Monday, December 8, 2008

One of my fondest memories around Christmas was baking in the kitchen with my Mom. While growing up my mom would bake all of her favorite cookie recipes to give away as gifts. My mother accumulated many amazing recipes over the years from old cookbooks and magazines, by asking her friends for their cookie recipes, and of course, from my grandmother. Another great way to find fabulous recipes is through a cookie exchange party. It's a great excuse to get together with friends and family, enjoy new cookie recipes and catch up over a glass of milk.


Here are some ideas for a Cookie Exchange Party “Antique Living” style.




Invites

Well in advance, set a date for the cookie exchange and send invitations to as many people as you can comfortably accommodate.


Guests will get a hint of the theme for the party.


Details

Have everyone bring 3 dozen cookies.

Keep a master list of cookies so everyone doesn't bring the same thing. There's no point in holding a Cookie exchange if you all bake sugar cookies.

Recycle vintage cookie tins lined with wax paper for your guests to take home their cookies.






Refreshments

Keep it simple. Serve coffee, milk and a sampling of the guest’s cookies.

Set up a buffet table with retro kitchen ware.

I set up this table with items from the store.



Favors

Have everyone send in their cookie recipe in advance. Print all the cookie recipes on photo copied blank vintage recipe cards. At the end of the party give out a Cookie Recipe Book with all of them bound together with holiday ribbon attached to an old cookie cutter.