Throwing a cookie exchange for 25 people, Help!!

[Cookie Swap virgin]

Hi,

I am planning a cookie swap/Christmas party in a couple of weeks for 25 people. It is my first one and I am a little nervous. My question is, how many cookies should I tell them to bake? The standard is a dozen cookies for each guest, but I can't tell them to bake 300 cookies. I got excited and had grandois ideas for my party, now I'm panicing. Hopefully not everyone will show up, but I'm expecting at least 15 mothers plus their children. Help!!

[kimmyb]

I feel your pain! I have 25 coming this year, and my house is TINY! But everyone heard about my cookie exchange last year (it was my first one and I think there were about 12-13 of us), and everyone wants in on it this year. We are making 3 cookies per person attending. This works out to be the same amount that we made last year, as we made 6 per person last year since there were less people in attendance. I haven't had anyone complain about making 3 per person but I do think I would have heard some grumbling if I asked them to make anymore. They do make a few extras for sampling purposes, as I do give out prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place for "best" cookie.

[kimzkidz]

I had my guests bring less.. (they can bring more, but I have a LOT of non bakers!)
each guest brings 4 1/2 dozen... 6 cookies in a package with recipe..8 pkgs total.. the extra 6 go on a sampler plate (I usually cut up these cookies into 4 pieces so everyone can try ..

I also have a sweets exchange..
dozen packages with recipes...2-3 person serving size per package...

Last year, I had 22 folks and each brought 8 dozen...we ended up with a few of each kind...But i did hear whiners