How to host a holiday cookie exchange

Love home baked cookies but aren't able to fit baking into your hectic holiday schedule? Hosting a cookie exchange allows you the opportunity to relax with friends while enjoying an array of tasty cookies during the holiday season.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Guest List
• Invitations
• Plates
• Plastic Wrap
• Labels
• Refreshments

1. At least one month before your planned swap, invite friends and family with an interest in holiday baking and tasty treats. Planning the party on a Sunday afternoon can be a good idea as many people tend to be free of obligations at that time.

2. Some hosts suggest a type of cookie that each guest should bring to the exchange to avoid duplication. While 5 dozen chocolate chip cookies could be tasty, variety should be encouraged for a successful swap. You can indicate the type of cookie on each invitation.

3. Two weeks before your event, phone each guest and let them know how many will be attending so they will know how many cookies to bake. A good rule of thumb is a dozen cookies to be eaten at the party and 6 for each guest to take home.

4. On the big day, have plenty of plates and plastic wrap handy as well as labels. When guests arrive, separate their cookies into those to be enjoyed at your event and those to be taken home. After the cookies have been separated, you will have plenty of time to enjoy refreshments and tasty treats with your guests.

Tips & Warnings

• Try to organise your event a week before Christmas. That way your cookies will still be lovely and fresh when friends and family call round the house.
• Ask guests to bring copies of their recipe so that others can make it themselves.
• If you have a large number of guests attending, be sure to give plenty of notice as they will be required to do a lot of baking!