This year was our second cookie exchange we've hosted. My kids and I loved the one from last year so much. I remember my girlfriends saying the week after that they couldn't wait for one the following year. We felt the same way! It's such a fun way to get together with girlfriends and host a simple party. And you leave with about the same amount of cookies you came with. We froze ours so we could bring them out at a moments notice when friends or family drop by. Its perfect for the holidays!
Last year I wrote a post on the how to's of planning your own cookie exchange party. Click over here if you're interested in planning your own! And here's the outcome of last years cookie party.
This year I had the same rules I sent out to our guests. But we had 1-2 more ladies, so the cookie count was just under 100. I realize it might have been crazy to ask my girlfriends to bake 100 cookies...but it all got done and they were all so yummy. I love picking a few goodies for prizes with my two little helpers. Having prizes for the cookies also allows for more socializing during the voting and tasting process. And it's just plain fun!
I set out all my white cake stands on our table and as the ladies came I asked them to pick any cake stand to put out their cookies. The table looked SO festive and fun with all the different varieties of cookies.
All my special guests are such amazing bakers! This year we had a great variety...shortbread, thumbprint cookies, sprinkles, chocolate sprinkles, chocolate chip, chocolate mint, cornflake marshmallow chocolate chip, chocolate crackled mint and sugar cookies.
The kids also loved having their friends over for snacking and playing. I loved that this party allowed for them to do something with their little pals too.
I couldn't let my guest leave with a little something for the little ones and adults too. I made some yarn tassels to hand out to my girlfriends. And the little ones got tiny gift bags filled with candy canes, stamps, pencils and little bracelets.
Ok, hope you enjoyed this year's cookie exchange. I cant wait for next years!
Special thanks to my friends for sharing some of their pictures with me! (Thanks Mariam, Coleen and Angela from ma.vie.avec.trois )