When Sharon at Mrs. Hines Class asked if anyone wanted to join her in hosting a Christmas blogger block party, I quickly raised my hand. I love Christmas and ya’ll know I love COOKIES…So I thought I would share some tips on hosting a cookie exchange party and some great cookie recipes.
Plan early. Everyone is so busy during the Holidays. Between school functions and work parties, your guests will need to find time to bake their cookies for the party. Send out invitations 3-4 weeks before your party. You can send email or Facebook invites or for a sweet touch – send your guests invitations in the mail.
Decide how many cookies your guests should bring. If you are having a small party (5-10 people), you can have everyone make a 1-2 dozen cookies for each person attending the party plus a half dozen to share at the party. If you are having a a larger party (10 or more), you can have guests bring 10-12 dozen cookies each plus one dozen to share at the party. Each guest will bring home the same number of cookies they bring to the party. Encourage your guests to bring something different than the usual chocolate chip or sugar cookie. It will make it more interesting.
Bake your cookies. You can share a family favorite or try one of the recipes below. You should make cookies that freeze well and you may want to consider going “nut free”.
Wrap cookies by the dozen, label them, and include the recipe. You should ask your guests to do the same. This will make it easy for them to bring their cookies home after the party. (As an alternative, you can create a wrapping station at your party. You can find baker’s boxes and plastic bags at Michael’s….but this could get pricey.)
Plan your refreshments. This should be easy since your guests are bringing extra cookies. Have trays ready to fill. You can include a few non-sweet snacks, such as a vegetable tray or chips and dip. For beverages, hot cocoa, cider and eggnog are fun and festive.
Have a cookie contest and give out door prizes. Most Creative Cookie, Prettiest Cookie, Tastiest Cookie…..You can keep this simple and the budget small. All the fun is in winning the contest! Give candles, ornaments, or handmade gifts.
Have fun! The holidays can be stressful. Don’t think that your house has to be perfect to have a party. Don’t over do it. Keep decorations and refreshments simple. Relax and enjoy your friends.
Last year, I {heart} Nap Time shared a great tutorial on hosting a cookie exchange. Head over there for more great tips! She also teamed up with DimplePrints and shared a WONDERFUL cookie exchange printable party package You can still download it here or click on the picture below
Now on to the yummy stuff! Here are some fun and tasty Christmas cookie recipes for you to try.
Melissa @ Melissa’s Cuisine shared these from her blog:
Strawberry Almond Thumbprint Cookies
Micki @ Confessions of an ADD Housewife shared one of her own recipes plus one of her favorites:
Cherry Cheesecake Cookies from Mel’s Kitchen Cafe
Here are a couple of my favs from the web:
Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies from Bakergirl
Candy Cane Blossoms from Baked Perfection
You can also find a few more of my favorites right here at Laughter and Grace.
The BEST Chocolate Chip Cookie
Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies
AND what’s a Christmas Party without hot chocolate!
The Best Homemade Hot Chocolate Recipe Ever from Women Living Well
I hope you are enjoying the Christmas in July Blogger Block Party!
Don’t forget on Thursday you’ll be treated to some beautiful Christmas Card Ideas as well ways to display them with Scraptastic Memories and Mrs. Hines Class.
…And Friday it’s a Blog Hop! So pull out those old posts and dig through your files and link up your Christmas recipes, crafts, and decor ideas at any one of the hostesses’ blog.
8 hostesses + 1 blog hop = Tons of Christmas Fun!
Like what you see? I hope you’ll take a moment to stay connected with me.
Where I party: Someday Crafts, Raising Homemakers, Handy Man Crafty Woman, Women Living Well, Tales of a Trophy Wife
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I haven't done one of these for years-too fun!
Hello! I found you through my friend Yvonne.
Last year I bought adorable cookie party kits from WSonoma Outlet.
I never got around to doing the party. Your advice has inspired me to plan a few!
Nice to meet you Jennifer!
I'm so glad you found my blog. Use your party kits!! You'll have so much fun!
These cookies look delicious! I have never participated in a cookie exchange, but it's a great idea! I may have to put one together this year! Great post and great week of Christmas!
You should have one!! I'm sure you would have a blast and get to taste some yummy cookies!
What a great post! I went to a Christmas cookie exchange last year and it was awesome. It was so fun to bring home an assortment of treats. I might have to host my own this year
Thanks, Melissa! I'm sure your cookies would be the hit of the party!
Happy Day 3 of Christmas In July, Jennifer! The cookie and hot chocolate recipes look absolutely delicious! (I've GOT to make those peanut butter cookies – SOON!) I've been saying that I'm going to have a cookie exchange for years and it's always given me hives just thinking about what to do. Now, I have the perfect plan, thanks to you! I really think I can pull it off! LOL I love that you shared the printable party package, too. The party's been a blast so far and I'm so happy to be sharing the fun with you and all of the other talented co-hostesses! Have a great rest of the week and an awesome weekend! ~Mary
Hi Mary! You should go for it…you can keep it really simple. As with any party, your guests are there to enjoy each others company…everything else is secondary. It's been great hosting with you this week! I hope you have a great weekend!