So, you’ve decided to host a cookie exchange. Bravo! You’ve just signed up for a sugary circus where flour flies like confetti and chocolate chips are practically a food group. If you’re panicking about not living up to a Pinterest-perfect standard, relax. Your guests will be providing the cookies, you just need to provide the space to show off their festive creations. Here’s how to nail your cookie-hosting duties.
Roll Out the Invites
Don’t go overboard with the number of guests — a kitchen can only handle so much foot traffic before it turns into a cookie-themed mosh pit. Keep the guest list to people you know who enjoy this sort of thing. Not everyone enjoys cookies or baking. Then, pick a date and time that’s festive but not overly chaotic. A weekend afternoon or evening usually hits the sweet spot. Now it’s time to roll out the invites. Decide whether you’re going digital or going old-school with paper invites. Digital is great for quick responses, but nothing says “holiday spirit” like glitter and cardstock. RSVPs are crucial. You don’t want to end up with 50 cookies and only two guests (or maybe you do, we don’t judge). Set a clear deadline for responses.
Define Your Cookie Criteria
Once you have a date and time set, it’s time to set expectations. Do you want it to be a free-for-all with everyone contributing their favorite cookie recipes of all time or will there be a theme? How will you ensure that there is a variety of cookies to choose from so you don’t have a table full of chocolate chip cookies (not that there is anything wrong with chocolate chips). Is store-bought okay or is it strictly homemade only? It’s okay to ask guests what they plan on bringing so you know what guests will have to choose from. If it’s all too similar, plan to bake something different and if you have a friend or relative who is a baking whiz, maybe ask them to spice up the event with something different and fabulous.
Remember Allergies
Along the lines of setting cookie criteria, make sure everyone knows if a guest has allergies. There’s nothing worse than inviting someone to a cookie exchange only for them to be unable to partake.
One Dozen or a Bakers Dozen
Be sure to specify how many cookies each guest should bring. You want everyone to be able to take home a sampling. Two dozen is usually a good number for both baking and sharing. If you get more RSVPs than expected, be sure to contact guests and ask them to provide an extra dozen. If you get fewer RSVPs don’t worry, that’s more cookies for everyone to take home.
Set the Scene
Think about setting up a station where guests can swap, sample and maybe even snap a few Instagram-worthy pics. Hey, if you can’t boast about your cookie extravaganza on social media, did it even happen? A large kitchen island is perfect. Lay down some festive linens or some seasonal greenery and let guests deposit their offerings. To make it extra special, pull out those cake stands you got as a wedding present and never used. Any overflow can be set on a festively decorated table.
Set Up a Beverage Station
What’s a holiday cookie without a warm drink? Set up a hot chocolate station with add-ons like whipped cream, peppermint sticks and sprinkles. You can even include a few liquors for the grownups. If cocoa isn’t your thing, try hot apple cider, coffee or tea.
Fun and Games
While the cookie is the centerpiece of the evening, it can be fun to add a few other activities. Those could include cookie decorating and crafts for the kids, or a Best Cookie competition. Got some singers? Plan for everyone to regale the neighborhood with a round of “Jingle Bells” after the swap has concluded.
Divvying Up the Goods
As the point of a cookie exchange is to —uh — exchange, remind guests to bring a container to take home the goods. And if you’re really looking to impress, have some take-home boxes ready for guests. When it’s time to divvy them up, make it fair and square. No secret stashes or sneaky swaps under the table. Line everyone up and let them take turns picking cookies from the spread.
Where Will You Hold Your First Cookie Swap?
Where will you hold your first holiday cookie swap? How about a new home in Sunterra? Not only will you be near great bakeries (in case the baking thing doesn’t work out for you), but you will also have plenty of friendly neighbors to invite. Stop by our community today.
