(Inside: Look, I know we don’t all know How to Host a Cookie Exchange Party–and sometimes it can be daunting. But this breaks it down so anyone can do it!)
Cookie exchanges are a fun holiday tradition that helps bring some cheer to communities around the world.
A simple tradition where everyone makes their favorite holiday cookie recipe to share. Right?
A fun event that has many rewards but can be challenging to host as food allergies are on the rise and baking skills are quickly disappearing. Right…
But, you can do this! Seriously.
It’s not as hard as it seems–and you can totally Host a Cookie Exchange Party without it being a whip. And hosting a cookie exchange can turn out to be a lot of fun once you work past the challenges and kinks.
Let’s do this.
How to Host a Cookie Exchange Party
Who’s Coming to the Cookie Party?
Start by finding out who you know that is willing to participate.
If you want to go outside your group of friends, co-workers and family, you can always ask them to invite THEIR friends, co-workers and families.
Churches, book clubs, and other places women gather will make a great location to look for participants.
You can even start a Facebook event to take advantage of that good ole modern social media to help pull off a great event.
Allergies at the Cookie Party?!
Ask participants what food allergies affect them and their families. This is vital to pulling off an fun and safe cookie exchange.
Ask that all cookies containing one of the allergens reported to you be clearly labeled.
Offer a small red sign to place in front of each tray that has an allergen and a green one for allergy free cookies.
The signal is clear to guests and it looks great as a bit of festive holiday decor.
Bring It On.
Encourage each participant to print up copies of their recipe or share them in an online group or event for participants that fall in love with a particular cookie.
One of the most fun parts for cookie exchange is finding new favorites.
And if someone forgets to bring copies, you can make them during the party for everyone–or you can encourage them to take photos of the original recipe, once written down.
Just be relax into the sharing of the recipes–because everyone is going to want to know exactly how to make those fabulous bites of heaven.
Starving in a Sea of Cookies.
Offer snacks and drinks at the cookie exchange.
While everyone will be sampling cookies it is always a good idea to have some other snacks on hand.
Think protein to help balance for anyone that overindulges in sugar and has an issue from eating to much sugar.
Or just think about yourself–and how after a cookie you have to have a glass of milk or warm tea.
Cookies are great, but the aftertaste is sometimes meh…
Have Fun at Your Own Cookie Exchange Party.
Remember to have fun yourself.
Often when we host events we have a habit of attempting to pull it off without a hitch.
I’ll never forget the best party I ever attended was at a co-worker’s house where she just had as much fun as the rest of us–she didn’t act like she lived there or was in charge of every one else’s fun, she just enjoyed it as any guest. And it rocked.
And remember that a cookie exchange is a simple event that is meant to celebrate being together and sharing cookies–not about anything else.
You don’t need to plan a lot of entertainment and such–don’t worry about any activities, the cookies are the star of the show.
Your guests will be more than happy to chat about baking, recipes, and the holidays.
Just relax and enjoy yourself.
Now, you just go ahead and pin this quick tutorial for How to Host a Cookie Exchange Party so that you can find it again on the eve of your party and remind yourself!
