I've got the biscuit decorating stall. And I need HELP!

[nearlyfour]

I've been given the biscuit decorating stall at our Schol's summer fair. I actually wanted it, but now am panicking. Obviously know the basics of biscuit decorating. Erm, biscuits, icing and stuff to throw on, but, has anyone done this on a big scale before and can advise, please.

1. What sort of biscuits do you think would be good. We started thinking digestives, but think they will break easily, been to supermarket today, but just cant see which would be best - any ideas?

2. Bought bulk icing sugar, but does made icing keep sloppy over time, ie threeish hours? Would you keep it simple and white or add food colourings to some?

3. Stuff to put on - hundreds and thousands, dolly mixtures, buttons, also thought of cutting up some of those horrid strawberry lace things for hair for faces. Don't want to get too complicated (or expensive, obivously on a budget or would defeat the object of having the stall!). At the same time, want to make it attractive and fun for the children, which I assume will be more the little ones than the older ones.

4. Have NO idea how many biscuits etc to buy.

5. Have bought knives for spreading, and will get some little plates. And I suppose just put selections of 'decorations' in little bowls.

Oh, sorry about the numbering system and I'm rambling on, and I'm sure this sounds pathetic really, but it is the first time I have done something like this and I really want to get it right, and make it fun. Ideas you clever and creative mumsnetters?

Cheap digestives, make icing up in batches, add colouring and mix then add water to get consitency right. Definitely have colours - childrne have no taste whatsoever so go gaudy!

we ask th school cook to make biscuits/cookies for our stall... more profit!!!!

I find that Rich Tea biscuits don't break as easily. Definitely do different coloured icing, and maybe Smarties or M and Ms as well. Icing will keep sloppy, but put cling film over bowls not in use (ie. have batches ready made)or bring water and make it up as it is needed, adding the colour and so on. That way if say pink is your most popular colour, you can keep making it. At the moment I am making buns for our school, and am face-painting on the day. Good Luck.

Sponge fingers (is the posh name "boudoir biscuits?" are good too. (But no good for faces!) Think any small round biccies would be fine.

Make up small amounts of icing as you go (it really does only take seconds. Sugar strands, dolly mixtures, buttons, mini M & Ms (can you get them in UK?) are good, also silver balls go down very well with girls. Very loud icing colours - Barbie Pink, sky blue, canary yellow. Green is not so popular. You can also make a truly vicious purple with pink and blue mixed.

I am the Fairy Cake Queen...

Thanks everyone. I feel a lot clearer about what to do - gaudy coloured icing being the theme of the day! Off to buy biccies and sweeties etc in the morning. Anyone got ideas on pricing for a biccie?

Thanks again.

nearlyfour ...... I'm so sorry to boycott but .... I've just had the hugest ever row with dh, but your thread is like (well, I imagine) a session with Relate.

Ooophs, just meant your problem is so ... nice. And my husband is not

I think the last one I went to charged 20p. Rich Teas are better, and how about buying a 100 pack of cheap napkins to take them away on?
Have fun!!!

Ooh Carla and Bob, just seen your messages from Sunday - thanks for your added advice, off to Asda this morning!. And Carla, hope you are feeling better today. Happy to help with trivial therapy .

Message withdrawn

Maybe keep some more 'plain' decorations (eg chocolate buttons) and biscuits separate for those with special dietary needs -esp those children who react badly to some of the food colouring.