1st cookie exchange party questions

[Lorree]

Hi.

I am planning on my first cookie exchange party to be held saturday dec 12, from 6-9pm. I plan to invite approx. 12-15 women. I will be making appetizers like cocktail meatballs, cheese and crackers, misc other hot appetizers, choco chip cheese ball, maybe a fruit dessert and having hot cider of course and maybe wine too. I want to play some of the games like the christmas trivia, match the cookie game and then give a door prize for the best holiday outfit and a small take home gift for everyone. My question is... how does the date, time, food, games, etc sound to everyone? Is a saturday night not the best time to have a cookie exchange or would it be ok?

Thanks.

[Tara]

Hi Lorree, I think that sound great. That way it gives the ladies time during the day and a break at night. I'm going to host my 1st cookie exchange on Sunday Dec. 12th(I'm sure you ment the 11th) from 1-4. I'll be doing just what you are with the food,games and party favors. The only thing I did, which you may want being yours is on a Saturday night, is invite the husbands over as well. You could make it an adults only party.This way the husbands have something to do as well.(Also they keep mine company) Just a sugestion. Good luck and have lots of fun!!

[Bonnie]

Hi Lorree,

I am having my 4th exchange and this year it will be on the 18th (Saturday afternoon from 2-4pm). The last three exchanges have always been on Sunday afternoons and usually the last Sunday before Christmas. It has worked well for me because by that time all the school and church programs are over and most of the company or personal Christmas parties including the neighborhood ones like the Progressive Dinners are over as well.

Actually you may want to poll a few of your friends first to see how they feel about doing it in the evening. Some ladies do their exchanges on a Saturday morning - brunch type thing but that is too early for me.

Because this is an exceptionally crazy year for most of my friends and neighbors I was left with the 18th. For me and my group Saturday night would not go over very well and neither would inviting husbands (or kids). My group of ladies love considering this their ladies afternoon out - a time away from husbands and kids, etc. Let's face it we do the majority of everything for the holidays and we need out time.

But again everyone is different and what works for one will not always work for another.

The first year I sent out only 12 invitations and the turn out was light (maybe 8 showed if I remember correctly). The past few years I have sent out around 20 and usually end up with 11-12 guests.

I think your food choices sound great and games are always a good ice breaker especially if you have guests that don't all know each other. The door prize sounds good too - you should reward someone for going all out to decorate themselves for Christmas.

I always hand out favors as the ladies are leaving as a thank you for participating. Last year I gave cookie cutters I found at Williams Sonoma (found them the year before on sale for 9 cents each). You can view them on my 2003 pics.

The first year I gave bags of pot pourri (not sure of the spelling here) that I found at Michael's for less than a dollar. Another year I found grocery lists notepads (with the magnets on back) that you put on the fridge decorated with gingerbread men, etc. I found these at Joann's for one dollar each.

Pot holders or finger towels are also good and you can roll them up and tie them with curly ribbon - makes a cute presentation. Dollar Stores are good for these items.

What did you find for a favor? I would love any additional ideas.

Have a great time at your exchange - it sounds great!

[lorree]

Thanks for the comments and suggestions. Most of who I plan to invite are my neighbors so I will ask them what they think about a saturday night. I dont think I will ask the husbands over but if some want to come I am sure my hubby wouldnt mind. He will be upstairs playing video games and would probably like some competetors!

I wasnt quite sure about the party gifts but was thinking of a little goodie bag with a cookie cutter, some sprinkles, and maybe a little christmas ornament or maybe a fingertip towel. I like that idea. As for the prizes for the games and holiday outfit contest, I think I should do something a little bigger. Anyone have suggestions for game prizes? I dont have alot of money to spend on this party but want it to be nice. I do plan to go to the dollar store and some of the other discount stores and see what I can find.

-Lorree

[Bonnie]

Hi Lorree,

I like your idea of the cookie cutter with the sprinkles for favors.

I still think pot holders or an oven mit will make a nice gift. If you get Michael's or JoAnn's coupons you may be able to find something nice in one of the stores like a Yankee Candle.

I have also seen some really nice Christmas plates or cheese spreaders. Linen's and Things has some Christmas cheese spreaders and they also have 20% off coupons.

Last year a friend of mine put together gifts for teachers. The cello bag included a Christmas plate with herb spices (also in a small bag with a topper that had the recipe for a dip typed on the front). She also included a cheese spreader - very cute.

To keep it even less expensive you could put together the herbs in a small cello bag with the topper (recipe) and just the spreader in a larger cello bag that you could tie off with curly ribbon or you could make a topper saying PRIZE FOR MOST DECORATIVE OUTFIT, etc. ;D

Hey that gives me a great idea!

[Tara]

Hello Lorree,

I thought I'd share some gift ideas with you. I have bought these cute decorative bags with cinnamon spice pancake mix in them.There from Lehi Mill which I picked up at the mall for a small price.
Also a nice candle would make a great prize. (Pier 1 Imports have great candles)You could take different colored tissue paper and wrap them up with ribbon. Bath and Body Works has there anti-bacteria soap on sale all the time, that would be nice as well.
I'm still working on my party favors, I may homemade fudge and wrap it with ribbon. I'm just not sure yet. This is still new for me so my suggestions might not help....

[Bonnie]

Tara I like the soap idea. Thanks for sharing