For those who have hosted (or attended) a holiday cookie exchange party

Nicole.

I've been toying around with the idea of doing a cookie party this year. The only problem is that I have about 20 people I'd like to invite (all women).  I obviously can't ask people to bring 20 dozen cookies...so any ideas about how to have a successful party that can accommodate so many people???

Mrs.OL

I've been to and hosted exchanges, but have never had that many people on the invite list.  

Could you ask them to each make 10 dozen cookies and rather than getting a dozen of each cookie back they would get a half dozen?  

kme930

Could you pick a more reasonable number of dozens for sharing (maybe 4-5?) and have everyone bring that + 20 cookies for tasting. Start the party by having the ability to taste everyone's cookies, then run a draft (a la fantasy football)?

(Have I been hanging out too much with my little brother who is fantasy football obsessed??)

howleyshell

Our local nest board does a yearly cookie exchange with more peeps than you're considering.

You just have everyone bring 3-4 dozen cookies and that way everyone gets just a few of each variety.  I'm certain some bring way more than that but there's never been a shortage of cookies to take home.

They also have some people sign up for appetizers.  Some people will sample cookies from their take but having real food there helps.

Have fun! 

PsychedForBaby

Just because you have 20 people you want to invite, you know they most likely won't all be able to make it.

I participated in one last year.  The host made a deadline that people had to RSVP by and in your RSVP you had to say what kind of cookie you'd be making so there were no duplicates.  

 

I want to say she had 12-15 people.  It really wasn't that bad making that many cookies.  I did frosted sugar cookies.  

 

Hmmm...now I'm wondering if she'll host one again this year!   

Nicole.

Thanks for the thoughts!!!!

cmw&tdm

We usually have about 10 people show up at ours and the amount we distribute depends on how much people bring.  Our experience has been that even if you tell the guests to bring a certain amount many will bring a considerable amount more or less.  Also, it will depend on how much people eat at the exchange.  The first year we did it I came home with a huge amount and a lot ended up in the trash at xmas.  Last year I came home with not much at all because people brought less and we ate more at the party.

Mr.&MrsS

Mrs.OL:

I've been to and hosted exchanges, but have never had that many people on the invite list.  

Could you ask them to each make 10 dozen cookies and rather than getting a dozen of each cookie back they would get a half dozen?  

This is exactly what I was thinking.

jamalynn

I hosted one last year and invited about that many people.  About 13-15 showed up.  I asked everyone to bring 2 dozen cookies.  That way, each person could have a few of each cookie.