Recipe(tried): Cookie Exchange Letter and Info - Manyhats, here's some Cookie Exchange Info

Manyhats,

Below is the cookie exchange letter outline for this year. The blanks are filled in for this year with the number of the baker, # of dozen, etc. This year there are not as many bakers, just 18. Sometimes there are as many as 30+ or as few as 10, it varies year-to-year depending on people's schedules, moves (although there are a couple that send theirs by mail occasionally!).This year because there are only 18 there will be 6 dozen cookies (of one kind) made by each guest. (Their choice) They will package them 4 to each package, each other guest will get a package and the 18th one will go on the table to sample after the exchange along with lots of appetizers.(You don't take your own cookies home). I made up a chart after the first couple years that lets me easily see how many dozen everyone needs to make depending on how many bakers there will be and how many cookies I want in each package. Sometimes there are only 3 sometimes as many as 6.The bakers assemble in our living room, the non-bakers either mingle on the porch with beverages or help in the kitchen (which you can see into from the living room, we have a great room consisting of living, family, dining and kitchen).Each guest has a package of cookies for the table and there is a designated non-baker or two to collect these and put them on the pretty platters I have collected over the years. This year, my DH, who is a blacksmith by hobby, will be putting on a small demo for anyone interested out back in his shop while the exchange of cookies is going on. Each year there is something different. One year it was called Abby's 13th Annual Christmas Cookie Exchange with pictures of our Corgi on the letter, the year our grandson arrived it was, of course, named Zack's Grandma's 15th Annual Christmas Cookie Exchange and featured his picture everywhere, including on an apron a neighbor made for me with his photo on it! I introduce everyone, many of them already know each other and I tell how we know each other, (six degrees of separation and all that). Usually I forget some close friend or relative's name!(This year, with all that's gone one, I probably won't remember ANYONE'S name!!) It's just good to be having it, after having to cancel last years! My Dad has started baking, even before my Mom died he had his own number and made Springerlie (sp). He had been complaining because there were just women bakers so I called his bluff and he's been baking for it ever since! Our son baked one year and brought his cookies in a tool box so it would appear he was still "manly"! I pick up inexpensive things for door prizes that only go to the bakers who are present. Sometimes I include homemade food stuffs (this year chutney & gingerbread syrup will be among them). We start with the number 1 after all the introductions are made and people have drinks that want them. Number 1 goes around the room and hands out her cookie packages. People pitch in and "cover" for those that couldn't attend but still baked, passing out theirs and collecting for them. It's a loud, fun time with lots of laughter. After the cookies are all handed out the guests either stow them in their vehicles or on our bed. Then everyone, bakers and non-bakers, head for the appetizer tables. I thank everyone for attending and usually have something corny to say, something I have heard during the year that I especially liked about friendship. One year I even quoted Kermit the Frog, "I don't know if you believe in Christmas, or if you have presents underneath your Christmas tree. But if you believe in Love, that will be more than enough, for you to come and celebrate with me. Thank you for coming and celebrating with us, Happy Holidays!"

Let's see...what else...I borrow crockpots from neighbors to serve the meatballs, wieners, any soups I might be serving, I have two hot plates for the wontons and wings and pig newtons. I buy the big heavy red plates and red cups from Costco. Their color goes with the season and they are sturdy and disposable! I use my silver and fill in with our everyday stainless for utensils. I'll post more as I think about it. Oh, I usually serve lemonade, iced tea (both regular and herbal) coffee (decaf) and water, along with a couple coolers of soda usually. This year I am making a coffee punch using chilled strong coffee, vanilla ice cream, cream, vanilla and sugar. I've been having these exchanges for 20 years now, so I've had a lot of practice but I am very interested in hearing how others do theirs. Please let me know about yours and your daughters.

2005 Christmas Cookie Exchange

WHEN:
WHERE:

Season's Greetings! It's time for a great afternoon with old friends, new friends and scrumptious goodies.

Your cookie exchange # is _______15_____

You have agreed to bake ____6___ dozen, (____72__cookies) of one kind.

Here are a few helpful guidelines:
1. Please pack your cookies in packages of ____4. This packaging may be as simple or elaborate as you wish. (Baggies work well) You will have a total of ____17 packages with ___4_ cookies left over to share at the party. Please package these separately; they will be placed on platters at the party for everyone to sample.

2. Attach a copy of your recipe to each package if you wish.
3. Make sure to write your Cookie Exchange # on each package and whatever container you bring your cookies in.
4. If circumstances arise which make it impossible, (or dangerous, or inadvisable or whatever) to attend on the ?th, you may bring your cookies to our home that morning or the day before. Your cookies will be distributed at the party and your new ones will be collected. You may pick them up the evening of the ?th or the next day.

After the exchange of cookies you are invited to sample the extra cookies along with an assortment of appetizers and beverages. Your significant others are invited to join us. I'm looking forward to seeing all of you (and your goodies!)

Happy Baking,

Micha
phone#
e-mail address

P.S. DH may be putting on a blacksmithing demo for any interested non-bakers or significant others while the actual "exchange" is going on!