welcome to CHICAGO’S HAPPY PLACE

The summer edit

JUST DROPPED

It's finally here— a mix of returning favorites we look forward to all year and brand new classes built for maximum nostalgia and zero seriousness.

Chicago summers don't last long — and neither will these classes.

This Way!
This Way!

your new obsession starts now

  • Colorful decorated cake with fondant flowers and pearls on a purple background.

    CAKE classes

    Stack it. Pipe it. Take it home and eat it. Our cake classes are hands-on, approachable, and designed for every skill level.

    see classes
  • Pink birthday cake with colorful icing decorations, clown figurines with flags on top, and a message written in red icing.

    COOKIE Classes

    Hands-on royal icing classes for the detail oriented, the perfectionists, and the cookie curious. Step by step, stress free, and deeply satisfying.

    See classes
  • Decorated birthday cake with pink and orange roses, cherries, pink icing decorations, and glitter, set against a pink background.

    Happy hours

    Happy Hour is our most relaxed class format — good company, hands-on instruction, a drink in your hand, and a cake to eat in bed later. All skill levels, zero pressure.

    See classes

The Ultimate Beginners Class

A cartoon drawing of a blue ladybug with large black and white eyes and an expression of surprise or curiosity, on a black background.

our community

Testimonials
Kristen
Kristen

“I was surprised at how quickly Bon Vivant felt like a friend’s house - a friend with mad decorating skills who’s set to teach you some tricks - but a friend nonetheless. It’s so refreshing to be in a space that puts you at ease and where you’re very likely to meet a new friend while learning a new skill.

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Tobi
Tobi

“I’m usually a group girl but I decided to come on my own and I’m so glad I didn’t overthink it! I always meet other people who came solo and want to chat, plus you get so engrossed in the process and having fun that you forget all about what you were worried about in the first place.”

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Jill
Jill

“BVC is one of the only places you can walk in, sit down, and the outside world doesn't exist for the next two and a half hours. There is a feeling of joy and support from everyone, and everyone is welcome. Emily has built a community I am so thankful that I’m a part of.”

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Jackie
Jackie

“Bon Vivant’s classes are fun, engaging, and incredibly approachable. Amanda and Emily have built a community of kind and creative people who make every class feel like a room full of friends you just haven’t met yet.”

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Helen
Helen

“The thing I love the most about BVC classes is being slowly coaxed out of my need for perfection- it may just be cake, but I think it helps people more fully accept themselves the way they are, too! The risk is extremely low, and the rewards are sky high.”

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Sarah
Sarah

“I was most surprised with how approachable even the most difficult designs and piping techniques were. This is a testament of how thoughtful the learning experience is when taking a class - techniques are broken down step by step and there’s never anyone left behind.”

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Jess
Jess

“I've gone with friends (and love it!) but bringing my mom was really special. She loves baking cookies around the holidays (and used to run a side hustle doing it to earn cash for presents for us in the 90s!) but has always wanted to learn to decorate, so giving her that chance meant a lot.”

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Martha
Martha

“My skills have grown so much over the past two years of workshops - it’s amazing! I've made cakes and cookies for birthdays, housewarmings, and "just because" moments for so many people in my life. Feeding people has become one of my love languages. I’m even making my own wedding cake this year!”

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Kassandra
Kassandra

I’ve brought my cousin, sister, aunt, mother and husband to a class. They’ve all said the same thing “this place is magical,” and I would say that’s a great description.”

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Lindsey
Lindsey

“If you’re looking for a way to be creative but you don’t know how, this is the place for you. I always walk away feeling a little less anxious, proud of myself, and like I can’t wait to show off my cake to my friends.”

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Carly
Carly

“I was nervous before my first class — I'm a very shy person and I went by myself, and I'd never decorated a cake or cookie before in my life. I had such an incredible time! I've also dragged my husband along for a couple date nights — he doesn't consider himself super creative, but he's always had the best time and his cookies looked incredible!”

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Crystal
Crystal

“My friend and I have taken formal and informal classes at other studios, community colleges, Wilton- even people’s homes- and there is nothing like Bon Vivant! I've been surprised how well my cakes end up looking. It has definitely expanded my creativity and even helped with my perfectionism (a little!) - it’s self care for me.”

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Ester
Ester

“I enjoy doing the classes by myself- I would say it’s a perfect solo date! The happy hours are the perfect place to start and I love that there is so much variety in techniques and themes for cake and cookie classes.”

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Vince
Vince

“Ever since my first class, I’ve been hooked. Each cake design is broken into smaller steps and explained thoroughly and accessibly. I leave with a sense of accomplishment and pride; every time I take my cakes to others, everyone is impressed and I can say, “Oh, it was no big deal ;) ”

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Illustration of a green remote control with a smiling face, red buttons, and a digital display showing the word "BUY."

Real people, real cakes, real obsessions. Here's what happens when you pull up a chair.

Read our Google Reviews
A colorful digital gift card for Chicago, featuring stylized yellow text saying 'Chicago' in a playful font with a small dog wearing a red collar sitting on the lettering. The background is blue with pink borders.
Cartoon character with a large square pink body, wearing blue pants, orange shoes, and socks, holding a blue umbrella with a yellow and orange slice on top, and ice cubes hanging from the umbrella handle.

Bon Vivant Gift Card

Give the gift of creativity with our digital gift cards! Your gift card will be sent to the email you enter at checkout immediately upon purchase.

Let them eat cake
A stylized cartoon doughnut with teal icing, red sprinkles, and a face with big eyes.

Find Your Decorating Personality

Some people love precision. Some people love chaos. Some people just want frosting and a cocktail. Find your perfect Bon Vivant match.

HAPPY HOUR

If you like your hobbies low-pressure and your nights out a little interactive, Happy Hour is the perfect entry point to Bon Vivant. Sip, chat, and decorate something delicious in a relaxed, hands-on session where the goal is simple: have fun and make something sweet.

SHOP HAPPY HOUR

CAKE WORKSHOPS

Hello, Buttercream Rebel.

Cake decorating is for the curious, the bold, and anyone willing to trust the process. Whether you’ve never touched a piping bag or are looking to level up your self taught skills, we’ll guide you through each new technique and show you plenty of ways to hide imperfections. If you love creative freedom, cake class is your playground.

SHOP CAKES

COOKIE WORKSHOPS

Hello, Passionate Perfectionist.

If you’re the kind of person who notices tiny details, loves a good system, and gets real satisfaction from getting things just right, cookie class is your happy place.

SHOP COOKIES

Colorful illustrated snake with black alternating sections, yellow patches, and big eyes with black pupils on a black background.
A colorful, stylized illustration of a vintage boombox with cassette tape player, speaker cones, control buttons, a small display, and a handle on top.
Cartoon illustration of a sliced lemon, a glass of red wine, and a cheese wedge.

join the boniverse

Abstract illustration of a martini glass with green liquid, black olives, and an olive stem, in a minimalistic, modern style.

Hello, World!

Hello, World!

Hello, World!