Best Ideas for Organizing a Holiday Cookie Exchange
There are only two good reasons to organize holiday cookie exchanges: eating cookies and not having to spend days in the kitchen making several different varieties of cookies yourself! This is the truth behind cookie exchanges: less work and more cookies. It is a wonderful event and should be a tradition in every home that creates holiday goodies. If you are considering putting a cookie exchange together this holiday season, then read on for someorganizationaltips.
- Start early. Start planning your holiday cookie exchange at least a couple of months before the intended date. This early planning will give you plenty of time to get everything in order and give the attendees at least a month to work the exchange into their busy holiday schedules. Planning ahead and giving plenty of notice can help ensure the success of the exchange. Especially during the holidays, you have to give people advance notice simply because you cannot expect people to drop what they are doing and run over to your cookie party.
- Send out written reminders. One month before the cookie exchange, send or hand out reminders of your upcoming cookie party. This way those who are coming can respond and let you know for sure how many people will be attending. This will also remind them to work in the time to create their fabulous cookie creations to bring to the exchange.
- Be prepared. At least a couple of weeks before the exchange, make sure you have plenty of aluminum foil, plastic wrap and disposable plastic containers. Napkins, drinks like coffee, tea and milk are also good to have on hand. You want to be prepared in order to avoid potentially embarrassing situations like people with mouths full of cookies and nothing to drink but water or people having to carry home cookies in their pockets!
- Label everything. Avoid allergy concerns by having everyone clearly label their cookies, including a list of ingredients. Always remember that someone present could be severely allergic to dairy products or nuts (including coconut).
- Copies of recipes. This is, of course, optional but really is a good idea. Exchanging the scrumptious cookies is a plus because they are already made, but having the recipes of those delicious treats will allow the attendees to try something different this year or perhaps next year and help spread the yummy goodness.
Just like gift wrapping parties, organized cookie exchanges can become an event that attendees look forward to each holiday season. These festive and functional gatherings can be a way for attendees to relax and showcase some of their best cookie recipes. Keep in mind younger cooks, who are just starting out with holiday cooking and baking; cookie exchanges can give them some much needed tips and tricks for creating the perfect holiday treats!
