How to Plan a Christmas Cookie Exchange

Introduction:  Cookie exchange parties are a great way to visit with your friends, and share your favorite cookie and recipes.  It is also a wonderful way to fill your holiday tins with an assortment of cookies.  Depending on your guest list you may be able to collect a large assortment of cookies that will last throughout the season. So if you are fond of baking and enjoy sharing your recipes with others then plan a Christmas cookie exchange.

Things you will need for the Christmas cookie exchange.

Large room

Kitchen counter space

Banquet table and chairs

Holiday table linens

Trays or platters for the cookies

Beverages  (coffee, tea, hot chocolate)

Christmas plates and napkins

Metal tins or containers for cookies

Invitations Christmas music

Holiday decorations

Holiday attire

INSTRUCTIONS:

Step 1   Choose a day and set the time for your Christmas cookie exchange.  During the holiday season many people are busy on the weekends so you may want to consider a week night or a Saturday afternoon for your cookie exchange get together.

Step 2   Make your guest list and order your invitations.  Mail or hand out the invitation to your invitees. Include the specifications of the cookie exchange on your invitations.  Example: Please bake to exchange with others one dozen cookies, print up recipe cards for cookies.  Bring cookies on a tray for the exchange and bring your own tins or cookie containers.

Step 3   Determine what is needed based on the RSVPs/ guaranteed  guests. Plan your beverage menu, purchase paper goods: cups, napkins, plates and rent banquet table chairs if needed.

Step 4   Decorate your home for the holidays and select Christmas music for the get together..  Decide on the area for the cookie exchange.  For a large gathering you may want to have your gathering in a room in your home that will accommodate the tables and your guests, consider removing the furniture in your den to make room for the cookie exchange.

Step 5   Set up the room for the exchange the night before the event.  Cover the tables with holiday table linens, and then place a few cookie trays, plates, napkins and cups on the tables.  Set the paper goods at one end and trays grouped together on the tables.

Step 6   Organize the beverage station with cups, spoons and cocktail napkins.  Offer a menu to your guest by serving holiday cookies and a beverage.

Step 7   Dress in Christmas attire: wear a holiday sweater, Santa hat or Christmas apron

Tips:

Set up a side table that will over plastic zip bags for those who are in need.

Encourage guest to walk down both sides of the table.  Guests will exchange cookies by filling their tins with an assortment of cookies.

Prepare your cookies for the exchange the day before the event so that they are fresh.  Print a recipe card and make them available for everyone who attends the cookie exchange.

Enjoy spending time with your friends at the cookie exchange, learn new recipes, catch up with each other and have some fun.

Image Credits

Cookie Exchange Image Credit

Comments (3)

Cindy Bay said:

	... This sounds like a whole lot of fun. I might organize a cookie exchange party this winter! Thanks for sharing your ideas.
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October 22, 2010
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Margie Lynn said:

	... I have always wanted to do this, maybe this year will be the time!
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October 30, 2010
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nancycarol said:

	... Love this article, and it sure helps not to have to bake all those varieties, but to be able to swap some. Thanks and a 5 star rating for you, my friend.
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November 09, 2010
Votes: +0