Description
This comprehensive guide details how to host a successful and festive cookie exchange party, perfect for the holiday season. It covers planning, setting guidelines, preparing the space, organizing the swap, and adding fun extras to create a memorable event where guests share and enjoy a variety of homemade cookies.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- Not applicable – this is an event planning guide, not a food recipe
Instructions
- Choose a Date and Send Invitations: Pick a date during the holiday season—ideally 2–3 weeks before major holidays when people are feeling festive but not overwhelmed. Send invitations at least two weeks in advance, and ask guests to RSVP with the type of cookie they plan to bring to avoid duplicates.
- Set Cookie Guidelines: To make it smooth and enjoyable, ask guests to bake 1–2 dozen homemade cookies, print or handwrite copies of their recipe or an ingredient list, and pre-portion their cookies for easy swapping (e.g., in small bags or boxes). Optionally, set a theme such as classic, international, or gluten-free for fun variety.
- Prepare Your Space: Set up a large table for displaying cookies with labels or tent cards for each type. Decorate with a seasonal theme using lights, garlands, and a holiday playlist. Provide extra platters, tongs, napkins, and containers to facilitate swapping.
- Offer Beverages and Light Snacks: Balance the sweetness with savory bites like cheese, crackers, or finger sandwiches. Offer warm drinks like hot cocoa, cider, or coffee, and keep water available too.
- Organize the Cookie Swap: Let each guest describe their cookie and recipe briefly. Choose a swapping method such as a free-for-all where everyone picks what they want, or structured rounds by small groups or drawing numbers. Ensure everyone leaves with an equal assortment of treats.
- Add Fun Extras: Have small prizes for categories like “Most Creative” or “Best Presentation,” include a packaging station with boxes, ribbon, and tags, and send everyone home with a printed or emailed recipe booklet of all cookies.
- Clean Up and Send Thanks: Have garbage and recycling bins nearby for easy cleanup. Thank guests for coming and follow up with a group message including cookie photos, recipes, or party highlights.
Notes
- For virtual cookie exchanges, have guests mail each other cookies and meet on video to share recipes and stories.
- Always ask guests to label any common allergens such as nuts, dairy, gluten, etc.
- Consider having a few allergy-friendly cookie options to accommodate all guests.
