An Easy Recipe

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.

Start by making a list of people you would like to attend. Make note on your invitation that you need a certain amount of cookies for each other guest to take home with them. I have my guests bag their cookies in 1/2 dozen per bag, this way everyone gets their fair share of all the treats. Make sure to have your guests bring extra for serving.

I always try to come with a theme for each of my Cookie Exchanges. An example would be a Winter Wonderland, with white, silver and blue decorations, another would be an old fashioned Christmas, with vintage ornaments, handmade ornaments and strings of popcorn on your tree. Have fun with your decorations, mix and match over the years and you'll have many options for themes.

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.

Be sure to ask your guests to bring a copy of their cookie recipe with them. I gather these recipes and make a small Cookie Cookbook each year to give everyone. This can be especially challenging for those you purchase their cookies, but hey, it's about the social aspect of the evening and not necessarily the cookies. Okay, it's about the cookies too!

Remember that this party is so that you can have fun and eat cookies without feeling guilty. Share the responsibility with a relative or friend and make it an annual event. No one wants to work hard to have an event like a Cookie Exchange, that's why you have it in the first place. Enjoy yourself, eat cookies and relax, that's what it's all about.

Learn more about Christmas Cookie Exchanges. Stop by Marion Wilkinson's site where you can find out all about new cookie recipes.