Hi Robin. I just hosted my 3rd Annual Cookie Exchange on December 14th. This year, I had 22 friends and family members attend, which has doubled since my first party. Invitations were sent out in November (thanks to Evite) with a quick response of 22 attendees and only two couldn't make it.

Each guest was asked to bring 6 dozen cookies total (3 dozen each of two different types of cookies) for a total of approximately 1600 cookies which was truly amazing. Also in the invitation, I asked everyone to bring a wrapped gift valued at $10 for our Secret Santa Gift exchange and a reminder to send me their cookies recipes by December 5th. Each year, I publish an annual recipe book and it's something everyone looks forward to receiving.

My party started with everyone enjoying holiday cocktails and appetizers which included: artichoke dip, cheese tray, rye boat, veggie tray, bruschetta, sweet & sour meatballs, and a delicious pumpkin pudding with fresh whipped cream. While everyone was socializing and enjoying their wine and appetizers, they were each voting for the Prettiest Cookie'2008.

After a little bit of socializing, we all enjoyed a Holiday Trivia Contest that my friend, Chris, created. She did an amazing job with that and I appreciate her help - she's a great friend! The holiday trivia was a huge hit! This game brought back a lot of Christmas memories from years ago. Everyone enjoyed the trivia contest and my friend, Sue had the most correct answers and won a special door prize.

After the trivia, we all enjoyed a fun gift exchange - full of stealing and even more laughs. There are always a couple of gifts that people just get crazy for. After the gift exchange we handed out several more prizes:

1st RSVP (Linda H.),
1st Cookie Recipes Submitted (Michele O.),
the Cookie with the Most Ingredients (Cherrill)
and the grand prize winner of the
Prettiest Cookie for our 2008 exchange - Michele O.

We then concluded the afternoon with our cookie swap. Everyone left with beautiful trays filled with an amazing assortment of cookies…Christmas Wreaths, Santas Whiskers, Hazelnut Shortbread Sticks, Mocha-Pecan Butter Balls, Almond Snowflakes, and Lemon Kiss Cookies - just to a name a few.

As everyone was leaving, each guest received a copy of our 3rd Annual Cookie Exchange recipe book. I could not have pulled off such a successful party without the help of my sister, Debbie. She's not only my sister but my best friend and someone I can count on.

As everyone was leaving, they reminded me to make sure to invite them next year!!! My plans for 2009 are already in motion. Thank you Robin, for a great website full of terrific ideas!!! Keep up the good work.

Kris Seubert, Cicero, NY