Hosting a Cookie Exchange
Invite your family, friends and cookie connoisseurs over for a cookie exchange. Make it clear that each person is to bake and bring only one type of cookie to share with each member of the party.
When your friends RSVP, have them let you know what kind of cookies they will be bringing (so there aren't any duplicates) or assign them a cookie recipe to bring.
Make sure each guest brings an empty container to the exchange, so that they can easily take their treats home.
Depending on how many guests attend, each guest can bring either a dozen or half a dozen cookies for each member of the party. For example, if there are five guests attending the exchange, then each person
brings five dozen cookies to share. However, if you have 20 people coming, you may want everyone to bring half a dozen for each member - 20 dozen is a lot!
Don't forget to ask everyone participating to bring copies of their cookie recipes to share - because as you know once the tasting ends, the recipe swapping always begins!
Sweet Sendoffs
Parting gifts can make your party extra sweet. Fill small treat bags with HERSHEY'S KISSES Brand Milk Chocolates, and attach an ornament to each one. Then place the bags in a clear bowl or jar and display them with the cookies. When the party’s over, invite each guest to take one home as a party favor.
Setting the Table
Plastic containers and bags may be practical, but they’re not always pretty. Before the party, set the table with coordinating or decorative dishes for serving up cookies in style. Try stacking a bowl on top of a cake stand, or using a tiered serving set. Include some blank labels, too, so guests can jot down recipe names when putting their cookies on display.
Decking the Halls
Decorating doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Just a festive tablecloth and a few lit candles can create instant atmosphere. For a quick and easy centerpiece, fill hurricane vase with holiday ornaments from your own collection. Then drape matching ribbon across the table to complete the look.
