Have You Ever Held A Cookie Exchange?

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.

Start thinking of what kind of decorations you would like to use. Believe me, this is the really fun part! I’ve had many Cookie Exchanges and each year I try to come up with a new theme so that everyone is pleasantly surprised. This doesn’t have to be stressful at all. Do you have heirloom ornaments from your grandparents, use them, how about handmade ornaments that your children made in school, this makes a really family oriented setting. Everyone loves to see a warm, inviting setting, whatever you may choose.

Another feature of a Cookie Exchange are the games. There are so many options, my favorite being Christmas Bingo. This is always a big hit. Download pictures from the internet, I did 35 in all and make up bingo cards for each guest using a variety of these pictures. Other games include Christmas movie trivia and word scramble. Whatever you choose, their will be plenty of laughs going around. I purchase small, less then $5.00, gifts all year long and store them just for this occasion.

Have your guests bring a copy of their recipe the day of the Cookie Exchange so that you can compile them and make a booklet for everyone. This is a real bonus for your guests, especially if there is a special cookie that they really like. Not only that but you have another cookbook to add to your collection or pass on to your children and grandchildren.

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!

Want to find out more about Cookie Exchanges, then visit Marion Wilkinson’s site on how to choose the best recipes for your needs.