How to Host a Holiday Cookie Swap Party
(Pssst: Don’t Forget the Coffee!)
It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Time with family and friends, finding that perfect gift, the parties - the holiday season to-do list is a long one that we welcome with open hearts (and big batches of coffee). If you’re feeling the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, but want to host a great party consider hosting a holiday cookie swap party. They are fun, easy, and full of good cheer!
With just a tiny amount of effort, you can gather your closest friends and family - even host neighbors on the block - for loads of sugar and a “latte” fun, leaving you stocked up on baked goods to “sleigh” the rest of the holidays with countless gift-able cookies.
At Mr. Coffee Concierge, we know the power of coffee and cookies to bring together communities. Read on for our step-by-step guide to hosting a jolly get-together, leaving all who attend feeling merry and bright!
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Step 1: The Invite List
Select a group of 10-20 friends or family who you feel want to experience the joy and fun of the holidays with you. Ask each guest to bring a few dozen of his or her favorite homemade holiday cookies and to send the recipe in advance.
People don't have to have a talent for baking, though your collection of cookies may have some interesting concoctions. ‘Tis the season for giving, so remember to invite sweet-tooth-having family members to be taste testers!
Hosting an Event > Make Coffee the Star
Step 2: Festive Invitations
Once you’ve determined who is on your cookie swap invite list, it’s time to make festive invitations for your event. You can either create digital invites or go the extra mile with hand-written notes.
Save the Date
Pick a date that works best for you - this is your event after all, but try to find a time that should work for most of your guests too. Since a cookie swap is more casual, the party can take place at any time of day. But whenever you’re hosting, it’s good to give guests advanced notice. Try to notify your friends at least a couple of weeks before so they have time to plan and bake a mountain of carefully crafted cookies.
You may want to host the party close to the holidays so that the cookies won’t go stale before Santa arrives, but far enough ahead of time that people don’t feel overwhelmed in their schedules.
Clarify the Cookie Swap Rules
When creating your invitation, be sure to include clear instructions for the cookie swap. Specify the number of cookies to bring, when guests should RSVP, and when to send in recipes. Ask for flexibility from your guests so you don’t end up with five variations of frosted sugar cookies.
We suggest cookies for your cookie swap be:
Homemade and seasonally appropriate
Able to last a week after baking (so they’ll last through the holiday)
Made from scratch and full of love
Shortbread and sugar cookies offer the perfect texture and flavor for coffee dipping! Ask a guest to whip up some classic biscotti for a crunchy pairing with a creamy honey vanilla latte.
Baking Obsession > Level Up with Coffee
Step 3: Cookie Swap Party Set Up
When party day arrives, set up your largest table with festive bowls and platters for all the cookies that will soon arrive at your home. You can save space and create an aesthetic table spread by using footed cake stands. Ensure you have enough tongs for each platter. Remember to label each set of cookies with the recipe name and the name of the baker. That way you can recognize everyone’s baking prowess!
We like when guests bring recipe cards for other attendees, or you can create a booklet with all of the recipes to take home as a party favor with their chosen cookies. Make sure to have plenty of bakery boxes or bags for guests to package their cookies. If you want to add a bit more flourish, grab a few holiday bows, ribbon, or twine to finish the take-home boxes.
For extra coffee and tea your guests can take home, grab some extra paper cups and sleeves so they can drink up now or have a pick me up for later. Having a blast at a holiday party can be tiring!
Step 4: Plan Snacks and Refreshments
While there will be plenty of cookies to munch on, the goal is to take the majority home for later enjoyment and gifting. To satisfy hungry bellies and keep people from eating too many cookies, provide plenty of snacks and beverages. Casseroles, dips, or charcuterie boards all are excellent choices for snacking.
Plus, with Mr. Coffee Concierge on hand for your event, you’ll also have luxurious lattes, hot cups of flavorful coffee, and comforting teas, your guests will feel like silver and gold!
Step 5: Keeping Everyone Entertained
Your cookie swap will be a fun way to spend time with those who matter most and even make some new friends as we go into the new year. Activities like a cookie-decorating station will keep children and kids at heart overjoyed & entertained.
All you need is a table with undecorated sugar cookies or gingerbread cookies, along with icing, sprinkles, and other cookie decorations, and everyone can gather and see how creative they can be.
Another easy entertainment idea is an Ugly Christmas Sweater or Pajama contest. Everyone will enjoy seeing other guests’ attire almost as much as the cookie swap!
Up the Entertainment Factor with a Coffee Bar
Have everyone raving about your holiday cookie swap party. An airpot full of coffee may be a nice thought, but your attendees will be blown away if you go the extra mile and hire a full coffee and tea bar. Gourmet coffee and specialty tea are a great way to accompany an array of delicious treats.
Let our baristas help bring your holiday events to the next level! Our full-service mobile coffee bar lets you focus on hosting your friends, not stuck in the kitchen making drinks for everyone. Interested in having Mr. Coffee Concierge for your next event? Book a barista now or get in touch to learn more about our services.
Happy holidays from our family to yours!