Over the years, I’ve learned that party planning is both an art and a science.

Sure, you can pull together a casual dinner in a few hours. Your friends won’t mind if you forgot to pick up ice or didn’t plan any activities beyond chatting around the bonfire. They’re not looking to be impressed—they’re just happy to catch up!

But with a few weeks of forethought and preparation? You can host the kind of gathering that people rave about for months.

We’re talking formal invitations, a theme, decorations, tons of yummy food and beverages, music, and maybe even dancing. If Martha Stewart herself showed up at your front door, she’d be smitten.

Of course, when planning a party like this, something always flies under the radar. No matter how many checklists you make, no matter how excited you are to host—there’s always something. For me, it’s dessert.

I always forget about dessert.

Which is tragic because… sugar. A great meal can always be topped off with a healthy dose of sugar. (Just ask Mary Poppins.)

And this is why I love (and rely on) Dawn’s Cookies & Cafe. Dawn started baking as a side hustle back in 2010 and eventually opened her store in 2022. Not only are her treats delicious, but they’re also absolutely stunning. I’m convinced she can decorate a cookie for any occasion.

Easter, Independence Day, Christmas, birthdays, office parties—you name it, Dawn has a cookie for it.

In other words, forget that last-minute trip to Target to grab dessert. Once you’ve tried Dawn’s treats, it’s impossible to go back to the mass-produced stuff.

Besides cookies, Dawn and her team also serve scrumptious pastries, breakfast, and lunch, so if you’re hosting brunch, she has you covered. In fact, you haven’t lived until you’ve tried her sweet potato lasagna.

For the record, I wasn’t paid to write any of this. I genuinely love Dawn’s cafe and appreciate the work she does. Anyone who can keep my house stocked with treats has my undying gratitude. Plus, as a realtor on the Emerald Coast, I enjoy supporting our small businesses.

So, next time your party planning aspirations don’t quite pan out, stop by Dawn’s Cookies & Cafe. She’s rescued me plenty of times, and I know she’ll be glad to do the same for you.