by Caroline Sumner

Created on: November 28, 2010

One of the most beloved types of Christmas party is a cookie exchange. These fun gatherings are a time to indulge in favorite holiday flavors, get to see friends and family members, and generally enjoy all of the good things about the wonderful holiday season. If you have never hosted a cookie exchange party before, there are a few things to keep in mind in order to make it a great success:

-Provide something savory-
Because most cookie exchange parties include that wonderful portion known as the “preview” – the part where everyone gets to sample the cookies to see which ones they like the most – you and your guests may find yourself on sugar overload quickly. Provide things like fresh fruit and vegetables, smoked salmon on miniature bagels, popcorn, or ingredients to make little sandwiches for your guests to balance out their palates. For drinks, have water, sodas, and a hot Christmas punch so that guests can cleanse their taste buds before continuing to sample cookies.

-Provide “dippers”-
Some of those Christmas cookies may be calling out for something to dip them in! Have milk, hot chocolate, tea, and coffee on standby for just such an occasion.

-Provide guests with recipe cards, containers, and other items-
Because the cookie exchange party is essentially a chance for everyone to showcase their baking skills, there will inevitably be the request for particularly good recipes! Have plenty of blank recipe cards, staples, and pens on hand for guests who wish to divulge their recipes. Make sure you have plenty of containers so that guests can take home cookies – simple boxes, Chinese take-out containers, plastic bags, or inexpensive Tupperware works just fine. You will also want to be sure to have plenty of utensils, napkins, plates, and extra serving trays on hand.

-Set the mood-
Since this is a quintessentially Christmas party theme, you will of course want to transform the party area into a winter wonderland! Set up Christmas lights, pine garlands, candles, and tinsel here and there. Be sure to play plenty of Christmas music (nothing too obtrusive, though – stick to classic, instrumental carols). If you have a fireplace, this is a great time to get a warm, roaring fire going. For guests who wish to refresh their mouths after all of those good cookies and a little hot wassail, create a candy cane “bouquet” using different shapes, sizes, and colors, and place them in a vase.  

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