After visiting your website I decided to host my very first cookie exchange. We held it on a Sunday December 11th from 1-3pm.

I didn't have a big turn out but that was ok for my first one. We played a few games of Christmas Bingo and had a prize for the most outrageous outfit- my mom won with 2 LARGE knitted stockings ornaments she wore as earrings!

I gave a prize for most ingredients which totalled 12 from my Aunt and she also got best display with her 'ice skating rink' which was enjoyed by marshmallow snowman while others rode tobbogans(sp) near by(candy canes for the rails!). I have included a pic of it but it had set out awhile and started to melt!!

Each guess also received a name tag with a Christmas name( rudolph, Mrs. Claus, etc) and I bought mini ornaments that I hooked on large safety pins. Each person could not refer to another person by their real name only their new Christmas name unless they had to hand over their ornament. It was a hoot!!

I got all my prizes from Wal-Mart for a dollar each. And they were cute! A couple clay ornaments, a set of snowman cups, a christmas wind sock, beautiful gift tags, a pine scented candle, and a clay holiday door hanging.

Our spread was simple since it was right after lunch. We sipped hot chocolate, munched on popcorn, cheese and crackers and of course tasted all of the yummy cookies while listening to Christmas music.

I am a stay at home mom of 3 and even on a tight budget it ended up being splendid!!

I started planning this years exchange in August and am inviting more people now that I feel secure in hosting it. And everyone from last years party said they had a blast and looked forward to the next one!

THANKS!!

Jen Fought
Ligonier, Indiana