This year, I hosted my very first cookie/ornament swap! For me, a cookie swap is the perfect way to kick-off the holiday season. It's a time for family and friends to get together in a festive setting over cocktails, chit and chat and cookies! Wanna host a cookie swap of your own? Invite a group of family & friends to your home and have each one bring 2 dozen of their favorite homemade cookies or treats. At the party, sample the treats, then trade and package them as gifts. The goal: Everyone leaves with finished gifts and plenty of new recipes.
Send out your invitations: Set the right tone for your cookie swap with stylish invitations. I got mine on zazzle.com. Make sure you send them out at least 1 month in advance.
Create a beautiful display: Set out several platters and cake stands. Put folding place cards out for guests to write the name of the cookie they brought.
Set Up a Packaging Station: Stock the station with sticky labels, ribbons, twine, cardboard boxes, tissue paper, scissors, and other trimmings.
Prepare for the Swap: On the day of the party, have plenty of drinks available. Including warm spiced apple cider, champagne, & ice water. Be sure to have some salty snacks like popcorn and chips to balance out all the sweetness. Start sampling, swapping, and packaging cookies. Most importantly, have fun!
VENDOR CREDITS: Styling: Frost Cakes| Paper Bunting: Michael's Craft Store| Candy: Michael's Craft Store & Target| Custom Gingerbread House: Frost Cakes| Invitations: Zazzle| Flag Printables: Catch My Party| Photography: Frances Park & Frost Cakes| Lunch Catered by: Ward Lorica
Keep the little ones busy while they learn about their 5 senses. This Mr. Potato Head busy board is simply made with felt. Remember, felt naturally sticks to itself so the fun and possibilities are endless! Stuff You'll Need: - felt in various colors - scissors - hot glue gun Directions: 1. Cut a large potato-shaped body out of light brown felt. 2. Make your eyes, ears, nose, mouth and arms. You can make additional fun accessories like a hat, shoes, bag, etc. Get creative! Here's Mrs. Potato Head! Emma and her masterpiece!