Planning a Cookie Exchange during the holidays may seem like it would be a lot of effort, but believe me when I say, it truly is not. I love cookies but making them all myself is always such a daunting chore. With a cookie exchange you get to enjoy all the benefits of having friends over and the delicious variety of cookies as a bonus.
First thing to do when planning a Cookie Exchange is determine the number of guests you would like to invite and send out invitations. Be sure to include the number of cookies each person should bring with them. At my home, in a warm moist climate, cookies always get soft real fast, so what I do is have each person bring 1/2 cookies per bag times the number of people attending and a couple extra bags for serving with coffee, tea or punch.
Having a different setting for each Cookie Exchange you host, always is a nice surprise for your guests. A Victorian theme always is a big hit, using magnolias, roses and beads as decorations. One year my theme was all Santa, all the time. I used Santa everywhere and it made my guests feel like kids again. Use your imagination, it keeps the party interesting.
"BINGO"! That's what my guests love to shout out at my Cookie Exchanges. Games are an important part of the socializing that's going on at your party. I buy little $5.00 or less prizes all year long to use at my party. Everyone loves to win a prize! Have alternate games available to play too. My favorites are of course BINGO and I also love playing Christmas music title scramble. It's amazing what titles your guests come up with.
Why not make a small cookbook of the cookie recipes that everyone brings. I've done this every year with great success and anticipation by my guests. You can either make the booklets up right after the party and send them out, or wait until next year and hand them out at the party. Either way, your guests will appreciate this gesture.
Last, but certainly not least, is to have fun! I tell my guests that it's not really about the cookies it's about sharing some time with friends around a plate of these tasty morsels! If you feel it's too much work for you during the holiday season, why not ask a good friend or relative to co-sponsor the event with you. This way everyone has a great time and no one is stressed out. Whatever you choose, have fun and eat a cookie for me! - 32190
First thing to do when planning a Cookie Exchange is determine the number of guests you would like to invite and send out invitations. Be sure to include the number of cookies each person should bring with them. At my home, in a warm moist climate, cookies always get soft real fast, so what I do is have each person bring 1/2 cookies per bag times the number of people attending and a couple extra bags for serving with coffee, tea or punch.
Having a different setting for each Cookie Exchange you host, always is a nice surprise for your guests. A Victorian theme always is a big hit, using magnolias, roses and beads as decorations. One year my theme was all Santa, all the time. I used Santa everywhere and it made my guests feel like kids again. Use your imagination, it keeps the party interesting.
"BINGO"! That's what my guests love to shout out at my Cookie Exchanges. Games are an important part of the socializing that's going on at your party. I buy little $5.00 or less prizes all year long to use at my party. Everyone loves to win a prize! Have alternate games available to play too. My favorites are of course BINGO and I also love playing Christmas music title scramble. It's amazing what titles your guests come up with.
Why not make a small cookbook of the cookie recipes that everyone brings. I've done this every year with great success and anticipation by my guests. You can either make the booklets up right after the party and send them out, or wait until next year and hand them out at the party. Either way, your guests will appreciate this gesture.
Last, but certainly not least, is to have fun! I tell my guests that it's not really about the cookies it's about sharing some time with friends around a plate of these tasty morsels! If you feel it's too much work for you during the holiday season, why not ask a good friend or relative to co-sponsor the event with you. This way everyone has a great time and no one is stressed out. Whatever you choose, have fun and eat a cookie for me! - 32190
About the Author:
Learn more about Christmas Cookie Exchanges. Stop by Marion Wilkinson's site where you can find out all about new cookie recipes.
