has anyone ever hosted a holiday cookie swap?

can you give me tips/pointers?

we moved into our house this year, and i've been wanting to host a cookie swap FOREVER

right now the guest list would be about 15 women (including myself)

i was planning on doing evites

for food i was thinking just appetizer type food

what time of day would be good (it will be on a saturday)

thanks!!

Re: has anyone ever hosted a holiday cookie swap?

We normally do a Sunday afternoon with apps and cocktails :) the way we do it is if there is 15 ladies then everyone makes 16 dozen cookies...one for each person and one on the table the day of :) you can also do it as 15 1/2 dozen and only put 6 out on the table :)

Make sure to have an RSVP date and have each lady respond with their cookie of choice. Then by the RSVP Date you will know exactly how many dozen to make :)

HTH!

has anyone ever hosted a holiday cookie swap?

No, but I want to do one this year!! I was thinking snack/appetizer foods as well and was thinking about 3pm on a Saturday. Also, a tip I read somewhere else was keep track of who is bringing what and specifically say on the invite for guests to give you their first 2-3 choices, first come to recipies and you will respond to them and let them know which of their choices they are to bring. Otherwise you'll end up with 15 recipies for chocolate chip cookies!

Re: has anyone ever hosted a holiday cookie swap?

I've done it in the past and had everyone print out copies of their recipes before they get to the party. Also, most cookie swaps that I've been to have had a no chocolate chip cookie rule.

Re: has anyone ever hosted a holiday cookie swap?

funny - my mom and I were just talking about doing this..great tips! Now i DEF want to do it! Sounds yummy!

=)

Re: has anyone ever hosted a holiday cookie swap?

i really want to host one this year. i was thinking of a Saturday afternoon. it seems so much fun.

Re: has anyone ever hosted a holiday cookie swap?

The ones I have been to have always been on a Sunday, so it was brunch hour-ish. But if you are doing yours on a Saturday, I like the idea of late afternoon... kind of like happy hour time since I would want to serve finger foods and cocktails. But you can also do a lunchtime thing if you prefer that.

I'd recommend asking everyone ahead of time to print out enough recipes of their cookie of choice for everyone to have a copy and to also make sure there are no duplicate cookies.

I also like to get containers for everyone to bring their cookies home in. (or if you dont want to provide, ask them ahead of time to bring their own containers).

Re: has anyone ever hosted a holiday cookie swap?

My girlfriends and I from elementary school do this every year and have a sleepover for old times. We usually get together around 6 and have apps and drinks.

I would have everyone bring enough recipes for everyone to take home that night.

The host usually buys containers for everyone to take cookies home.

It's so much fun!

has anyone ever hosted a holiday cookie swap?

i host one every year and i go to another every year.

i usually try to limit up to 10-12 people

we do a night party. as for the cookies, you as the host makes the rules.

last year, no chocolate chip and no no-bake cookies, and no bars

everyone needs to tell the host what kind of cookie they are making so there are no duplicates. each person must print out their recipe and bag their dozen cookies for each person with an extra doz for tasting.

also depending on your group of friends, we each bring a dish.

Re: has anyone ever hosted a holiday cookie swap?

I've done them a few different ways.

If you're going to have about 15 people...

I think the best way to do it is about half a dozen per person.

Make sure everyone prints their recipe one per person ahead of time.

Do a NO CHOCOLATE CHIP cookie rule. Make sure people mark their cookies as containing nuts if applicable ahead of time.

has anyone ever hosted a holiday cookie swap?

Why no chocolate chip?

Re: has anyone ever hosted a holiday cookie swap?

Re: has anyone ever hosted a holiday cookie swap?

My cousin does one every year and it is so much fun.

We only back half dozens so it is not too much baking for every one because there is usually between 15-20 people.

Usually with her batch of half dozens she gets from everyone, she puts out on the table and we do a judging of cookies. the top 3 or 5 (depending on bakers) each get a prize like wine, a gift card, poinsettia or amaryllis plant.

She also does while they are tallying up the votes a holiday themed trivia questionnaire. It has grown each year because everyone has so much fun. it's always great to see how creative and yummy the cookies are.

Re: has anyone ever hosted a holiday cookie swap?

thanks everyone!

the invite list is 15 including myself, but with the holidays i figured only 10 or so would probably come..

i think i'll ask each person to bring 5-7 dozen cookies, and do appetizer foods

the no chocolate chip sounds like a good rule-i also like the idea of little prizes

i hope everyone has a good time-i'd love to make this a yearly tradition!!

Re: has anyone ever hosted a holiday cookie swap?

when is everyone having their Cookie swap party?

I was thinking the Sat before Thanksgiving (11/17) to "jump start" the Holidays - and you can bring those cookies to your Thanksgiving get togethers..

My mom is making me feel like that is too early...no one will be wanting to back "that early"

but to be honest my December is already very jammed packed and I thinking everyone else's would be the same ... no?

Re: has anyone ever hosted a holiday cookie swap?

I went to one, There were 10 ladies, I was the only one who made homemade cookies. Everyone else either bought from a bakery or used pillsbury.

has anyone ever hosted a holiday cookie swap?

I did two of these a while back... It was about 12 girls on a Saturday night and everyone brought a dozen cookies for each of the other girls to take home, they had to be boxed/bagged or in a tin. Then they brought an additional dozen to be put out at the party. I served holiday themed cocktails and finger foods and then when we brought out all of the cookies I had shot glasses of milk and hot chocolate for everyone. I also ordered a snowman ornament from Oriental trading for everyone to take home as a favor.

