at the moment but I can’t wait until it is warm and I can enjoy days lazing outside.
Miss Millennia Mag (@MissMillMag)
Dec 12, 2015 at 6:03 amWow, that looks so delicious and great way to decorate cookies.
Angela Milnes
Dec 12, 2015 at 6:23 amThese are lovely ideas and look very decorative!
Ricci
Dec 12, 2015 at 8:09 amFirst of all your pics are gorgeous!! I love your tablescape and that cheesecake looks amazing!
OurFamilyWorld
Dec 12, 2015 at 8:51 amThe cheesecake looks amazing! I love all your ideas The outdoor table is so beautiful.
michelle
Dec 12, 2015 at 12:20 pmchips ahoy with vanilla marshmallow? yes yes yes
Tina @ My Highest Self
Dec 12, 2015 at 1:06 pmMy goodness I have not seen such beautiful party photos in a long time! Dying over that oreo cheesecake!!
lisa
Dec 12, 2015 at 1:56 pmThese look like all fantastic dessert ideas! I would love to make these for my holiday parties although in Chicago we won’t be outside!
Kathy
Dec 12, 2015 at 3:59 pmThat is such a beautiful display! All of these goodies look so delicious! I would love to try out that Oreo cheesecake. Yummy!
Annemarie LeBlanc
Dec 12, 2015 at 7:12 pmEverything looks so good! The cookies are so festive and the Oreo cheesecake is mouth-watering! I will do my best to make my own Oreo cheesecake! Thanks for the recipe!
katrina g
Dec 12, 2015 at 7:20 pmYummy the food looks so good.
MyTeenGuide
Dec 12, 2015 at 10:13 pmThe table looks amazing! I’m going to try your cheesecake recipe.
Claudette Esterine
Dec 13, 2015 at 7:15 amAs always, great looking, interesting tips and wonderful recipe.
Krystal's Kitsch
Dec 13, 2015 at 8:25 amWhat a beautiful set up and dessert area. I would love to recreate that cake!
Bonnie @wemake7
Dec 13, 2015 at 8:34 amWhat an awesome set up! My husband loves oreos. Thanks for these planning tips.
minkchic
Dec 13, 2015 at 1:07 pmThis outdoor party looks fabulous. And thanks for the recipes too…YUM!
carmyy
Dec 13, 2015 at 3:08 pmThis looks like so much fun! I love oreo so I’ll have to give this a try!
Amanda || Growing Up Madison
Dec 13, 2015 at 6:22 pmOMG I have OREO’s in the house and it’s something that ALWAYS has to be here. Loving the outdoor idea.
Up Run for Life
Dec 13, 2015 at 7:25 pmI personally don’t care for outdoor parties unless it’s decent outside. I think food choices is super important when it comes to planning a party. You can’t go wrong with oreos, nutter butters, and chips a hoy. They are family favorites.
HilLesha
Dec 13, 2015 at 7:52 pmI simply love cheesecake, but I don’t believe I ever had Oreo cheesecake before, though. I’ll definitely have to give it a try!
Lynndee
Dec 14, 2015 at 7:08 amLooks like your recipes are to die for! Look at those delicious looking goodies. My mouth is watering!
Shann Eva
Dec 14, 2015 at 8:13 amYum. All three of those recipes look delicious. Especially that Oreo Cheesecake. I’d love to try that!
ascendingbutterfly
Dec 14, 2015 at 8:48 amI bet my nieces and nephews would love those White Chocolate-Covered Nutter Butters! I will have to try making those for them. Happy Holidays!
Tracy @ Ascending Butterfly
Kelly Hutchinson
Dec 14, 2015 at 9:35 amI know I am not supposed to covet, but I want that table so badly! I love anything dipped in chocolate!
Sicorra@NotNowMomsBusy
Dec 14, 2015 at 11:12 amI love the way the cheesecake looks like one giant Oreo Cookie! I would eat the whole thing 🙂
CourtneyLynne
Dec 14, 2015 at 11:41 amThese are some great party tips!!! I host a lot of events and parties so I will have to keep these tips in mind!
livingoffloveandcoffee
Dec 14, 2015 at 11:59 amThis makes me long for a house. What a fun party planning idea, the weather is so nice right now outdoors is perfect.
susieQTpies (Susan B)
Dec 14, 2015 at 4:29 pmWOW I’m loving the beautiful party set up. Great party planning ideas and RECIPES! Total nom nom. Thanks for sharing.
Urvi
Dec 15, 2015 at 8:03 amGreat recipes. Thanks for sharing.. I loved your outdoor party setup…
charles
Dec 15, 2015 at 6:26 pmtHE OREO COOKIES SOUND GOOD BUT,,,,NOT BEING ABLE TO SUPPORT MEXICO WERE THESE COOKIES ARE GOING TO BE MADE AND GOING TO BE FIRING AMERICANS WORKING FOR NABISCO I WON’T BE USING NAMISCO OREO OR ANY NABISCO PRODUCTS,,,,,,SEND TO MEXICO,,,,OH YEA, THERE ARE SOME COOKIES SIMULAR TO OREO,,,,,,,
Mimi Green
Dec 16, 2015 at 8:38 amNow this looks like my kind of party. I’m so trying these out for my daughters holiday party.
Chanelle
Dec 16, 2015 at 9:09 amSign me up for that party. Gorgeous. 🙂
Maureen
Dec 17, 2015 at 10:29 pmThis looks like my favorite party! All your photos are amazing 😀 Love it!
popshopamerica
Dec 19, 2015 at 9:52 amI love it! Such a cute outdoor display and these recipes are wonderful!