How long is too long?

[Sherrie]

I am hosting my first cookie exchange this year. I am planning on a Friday night, 12/17 thinking that most people will be busy during the weekend days. How long do most of these exchanges last? I plan on serving snacks and drinks but not playing any games. Should I plan on 3 hours, or is that too long? Also, I am planning on inviting about 20 women, but since I don't know how many will be able to attend, how many cookies should I ask them to bring on the invitations?

[Pam]

Hi!
I normally have 20 - 30 women attending. On the invitation I ask everyone to bring 5 dozen. So, you just have everyone take 3 (or whatever) of each cookie. It really doesn't matter how many women show-up you can just adjust the amount that each person takes depending on how many people are there - does that make sense??? Also, I normally have mine during the week in the evening. This year mine is on a Tues. from 6:30 - 9:00. I figure that I give everyone the weekend to bake and Mon. is usually a tough day to have something planned so Tues. is the best option for me (and almost everyone shows up!).

Hope that helps...

[Bonnie]

Hi Sherrie,

Normally I do my cookie exchange on a Sunday afternoon from 2-4 but this year it will have to be a Saturday. Actually I just put the time 2pm on my invitation. After about 1 1/2 - 2 hours someone says they have to leave so we start the exchanging of cookies. Some of the ladies leave and some stay for a bit longer. No one really lasts much past the two hour mark. It is just a nice time to get together, chat with old and new friends and take home a nice selection of cookies.

It doesn't really matter how many actually show because they will all still go home with the same amount. I always invite at least 20 to make sure I have no less than 12 ladies attending. I like a good turn out.