How to Host a Christmas Cookie Swap Exchange Party

We all enjoy great Christmas cookies. After all, aren't cookies something you have come to expect at Christmas time? Unfortunately, most of us spend so much time running around and getting ready for Christmas, that we don't have time to make a table-full of beautifully decorated Christmas cookies. There is an answer to this problem. Host a cookie exchange party! Not only will this allow you to spend time with friends, but you will end up with a bunch of yummy cookies!
Here is what you need to do:

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• invitation
• cookies
• decorations
• prizes

1. Set a date for your cookie exchange party. A date between the first and second week of December works best. You do not want your party to be in the same week as Christmas. Your friends will be too busy to attend.

2. Invite your friends. You can make your own invitation or find a suitable template online. Make sure the invitations go out a month prior to your party date. Include a list of instructions with your invitation including how many cookies to bring and whether or not kids will be permitted. I recommend you have a "no kids allowed" party to enjoy spending time with your friends.

3. Insist that all cookies are homemade. Storebought cookies defeat the purpose of this party. This also ensures it is fair to the person who spends hours and hours perfecting a great Christmas cookie.
   
   If someone does not have a recipe they use, they can find plenty online to choose from. The internet is loaded with Christmas cookie exchange recipes!

4. Keep track of who is bringing what type of cookie. This way there will not be duplicates. The first person to RSVP with a cookie choice has it locked in.

5. Request that each guest bring a dozen cookies for each attendee, including themselves. This will create an extra dozen for the tasting table. Also ask that every guest supply you with a recipe for their cookie. You can email the recipes to all of the guests after the party.
   
   Each guest will get one dozen of all of the other guests' cookies to take home. I recommend a small party of about 5-6 guests. That way no one will have to bake more than 6 dozen cookies and everyone will leave with a nice selection of Christmas cookies.

6. Ask your friends to wear some type of Christmas clothing or accessory. Give an award for the silliest Christmas attire or accessory.

7. Decorate your home with Christmas party decorations. Turn on some Christmas music. Make this a party atmosphere!

8. Set up a tasting table. Each guest will put one dozen of their cookies here for the party-goers to taste.

Tips & Warnings

• Some people prefer to invite many more guests than I have recommended. They also ask each guest to bring only one or two dozen cookies. Each guest then receives a few of each type. I prefer the smaller gathering with a larger amount of cookies. This makes it more intimate and fun. Also, you will have plenty of cookies to take home to your family!

[djackman]

on 10/28/2009 I love Christams cookies, i make them and eat them .. nothing to swap! 5*