How to Decorate for a Holiday Cookie Swap

Decorating for a holiday cookies swap is easy, since your home will most likely be already decorated for the holidays. A cookie swap is a small, informal affair, so you can simply focus on decorating the area of the cookie swap to create a festive holiday look.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Christmas fabric
• Tablecloth or table skirt
• Paper plates, napkins and cups
• Plasticware
• Faux or real greenery
• 2 poinsettias

Decorate the Buffet Table

1. Purchase a length of cloth with a Christmas design.

2. Cut the cloth to cover your buffet table. Hem the edges with a sewing machine or iron on tape.

3. Layer the Christmas tablecloth over a long white table cloth or skirting.

4. Stack red and green paper or plastic plates at either end of the table for easy access.

5. Lay small stacks of red and green napkins next to the plates.

6. Place forks and spoons in small baskets.

7. Scatter branches of faux holly and other greenery around the base of serving platters.

8. Place a potted poinsettia at either end of the buffet table for a splash of color.

Decorate the Rest of the Room

9. Hang a Christmas wreath decorated with jingle bells, to welcome guests as they arrive.

10. Set up a second Christmas tree in your kitchen or dining room, and decorate it with red and green ornaments.

11. Hang fresh or faux balsam garlands around the room secured by tacks or finishing nails. Cover the tacks or nails with red velvet bows.

Tips & Warnings

• Add some Christmas cheer to your guest bath, such as a Christmas tree-shaped soap dispenser, or Christmas-themed hand towels.

Resources

• Christmas Tree Acres offers mail order Christmas wreaths, centerpieces and greenery for the holidays at very affordable prices.
• Homemaking Cottage offers inexpensive decorating ideas for the holidays.