Yes, I know the holidays are over.

But if I don’t take the time to write this post now, I will forget by next year (like I did last year).

This was my second year of hosting a cookie exchange and I have learned a lot in 2 years.  You would think something like this would be fairly easy and fun endeavor.  It is, but it takes some work and preparation to ensure everything goes smoothly.

So here are my tips for hosting a successful cookie exchange.  But please, if you have other ideas or tips that have worked for you, please share!  I plan to make this an annual event so I should be doing pretty well by year 5!

1. Post directions when you publish the event.  (This will save you from answering a ton of emails on the same thing.)
2. Your instructions should include the following:

• Cut off date for RSVP’s – at least one week in advance of the event so that everyone knows how much they have to bake.  Also, the exchange date should be around Christmas Eve but not too early.  Some cookies and/or treats do not last too long depending on the ingredients and storage solution.  Ours was December 23 this year and it worked well, last year it was on December 22 and worked well too, but this year was closer to the actual holiday.
• Request for recipes by cut off date to avoid duplicates.  (At my first cookie exchange, 3 of us made the same thing).
• Requesting recipes also helps alert everyone in case of nut allergies.
• Ask people to post if they have pets in their home.  Some people are allergic to pets and food prepared in a home with pets can get complicated.  It’s best for people to know this upfront so that they know how to “handle” that item that is exchanged.
• Packaging requirements – I recommend everyone bring their dozen cookies individually portioned in bags, ziplocs or a Styrofoam plate with plastic wrap.  This makes things so much easier for pick up time!
• The number of dozen cookies to make – this sounds silly but you would not believe how many people were confused.  If you have a total of 7 RSVP’s (including yourself) you should make 6 dozen cookies to exchange and how ever many you want to keep for your family.  It got really confusing when people made 7 dozen (including for themselves) then got confused about why they still had their own cookies and they felt they missed out.

1. Set the time and date for the cookie exchange.  This is important so that everyone is there at the same time to make the exchange.  Open house formats to do not work for this type of event.  If some people cannot attend the actual exchange, have them drop off their cookies early and arrange for their pick up the next day.  As the hostess, you would ensure that their exchange would be complete that night and they are taken care of as if they had attended themselves.
2. Print all recipes and give to everyone the night of the exchange.  I think this is a nice touch if you can get all the recipes ahead of time.  Plus, it makes a great way to commemorate the event.  You can really jazz this up any way you want, even make nice borders and a cover for the mini recipe book.  This would be a great way to use up your left over scrapbook supplies too!
3. Have fun – in the rush of the holidays it’s easy to get consumed with the overwhelming to do list.  This is a great time to just get together with friends and have a good time.  The goodies are just an “extra” to getting together and having some fun! Remember, a cookie exchange doesn’t have to be just cookies – any handheld treat will do.  Here’s what I made this year and they were delicious if I may say so myself!  http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/apricot-oat-bars-recipe/index.html