Re: has anyone ever hosted a holiday cookie swap?

Posted by gdubs

I did two of these a while back... It was about 12 girls on a Saturday night and everyone brought a dozen cookies for each of the other girls to take home, they had to be boxed/bagged or in a tin. Then they brought an additional dozen to be put out at the party. I served holiday themed cocktails and finger foods and then when we brought out all of the cookies I had shot glasses of milk and hot chocolate for everyone. I also ordered a snowman ornament from Oriental trading for everyone to take home as a favor.

Re: has anyone ever hosted a holiday cookie swap?

Posted by jlk51496

when is everyone having their Cookie swap party?

I was thinking the Sat before Thanksgiving (11/17) to "jump start" the Holidays - and you can bring those cookies to your Thanksgiving get togethers..

My mom is making me feel like that is too early...no one will be wanting to back "that early"

but to be honest my December is already very jammed packed and I thinking everyone else's would be the same ... no?

Re: has anyone ever hosted a holiday cookie swap?

Posted by evrythng4areason

Posted by gdubs

I did two of these a while back... It was about 12 girls on a Saturday night and everyone brought a dozen cookies for each of the other girls to take home, they had to be boxed/bagged or in a tin. Then they brought an additional dozen to be put out at the party. I served holiday themed cocktails and finger foods and then when we brought out all of the cookies I had shot glasses of milk and hot chocolate for everyone. I also ordered a snowman ornament from Oriental trading for everyone to take home as a favor.

you're the best

i have leftover boxes from the pies to put out for take home cookies ..i LOVE the milk shot glasses!

i was thinking cookie cutters for favors?

and i'm getting excited now

Re: has anyone ever hosted a holiday cookie swap?

Posted by gdubs

Posted by evrythng4areason

Posted by gdubs

I did two of these a while back... It was about 12 girls on a Saturday night and everyone brought a dozen cookies for each of the other girls to take home, they had to be boxed/bagged or in a tin. Then they brought an additional dozen to be put out at the party. I served holiday themed cocktails and finger foods and then when we brought out all of the cookies I had shot glasses of milk and hot chocolate for everyone. I also ordered a snowman ornament from Oriental trading for everyone to take home as a favor.

you're the best

i have leftover boxes from the pies to put out for take home cookies ..i LOVE the milk shot glasses!

i was thinking cookie cutters for favors?

and i'm getting excited now

Those boxes were adorable and cookie cutters are perfect!!! I'm guessing you'll be going to Sur La Table for them And I already know what cookie I'm brining!!!!

Re: has anyone ever hosted a holiday cookie swap?

Posted by evrythng4areason

Posted by gdubs

Posted by evrythng4areason

Posted by gdubs

I did two of these a while back... It was about 12 girls on a Saturday night and everyone brought a dozen cookies for each of the other girls to take home, they had to be boxed/bagged or in a tin. Then they brought an additional dozen to be put out at the party. I served holiday themed cocktails and finger foods and then when we brought out all of the cookies I had shot glasses of milk and hot chocolate for everyone. I also ordered a snowman ornament from Oriental trading for everyone to take home as a favor.

you're the best

i have leftover boxes from the pies to put out for take home cookies ..i LOVE the milk shot glasses!

i was thinking cookie cutters for favors?

and i'm getting excited now

Those boxes were adorable and cookie cutters are perfect!!! I'm guessing you'll be going to Sur La Table for them And I already know what cookie I'm brining!!!!

of course! that's where i got all of mine last year!

and you have to tell me! i'm still deciding on mine

Re: has anyone ever hosted a holiday cookie swap?

Posted by gdubs

Posted by evrythng4areason

Posted by gdubs

Posted by evrythng4areason

Posted by gdubs

I did two of these a while back... It was about 12 girls on a Saturday night and everyone brought a dozen cookies for each of the other girls to take home, they had to be boxed/bagged or in a tin. Then they brought an additional dozen to be put out at the party. I served holiday themed cocktails and finger foods and then when we brought out all of the cookies I had shot glasses of milk and hot chocolate for everyone. I also ordered a snowman ornament from Oriental trading for everyone to take home as a favor.

you're the best

i have leftover boxes from the pies to put out for take home cookies ..i LOVE the milk shot glasses!

i was thinking cookie cutters for favors?

and i'm getting excited now

Those boxes were adorable and cookie cutters are perfect!!! I'm guessing you'll be going to Sur La Table for them And I already know what cookie I'm brining!!!!

of course! that's where i got all of mine last year!

and you have to tell me! i'm still deciding on mine

These...

Raspberry Cream Sandwich Cookies

They're a little sweet but SO damned good

Re: has anyone ever hosted a holiday cookie swap?

I did this last year as a cookie swap/ugly sweater party. I only had 6 girls b/c I wanted to keep it organized. I had every one bring 5 dozen cookies, each dozen in a ziploc bag for each guest to take home plus 5 copies of the recipe and a few for tasting during the party.
As the cookies arrived, I placed each dozen in a reusable shopping bag. In the bag, I had a snowflake cookie cutter favor. I gave prizes for best cookie and ugliest sweater. We had apps and cocktails. It was a lot of fun and I didn't have to do too much baking for the holidays.