A few years ago, I had the privilege of attending a holiday cookie swap at a friend’s house and have wanted to write about it ever since. It was a marvelous spread filled with cookies of every size, shape, and flavor.
The rules of the swap were actually very easy. Bake a plate of your favorite cookies and bring enough of them to share with the other people in attendance. Men and women walked around sampling new recipes and filling their plates to take home to share with their families.
There were so many different types of sweets to choose from that it was hard to decide which one was my favorite. I still like anything with chocolate in it and there is something oddly satisfying about a potato chip cookie. I guess it’s the combination of salty and sweet that makes it taste so good!
Being a guest at a holiday cookie swap is far different than being its host. Here are some ways to throw a successful party without all the hassles that go along with December festivities:
- Decide on the time and the date. The holidays are a very busy time for most people. Try to select a time during the month where everyone you invite can be in attendance.
- Come up with a manageable guest list. Consider the size of your home and then invite guests accordingly. Make sure not to make a public announcement about your soiree at work if you don’t want everyone dropping by.
- Send out invitations through a free service like Evite. This is the most eco-friendly way to get the word out. It also saves you postage which means you’ll have more money to spend on ingredients for your cookies. Make sure to include the date, the time, the address, and the instructions for the swap. Also list a way to contact you either by phone or email to RSVP or ask any questions.
- Purchase drinks while they are on sale. Purchase soda, bottled water, and juice while it is on sale and in bulk. There is a good chance that if you don’t drink all of it during the swap, there will be other opportunities for it to be consumed during the holiday season.
- Burn a disc of holiday tunes to help set the mood. You can play these songs in the background as everyone mingles and samples cookies.
- Make sure there are enough plates, napkins, and cellophane to go around. Many guests will want to take leftover cookies home with them. Make sure that you are well prepared and can accommodate their needs by keeping a supply of aluminum foil or plastic wrap on hand.
- Bake your heart out. Have plenty of different types of cookies available just in case your guests don’t have time to make their own. The last thing that you want is for one of your friends or family members to feel left out because they are pressed for time.
A cookie swap is a great way to share with others during the holidays. So, what are you waiting for? Dust off those recipe books and get busy baking. Nothing beats a party where you can showcase your talents and sample other people’s as well!
Author: Charissa
Charissa is into frugal living and saving money.
