Making the exchange (my 1st ex)

[Jennifer]

Hi,

I'm joining the ranks and throwing my 1st exchange party. I come from a long line of hostesses, though no one in my family has done a cookie exchange.

I live in a small, rural community and wanted to open my doors to an array of the women from town. So, I've sent out 30 invites, I don't know how many will attend at this point. I've asked everyone to bring six dozen cookies (following Robin's rules).

My question pertains to the actual exchange part. I'm not exactly sure how to go about this, I haven't found any clear info. Do the women just go around the table and pick up 3-5 cookies here and there until they reach 72???

Any insight to exchanging would be very helpful!

Thanks in advance,
Jennifer

[Bonnie]

When it is time for the exchange I let the ladies know (based on the number of guests - some don't show) how many cookies to take from each tray.

[Sandy]

I just looked at a pre-made invitation that asked the ladies to package the cookies in groups of six, so if everyone brought, say, 3 dozen, each person would get 6 packages. I thought that to be a pretty good idea.

[Mallory]

When I had my party, I rang a bell, asked everyone to get their containers and, after each person introduced themself and told which cookie they made, I suggested we move clockwise around the table (I had bakery tissue paper incase people were concerned about germs, but no one used it). ONce everyone arrived, I whipped out my calculator in private, so I knew how many cookies I should announce. It worked pretty well.

[Susan]

I'm still a fan of the 6-per-package wrapped bundles on the table. Germ free and easy to pick up and put in the freezer.

[Bonnie]

I agree!

[susancy02]

My cousin Tracy took over our family cookie exchange a few years ago. We have tried various ways to distribute cookies. My preferred method is prepackaged bundles. Easier, quicker (no one picking the best ones first-- the last to pick gets the least pretty cookies) and much neater. This year I am suggesting a prize for best packaging... The ideas should be festive and fun.

[Darleen]

I also like the idea of prebundled cookies in creative packaging. It looks really nice when you attach the recipe to the package like a gift card as well. You can buy festive cellophane wrap and bundle the cookies in it. It is pretty cheap, looks great and you can pop it straight in the freezer as it is!! Darleen

[bonnieb]

I too like the cookies displayed on trays - so festive HOWEVER I like bag idea and it can be equally festive looking. I think I saved a picture of one of the exchanges from the site that did bags.

Another good reason for the bags is the fact that all the cookies are so different - some crispy, some fruit or fruit flavored, some soft. Once you mix them all in one container (even the short distance home) the cookies seem to take on each others flavor.

See Maggie Allison's exchange pictures 12/05

Thanks for posting Maggie.