Day 1 Virtual Cookie Swap Link Party 2017

This is the time of the year that has me aching for a cookie swap party – it’s “cookie swap time” my mind yells with joy. I used to host a physical cookie swap party, but with my still new to me food allergies I go virtual now and can’t wait to bring you along for the ride. Be sure to read below for Day 1 of my Virtual Cookie Swap Link Party.

But what is a cookie swap you ask? A cookie swap is a fun, emphasis on the word FUN, party where you and your friends get together to exchange cookies. Over the years I’ve gotten more regulated with how I run my party – as I’ve shared before I’m totally Type A and orders work for me.

First off I’d like to invite you to participate in my Virtual Cookie Swap – To participate all you have to do is email the following to sloCookingBlog[at]gmail[dot]com.

VIRTUAL COOKIE SWAP – Call for Recipes

Your name (okay to just give first name and last initial if you’d like)
Your city/state/country of origin
A copy of your recipe (a scanned PDF is great if you have one)
A photo if you happen to have one handy
The story behind your recipe, if you happen to have one

Since this is going to be a “virtual” party any of the following recipes will be acceptable: cookies, bars, candy, pies, cakes, drinks, or anything that has a significant meaning to you during this holiday season.

I’ll be posting these online as I get them and will also be putting them together in a cookbook – I’ll make it into a PDF for easier emailing.

Looking forward to hearing from you!

COOKIE SWAP INSTRUCTIONS

Now – if you’d like to host an in person cookie swap, here are the steps – it’s really easy and you’ll wonder why you didn’t do this sooner.

Save the Date email – if you’re cookie crazed like me you’ll want to get this out 3 months in advance so your guests know what’s coming. But don’t fear – you don’t have to do this step. It’s completely optional and won’t hurt your holding a cookie swap in the least if you choose to skip this step.
One month before your party – send out your Evite, ask each guest to:
1. Bake 4-5 dozen cookies
2. Tell you the type of cookie they’re going to make, keep a running list on the front page of the Evite, so there won’t be any duplicates.
3. Plan for a 2 hour party – this is the perfect amount of time to be social, snack on appetizers/drinks, and collect cookies.
4. Tell guests to bring their cookies on a decorative platter for display & to also bring an empty container to package up cookies to take home.
5. Remind guests to scratch bake their cookies, everyone can appreciate the ease of store bought cookies – but set ground rules: scratch baked, holiday theme cookies.
6. Ask them for their favorite holiday song or 2
Two weeks before – check RSVPs and finalize the menu for appetizers and drinks. Have simple munchies at the party, that way guests can take all their swapped goodies home with them.
One week before – shop for your snacks, drinks, and large disposable plates/gallon zip top bags in case someone forgets to bring an empty container to take cookies home.
Two days before – bake your cookies.
The day before – if you’re able, set up the room, prep your munchies, thaw any cookies you baked in advance.
The day of the party –
1. Set up drinks – have cocktails or coffee ready when your guests arrive
2. Pout out your cookies & the munchies
3. Finish any last minute decorating
4. Turn on holiday music, be sure play list includes songs requested by your guests (if you chose to ask them)
After the party – email out recipes to all that attended