The Christmas season is a popular time for baking and giving goodies. Why not turn the chore of baking a bunch of gifts into a fun event? Invite family and friends and have a Christmas cookie exchange. At the cookie exchange, guests will bring one type of cookie and leave with a variety of cookies, making gift giving easy and fun.
Instructions
1. Compose a guest list. Think of family and friends you want to invite to the cookie exchange. Be sure the location will accommodate the number of people you invite.
2. Send out invitations. Use Christmas cards for invitations or make your own by hand. Include the location of the event, the date, the time and the phone number guests can use to RSVP. Give specific directions regarding the type of dress (casual or formal) and make sure all guests know how many cookies to bring. Mail the invitations a few weeks before the event, since the holidays can get pretty busy with parties and shopping.
3. Make reminder calls to guests. Call your guests a few days before the event to confirm who is going to make it to the cookie exchange. Remind the guests of how many cookies they need to bring and that they need to bring the recipe as well.
4. Decorate the location. Decorations can include a Christmas tree or wreath and other festive decorations. Play Christmas music continuously in the background. Set up a table with a festive tablecloth for guests to set their cookies on for the exchange. Place a name card with the guest#x2019;s name near the treat he brought to the cookie exchange.
5. Exchange cookies. Have each guest bring three dozen cookies to the cookie exchange. If you have a firm head count before the exchange takes place, have your guests bring half a dozen cookies for each guest attending. Have each guest take a few of each kind of cookie and continue until each guest has about two dozen cookies. Leftover cookies can be eaten with the other refreshments provided.
6. Collect recipes from guests. Collect the recipes after the cookie exchange and let guests know you will compile them into an email or handout and send them to each guest. This way, guests will have the recipes for any favorite cookies they received at the cookie exchange.
7. Serve food and drinks. Do not cook during the cookie exchange. Overnight casseroles work well with cookie exchanges. Be sure to provide at least two different types of drinks at the cookie exchange. Drinks can include water, hot cocoa, hot cider, milk, or eggnog. During this time, guests will be eating some of the extra cookies left over and the food you have provided. Take this as an opportunity to socialize with your guests.
8. Thank each guest for coming. Be sure guests have containers to take their cookies home in. If not, offer plastic bags or paper plates and foil for them to take their goodies home in. Offer to help guests carry cookies to their vehicles if help is needed.
Tips Warnings
Be sure to have extra freezer bags or paper plates and foil on hand, in case forget to bring containers to take their cookies home in.
Find out if guests have any allergies and help guests with allergies avoid any cookies that might hurt them.
Related Posts:
Ideas For Organizing A Cookie Exchange
Get new ideas for cookies at your next cookie exchange.Cookie exchanges are a way to try delicious cookies and get new recipes while getting together with friends. Usually organized around the hol...
Party Favor Ideas For Christmas Cookie Exchanges
Help guests remember your Christmas cookie exchange with memorable party favors.If you're hosting a Christmas cookie exchange for friends and family members, let your guests go home with a festive...
Favor Ideas For A Cookie Exchange Party
Send cookie-exchange party guests home with a little bit more than just cookies.Whether you're running a cookie exchange for the holidays or as a sweet pick-me-up for your cir...
Christmas Cookie Display Ideas
Consider alternatives to plates and trays when displaying your Christmas cookies.Setting cookies out on trays or plates is an easy enough way to display your Christmas goodies. But why not conside...
Cookie Exchange Party Game Ideas
Gather friends and family to swap cookies at a cookie exchange party.A cookie exchange party is way to gather friends and family to celebrate a holiday, birthday or another special event. Cookie e...
