If there is one thing synonymous with Christmas, it’s cookies! Everyone loves cookies, and many people have a favorite recipe they make year after year. If you’re looking for a fun, festive and really easy party to throw for your friends, neighbors or coworkers, a Christmas cookie exchange is the answer! You don’t need a lot of food or fancy decorations … just an assortment of cookies, a few festive touches and some friends to enjoy it all with. Today, we’ll show you just how to throw a great cookie exchange party. We’re also taking all the work out of it for you by sharing a free printable with everything you need to host a scrumptious soirée!
From invitations to cookie labels, voting ballots to take-home tags, we’ve got everything ready for you to print and cut in order to pull together a quick and easy party! To get started, simply click on the link to download our Christmas Cookie Exchange Printable Kit.
Print the files (in the quantities you need) onto heavyweight cardstock or photo paper, then trim to size using a paper trimmer or scissors. See the included instructions for more details!
You can either add in your party details as text in the files or hand-write all your information after they are printed! On the invitations, be sure to designate when, where and at what time the party is, and remind guests to bring cookies to share and exchange!
Labeling all the different cookies will help guests know exactly what they’re sampling. Print and cut out a bunch of the square cookie labels and place them on your cookie display table with pens. Encourage guests to write out the names of their cookies and place them near their contribution as they arrive!
Be sure to set out a variety of serving platters, stands and trays for guests to lay out their cookies. Try to vary the size, color and type of serving dishes to keep your display interesting and festive!
To add an element of fun to your cookie exchange, consider hosting a cookie contest. Print and cut out our Cookie Ballots and place them on a tray with some pencils. Ask guests to sample and vote for cookies in a variety of categories. Make sure you have prizes at the ready to hand out to the winners.
When it comes to a cookie exchange, the sweets really are the star of the show. Still, it doesn’t hurt to add in a few decorative touches to your display to pull the whole party together. Don’t worry about decorating your entire apartment. Some brightly-colored trees and ornaments help everything feel more festive, while a basic wreath provides a simple yet striking focal point.
Last but certainly not least, provide some cute containers for guests to package up leftover cookies to take home. Small boxes, canisters or bags can be combined with ribbons, tissue and tags to make sweet take-home treats for all.
Print and cut out our tags to tie onto take-home boxes for a finished look.
Hosting a cookie exchange is a fun, tasty and easy way to get folks together to celebrate the holiday season. Ask guests to provide the cookies, set out some simple décor and beverages, and use our printable kit to quickly and easily pull everything together. With all the party prep handled, go find your grandma’s famous sugar cookie recipe to impress all your guests!
Happy Holidays!
Need some more holiday party ideas? Use our Holiday Handbook to help you plan and organize your parties this season. Maybe throw an Ugly Sweater Party, and be sure to check out our tips for hosting in small spaces!
