How to Host a Cookie Exchange

The holidays are usually filled with bustle and so many activities, but now that we've all had more than enough "down time" these last few months we're all craving social connection! Hosting a cookie exchange isn't meant to be stressful, and it's a great way to get baking done for your neighbors, friends, and family while also spending time with your favorite people.

Last year I hosted a local blogger cookie exchange and we had a blast! So, I thought it'd be fun to teach you how to host one yourself :)

Make a Guest List: You can have smaller numbers of 8-10 people or you can have a big group depending on the feel you're wanting. For example, my mom hosted one when I was in elementary school for moms and daughters in my class! You can invite any sort of group you spend time with regularly whether it be co-workers, neighborhood friends, a small group, whoever! I invited a group of local bloggers in Austin to get to know them better - the goal was to create some new friendships and relationships!
Set the Parameters: Figure out how many cookies each guest needs to bring and and how many each guest will get to take home with them. I had the girls bring 4 dozen cookies, one dozen was for eating at the party, and the other 3 were for taking home! Each person could fill two boxes of cookies with 2 of each type of cookie. Have each person bring the printed recipe to their cookie to share!
Send Invitations: It allows for people to know what is expected, what to plan for and to put the date on their calendar. The invitations set the tone for the event, so make them festive!
Dress Up the Table: Have your table decorated with a festive way to display the cookies. Use cake plates of various heights and shapes for texture. You can use boxes flipped over with colored napkins to add height for the displays. I lined the middle of my island with Christmas trees and had the appetizers on platters and cake stands. My kitchen table was set up for the treats specifically! Use place cards with the cookie name and the guest who brought it in front of their respective cookies.
Offer Pretty Packaging: I had a packaging station up for my guests to assemble their boxes. Have cute parchment paper to line the boxes with, and cute ribbon and gift tags to wrap the box with. It's fun when the guests get to leave with an assembled gift for their family and friends!
Prepare Snacks and Drinks: You could serve hot cider, have a hot chocolate bar, a fun punch, etc. Have your drink station in a different room, so that it provides movement throughout the home. If the weather is nice, have a station outside. For appetizers I had a warm bread bowl dip with crackers, bacon wrapped dates (you can get the recipes to both ) and taquitos from a local Mexican restaurant.
Inspire Creativity: While guests are filling their boxes and packaging, you can have a station for them to decorate sugar cookies or gingerbread men with icing and fun toppings. Or you can have ornaments for them to paint/decorate. Activities create entertainment and conversation!
ENJOY! Have fun mingling and tasting all of the treats that your guests brought. I hope you have a blast celebrating the greatest time of year <3