We are exactly four weeks away from Christmas!

It’s hard to believe the holiday is already upon us!

What is it about this season that makes it all seem to go by so fast?

Hopefully you’ve had time to slow down

and really appreciate this wonderful time of year {smile}.

One way to soak up the excitement of the season and spread joy is to host a cookie swap!

It is a festive, yet simple gathering you can plan with a few of your closest friends and family.

the history…

The cookie swap has been around for at least the last 70 years.

It was typically a “ladies only” event hosted by relatives, friends, neighbors,

women’s groups, social clubs, churches and schools.

Ladies would make cookies to share and then trade and package them at the party.

the basics…

{INVITE FRIENDS}

A rule of thumb is to invite double the amount

of guests that you hope to come.

You should plan on mailing invitations,

or emailing them out,

approximately three weeks

in advance {the time is now, my friends}! 

The above image is a darling online

invitation from Pinng!

{CHOOSE & COORDINATE COOKIES}

Each guest makes only one type of cookie

{make sure you coordinate ahead of time

the various types of cookies being made

so that there are no duplicates}.

{GIVE CLEAR INSTRUCTIONS}

Each guest brings one dozen cookies per guest

in attendance plus one extra dozen for sampling

{for example… if there are 7 guests total in attendance, each guest brings 8 dozen cookies to share…

if you have more guests than that, feel free to scale back on the amount of cookies}. 

In addition, have each guest bring copies of their recipe to hand out

{you may also want to consider having guests bring a few canned goods to support your local food drive}.

{PREPARE COOKIE DISPLAY}

As the hostess, make sure that you have prepared an area to display the different types of cookies.

Use items like decorative cake stands, trays and plates to hold the cookies in preparation for the swap!

You can also print out cards to present the names of the cookies.

{STOCK PACKAGING MATERIALS}

Prepare an area for packaging the cookies and stock tags, stickers,

ribbons, twine, tissue and cellophane to decorate boxes or paper plates.

You can also ask guests to bring a few of these lovely items.

{Image Via: Dust Jacket Attic}

{FINISHING TOUCHES}

Provide coffee, tea or other drinks along with a few tasty finger foods for guests to enjoy

while sampling, swapping and packaging the cookies!

cookie recipe ideas…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies {Image & Recipe Via: Bakers Royale}

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Truffles {Image & Recipe Via: Love and Olive Oil}

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Salted Caramel Chocolate Shortbread Bars {Image & Recipe Via: Annie’s Eats}

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Monster Cookie Bars {Image & Recipe Via: Bakers Royale}

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thumbprint Cookies {Image & Recipe Via: Martha Stewart – Cookie Swap Favorites}