How to Host a Cookie Swap / Cookie Exchange

Don't be like the Grinch! Host a cookie swap / exchange. Read on and you will be an expert host in no time at all.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 3 to 5 dozen cookies
• 20 Cookie Recipe copies
• $1.00 bill
• Brand new cookie jar
• Appetizers
• Drinks
• Music
• Games - optional

1. 

   Send out the invitations at least 4 weeks in advance. Be sure to let your guests know to bake 3 to 5 dozen cookies depending upon how many guests your invite, and to bring an empty container to hold the cookies that they will be taking home.

2. 

   Let your guests know to bake the cookies at least a day in advance of the party. It is NOT best to bake the day of the party. They will also need to bring $1.00 to be used at the party. (If you want, your guests can also bring the recipe - one for each guest- along with the cookies, but this is up to you.).

3. 

   You can also have your guests bring their favorite appetizer or you can do the appetizers on your own. We like to have a theme and bring appetizers according to this - like breakfast, Christmas holiday, summer, etc. You can decide for your own party.

4. On the day of the party, when your guests arrive: Collect their dollar and write each guests name on a small piece of paper and place the name in the new cookie jar which will be given away later in the party.

5. 

   Have your guests place their cookies in a designated area. Have music playing in the background. Have another area for the appetizers. When all of your guests arrive, each can go through the appetizer line and fellowship with each other. Games are an option at this point as well.

6. 

   Once all of your guests have had a chance to go through the line and eat, get their attention to let them know that the swap is about to begin.

7. Each guest should stand around the table of cookies with their empty containers in hand. Each should "introduce" themselves and their cookie. Each guest should tell about why they chose that particular cookie or an interesting tid bit about baking it. This just adds to the fun.

8. 

   Going around the table clockwise and moving together, each guest should take 3-5 cookies from each plate, depending on how many cookies were baked. Continue around the table until all of the cookies are gone. Usually we go around 2-3 times.

9. 

   Once all of the cookies are gone, draw a name out of the cookie jar. That lucky guest is the winner of the cookie jar. Good luck with your swap. I know that it will be a success.

10. 

    After reading this article, please rate it. If you have a question please use the comment section and I will respond. Thanks!

[Crosbyjacj]

on 12/18/2008 We really love the cookie jar give away.

[scottmitzi]

on 12/16/2008 Thanks for some new ideas. We are having a swap this weekend.