If there’s a dessert that speaks most to the holiday, it’s cookies. That’s why cookie swaps are so popular this time of the year. Not only is sharing and switching cookies with friends and family enjoyable, but you get to entrust a choice of deals with to delight in and new recipes to try. Instead of getting invited to a cookie swap this season, think about hosting your own.
Hosting a cookie swap can be as simple as inviting a couple of pals over for treats, drinks, and some cookie exchanging– and tasting. Our guide consists of everything you require to make your party run efficiently, from sending paper invites and preparing appetizers to coming up with style concepts and joyful decoration. Keep in mind that the end outcome– you and your favorite individuals slowing down and celebrating together– is what really makes your swap a sweet success.
Make Your Guest List
Experienced cookie swap hosts generally top their guest list at around 8 individuals. A lot of cookie swap hosts ask guests to bring one lots cookies for each individual at the party, however scaling down would be fine, too.
Choose a Theme
While “cookie swap” is an appropriate theme for your party, you can put a personal spin on your swap by asking visitors to bring deals with that all have something in typical. That may mean asking everybody to utilize the very same main ingredient (chocolate or peppermint), bake cookies in the exact same color (red or green only!), or provide everyone a more basic guideline to follow– household favorites, quick-and-simple, or simple to freeze.
Send Invitations
E-mails and texts do not have the same festive feel as a paper invite, which cuts through holiday calendar clutter to earn your party an area on your buddies’ complete schedules. Download editable files online or buy pre-printed welcomes with your party details. Make sure you offer guests lots of notice so they have time to plan and prepare their cookies.
Set the Menu
Some cookie swap hosts assign each guest a specific cookie (sugar, iced, or butter, for example) or classification (brownies, bars, no-bake)– which prevents unexpected duplicates; others set no standards at all, assuming the surprise is part of the fun. You can jeopardize by asking guests to sign up for a particular reward, which offers you more control over the menu, however still offers them the flexibility to select something they enjoy making. (Remember to let participants understand about any dietary restrictions, too, so they can choose dishes that work for everybody.).
Dress Up the Table.
A cookie swap does not usually include a sit-down meal, so you will not require formal seating arrangements. You do require a long table– or numerous smaller ones– with adequate space to display all the cookies.
Offer Pretty Packaging.
Vacation treat bags, economical tins, pretty paper sleeves, and ribbons or bows include a seasonal touch to your celebration– and are cheerful alternatives to the plastic zipper bags and Tupperware containers most hosts send their visitors house with. Order a set of customized sticker labels that consist of the date of your celebration and the name of each cookie to keep guests organized.
Prepare Snacks and Drinks.
Balance out the sugary foods with a choice of light bites, like a cheese and charcuterie board, a plate of fresh fruit and cheese, or some Antipasto Skewers and other hors d’oeuvres. Offer favorite winter beverages– believe cider, cocoa, and hot toddies– or more celebratory drinks, like eggnog or Juniper Champagne Cocktails.
Inspire Creativity.
While your guests are switching, snacking, and drinking, a couple of low-key activities can keep the discussion streaming. Establish a station with plain sugar cookies and provide icing and decorations for your pals to DIY some embellished goodies, or produce a craft station where visitors can make festive accessories.
Share the Recipes.
Prior to the party, ask each visitor to send you the recipe for the cookie they prepare to make– assuming it’s not a family secret!– so you can provide copies for each guest. Integrate all the recipes into a book for each guest to take as they leave, leave a stack of private sheets so visitors can take just the ones they want to recreate, or print each recipe by itself card and gather them on binder rings to help your loved ones begin a cookie dish collection they can add to every year.
Start a Tradition.
Your cookie swap is sure to be a substantial success and something you’ll be hosting every holiday– or think about setting up a hosting schedule with your buddies. And keep in mind that cookies are cherished year round– who says you can only have a cookie swap when a year? Treat everybody to their favorite holiday cookies in the summertime with a Christmas in July swap; share spring-themed desserts in April; or break out your finest Halloween-themed goodies in October.
