Hi Robin, I would like to say that I have enjoyed your web site for a few years now and have always wanted to host a party of my very own. Well, this year was a success. I had my first annual cookie exchange on Dec 2nd. I invited 12 guests and 8 attended, 1 was not able to attend due to work – but she passed along her creation to be exchanged and the other two guests were under the weather, and 1 was out of town. So, for my first party I used your rules to get things going and will create my own going forward.

As everyone arrived I handed them a candy cane necklace and explained that they could not use the word cookie or they would lose their necklace to the person who hears them say the forbidden word. Cookie! This was a ton of fun, candy cane necklaces being passed around the room like it was a Willy Wonka golden ticket.

The Guest List & their Cookies

Brooke - Rudolph’s Red Nose Cookies

Chris - Chocolate Peppermint Sticks, Pistachio Crinkles

Kevin - Raspberry Almond Sandwich Cookies & White
Lightin’ Chocolate Cherries

*A special thanks to Kevin for the fabulous “Pomegranate Mango Martini” cocktails he brought along with red sugar rimmed glasses. Yum!

Naomi - Date Cookies

Petra & Connie - Had a wonderful assortment of fresh baked goods from a local bakery

Rosie - Orange Juice Cookies

Sally - Pound Cake Cookies

Tracy - Peppermint Chocolate Truffle Cookie

Host-Sheila - Noel Nut Balls

We voted on the “Most Festive Christmas Cookie” and the winner was Tracy for her Peppermint Chocolate Truffle Cookie, she received a Snowman Cookie Jar, and for the “Most Festively Dressed” that went to Naomi, who was wearing beautiful outfit and the crowning touch was her Christmas vest, her gift was a set of Dept. 56 Ornaments.

The winner of the “Candy Cane Necklace” game was Petra; her prize was not a golden ticket but a box of Holiday Note Cards.

By the end of the party everyone was feeling festive and looking forward to the next cookie swap, everyone wanted to dress up more and get a little more creative with their cookies and oh yeah, READING the RULES. I served light appetizers and promise to do better next year! All in all we had a great time and I am looking forward to hosting the 2nd Annual Cookie Exchange, I’m thinking an evening party next year with everyone wearing their holiday PJ’s! Thanks again to your wonderful web site and all the inspiration.

Sheila