Make sure your guests RSVP what
kind of cookies they're bringing
so that you have a wide variety.

Planning a Holiday Cookie Exchange

• 8 - 12 friends
• invitations for the party
• a dozen cookies for each of your guests
• your cookie's recipe for each of your guests (optional)

1. Choose a date and time that is most convenient for people's busy schedules -- either weekday evenings or weekend mornings usually work well. Limit the party to only a few hours so that neither you or your guests feel too obligated. If you're having the exchange at work, holding it during the lunch hour would probably be the most convenient.

2. Invite 8 - 12 friends. You need enough people to have a variety of cookies, but too many people means too much baking for everyone.

3. Instruct each person to make a dozen cookies for every person attending the exchange. This is a must -- each person must come with a dozen cookies so that each person get the same amount of cookies. If your friends are worried that they don't have enough time to bake, tell them to make a trip to their favorite bakery and pick up enough cookies to go around.

4. When your guests RSVP, be sure to ask them what kind of cookie they are bringing so you can have the best variety possible. Also remind them to bring extra cookies for sampling and extra containers for the goodies they will be picking up.