How to Host a Holiday Cookie Swap
A holiday cookie swap is a great way to visit with friends and family and stock up on delicious holiday treats all at the same time! Every guest brings four dozen of their favorite cookie to swap with the other guests. The host is responsible for providing take-home containers, light refreshments and good company.
- Difficulty:
- Moderate
Instructions
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Mail Invitations to Your Cookie Swap
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1
Make invitations using holiday-themed computer stationery, including all the information for your cookie swap. It should contain the time, date, location and an RSVP phone number and/or email address.
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2
Include a brief explanation on the flyer of what a cookie swap is for those guests who have never attended one.
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3
Mail the invitations four weeks prior to the cookie swap.
Prepare Food for Your Cookie Swap
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1
Prepare a variety of appetizers and finger foods for your cookie swap.
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2
Offer some nutritious foods such as crunchy vegetables and dip to help balance the all the sweets.
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3
Serve classic holiday beverages, such as eggnog and peppermint-hot chocolate. Gourmet coffee also goes well at a holiday cookie swap.
Swap Some Cookies
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1
Direct guests upon arrival to place their platter of cookies on a table separate from your appetizers. The table should be in the center of the room, or at least accessible from all sides.
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2
Pass out Christmas-themed tins or plain white bakery boxes to each guest once the guests have had a chance to enjoy some appetizers and visit.
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3
Line up your guests around the table with their tins or boxes and have each guest take one cookie from each platter, including their own.
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4
Have guests continue to circle the table, taking one cookie from each platter until all the cookies are gone.
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1
Tips & Warnings
A cookie swap is not the same as a Christmas party. The guest list should not exceed 12 people or swapping cookies becomes confusing.
If there will be children at the cookie swap, keep them busy by having them decorate their family's bakery boxes before beginning the cookie swap.
You can find plain white bakery boxes at cake and candy decorating supply shops.
