When to Pre-Order Treats for Holidays and Big Celebrations

Some weeks of the year, everyone wants dessert at the same time. Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, graduation season and the winter holidays are some of the busiest times for any bakery, and a small, family-run bakery can only make so many treats in a week. If you wait until the last minute, your favorite pickup time may already be gone.

This guide walks through the year and shares when to place your order, which treats are popular in each season and how ordering works at Strixly Cupcakes in Hope, Arkansas.

Why Pre-Ordering Matters

Custom treats are made to order. Dipped strawberries, cupcake bouquets and themed designs all take time, and a small bakery has limited hours. Strixly Cupcakes is open for pickups on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and orders for the same week must be placed by 5 pm on Tuesday. A deposit of half the total secures your order; placing an order does not secure your treats until the deposit is paid.

For ordinary weeks, ordering early in the week is usually enough. For holidays and big events, ordering one to two weeks ahead, or even earlier, is the safer plan.

Valentine's Day (February)

Valentine's Day is the biggest day of the year for chocolate covered strawberries. Popular choices include:

• Milk chocolate and white chocolate dipped strawberries
• Cheesecake stuffed strawberries
• The non-alcoholic Stella Rose arrangement with cupcakes, strawberries and silk roses
• Cupcake bouquets in red and pink

When to order: at least one to two weeks ahead. If Valentine's Day falls on a day when the bakery is closed for pickups, plan your pickup for the closest open day.

Easter (Spring)

Spring calls for pastel colors and lighter flavors. Themed cake pops, cakesicles, Rice Krispy treats and lemon or strawberry cupcakes all fit an Easter table.

When to order: about one week ahead for family gatherings.

Mother's Day (May)

Mother's Day is another peak week. Cupcake bouquets, monogram boxes and dipped strawberries are favorites. A monogram box with Mom's initial or a floral bouquet makes a memorable gift. Since Mother's Day falls on a Sunday, plan a pickup on the Thursday, Friday or Saturday before.

When to order: one to two weeks ahead.

Graduation Season (May and June)

Graduation open houses often need dessert for large groups. Party packages, school-color pretzels, themed cupcakes and fruit displays are popular. Many families celebrate on the same weekends, so the calendar fills quickly.

When to order: two to three weeks ahead, especially for fruit displays and large party packages.

Father's Day (June)

Gifts for dads include the Toolbox, the Jordan Shoe Box and team hat boxes. Like Mother's Day, Father's Day is on a Sunday, so plan a pickup for the days before.

When to order: about one to two weeks ahead.

Summer Parties and Back to School (July to September)

Summer brings cookouts, family reunions and birthday parties. Watermelon bowls and fruit trays are refreshing choices, and treats like dipped pretzels hold up better in the heat. Back-to-school season is a good time for classroom-friendly treats and teacher gifts.

When to order: about one week ahead, or earlier for large events.

Fall and Football Season (September to November)

Fall is the season for gourmet apples, chocolate dipped apples and team-color treats for game day. Thanksgiving gatherings often need desserts for big families, so jumbo cupcakes and party packages are helpful.

When to order: one week ahead for game days, and one to two weeks ahead for Thanksgiving.

Christmas and New Year's (December)

The winter holidays bring office parties, family gatherings and gift exchanges. Hot cocoa bomb cups make cozy gifts, and the Welch's sparkling juice box is a festive, all-ages option for New Year's Eve.

When to order: two weeks or more ahead, as December weekends fill fast.

Birthdays, Anniversaries and Other Milestones

You know these dates well in advance, so take advantage of that. For milestone birthdays and anniversaries, order number boxes, themed cupcakes or party packages one to two weeks ahead. Read our guide to monogram and number boxes for ideas.

How to Pre-Order

1. Pick your treats on the All Treats or Services page.
2. Send your order with the date and time you want to pick up, plus colors, themes and any names or messages.
3. Pay a deposit of half the total to secure your order.
4. Pick up on the scheduled day in Hope.

For more detail, see how to order custom cupcakes in Hope, AR.

Pre-Order Calendar at a Glance

• Valentine's Day: order 1 to 2 weeks ahead
• Easter: about 1 week ahead
• Mother's Day: 1 to 2 weeks ahead
• Graduations: 2 to 3 weeks ahead
• Father's Day: 1 to 2 weeks ahead
• Summer parties: about 1 week ahead
• Game days: about 1 week ahead
• Thanksgiving: 1 to 2 weeks ahead
• Christmas and New Year's: 2 weeks or more ahead

Tips for Busy Seasons

• Be flexible with pickup times. If your first choice is taken, a different time on the same day may still work.
• Order sturdier treats for travel. If you are driving to see family, cupcakes, pretzels and cake pops travel better than strawberries.
• Pay your deposit promptly. Your order is secured once the deposit is paid.
• Combine orders. If several family members want treats for the same holiday, one combined order is simpler to plan and pick up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pick up on the holiday itself?

Pickups are available on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. For holidays on other days, plan to pick up on the nearest open day before the holiday.

What if I miss the Tuesday deadline?

Same-week orders must be placed by 5 pm on Tuesday. If you miss it, plan for the following week, or send a message to ask what is possible.

What to Include in a Holiday Order

• Your pickup date and time, and a backup time if you are flexible
• The treats and quantities you want
• Colors, themes and any names or messages
• Any allergies or dietary needs in your group

Sending everything in one message helps your order move quickly during the busiest weeks.

Plan Ahead and Enjoy the Day

Holidays are busy for everyone. Ordering early takes one thing off your list and gives you the best chance at the treats and pickup time you want. Mark your calendar, send your order early and enjoy the celebration.