Cookware Center

The key to any successful event is proper planning, and that’s even true when you’re planning a Christmas cookie exchange. Try these 5 tips to make sure your exchange is a success.

1. Select a date that works for everyone – You’ll have the best luck if you plan your party for early in December before everyone gets busy with other holiday obligations and shopping. Check with friends and family verbally to see what days and times are best, and then try to pick the one that works for the most people.

2. Send invitations early – After you select a date, send invitations to make it official. Try to give about three to four weeks’ notice since people are busy this time of year.

3. Give clear instructions – In the invitation, give clear details about the kind and quantity of cookies each guest should bring. If you’ve never held a Christmas cookie exchange, a good rule of thumb is to ask each guest to bring one dozen cookies. Also, be sure to let your guest know whether store-bought cookies are ok for anyone who might be too busy to bake or is domestically challenged.

4. Get recipes beforehand – Ask your guests to send their cookie recipe with their RSVP . Then print out all the recipes so each guest can have a copy on the day of the exchange. This will prevent everyone from trying to scribble recipes of their favorite cookies during the event. You can also use the recipes to make labels or place cards for each batch of cookies so guests will know which cookies are which.

5. Get in the Christmas spirit – Make sure you plan your party for a time AFTER you know you’ll be done decorating for the holdays. Then on the day of the event, turn on some Christmas music and serve spiced cider or egg nog to bring out the holiday spirit in everyone!

And a final tip — have fun ! A successful Christmas cookie exchange should be a relaxing event. Turn off your TV, computer or any other distraction, and just enjoy spending time with your family and friends while chewing on some tasty treats.

For more articles about the holidays, visit the Free Santa Letters blog.