This weekend I’ll be hosting my 3rd annual cookie exchange party. I always host the party on the first Sunday in December. It’s easy for my friends to remember and a fabulous way to kick off the holiday season. What better way to get in the holiday spirit than an afternoon with great friends, delicious cookies + Milo’s tea!
Since this is my third year hosting the cookie exchange, I’ve learned how to host a fun party while keeping things stree-free on my end. Today, I’m sharing a few tips and a fabulous Milo’s tea recipe to help you when hosting your own cookie exchange! If you’re new to hosting a cookie exchange, you can find a more detailed post here.
one
A Festive & Simple Tablescape. Since the table will be filled with cookies your guest bring, keep things simple.
two
A Signature Drink. This year my guests will be enjoying cranberry lemon iced tea using Milo’s tea. I did a test run of the recipe this weekend and cannot wait for my guests to try it! Milo’s Tea Company uses only fresh, natural ingredients in their teas, along with no preservatives or additives. Right now, you can grab two gallons at Walmart on rollback for just $5 while supplies last!
I chose Milo’s sweet and unsweet tea to serve at the party. Remember my goal for the party, keeping things simple and stress-free? That along with the delicious taste of the tea makes it the perfect drink for any holiday gathering. All you have to do is pick some up from your local Walmart, along with a few garnishes and you’re all set.
The winning recipe for this weekend was cranberry lemon iced tea. Fresh brewed tea with a splash of cranberry juice and freshly squeezed lemon. There really are a bunch of ways you can dress up Milo’s tea for the holidays. You can also add fresh rosemary or mint leaves to the recipe above for an extra garnish.
Add in a fun straw and you have a signature drink for your friends and family to enjoy. If you’re as lucky as us Floridians have been over the past month, you’ll be able to enjoy your tea and guests while sitting outside in beautiful weather.
three
Cookies! Choosing a cookie recipe is a pretty important part of your cookie exchange party. While I haven’t decided what I’m making this year, my favorite last year were these cherry almond double chip cookies. Make sure to look at the entire recipe before making your choice. A few years ago I made the mistake of choosing a recipe that had to sit in the fridge overnight. Didn’t work too well considering I didn’t start making the cookies until the day of the party! Lesson learned…
four
Set some rules for the cookie exchange so your guests know what to bring. Here are the rules I send to the guests in the evite:
1. Bring one dozen of your favorite cookies on a platter, ready to share.
2. Bring three dozen of your favorite cookies packaged in groups of 6, for you to swap.
*4 dozen cookies total*
3. Tell us what kind of cookie you’re making in the reply section, so there aren’t duplicates.
five
Get as much done the day before the party as possible. Get your cookies baked, make sure your Milo’s tea is purchased and your house ready. This way all you’ll have to do come party day is a quick set up and enjoy your guests.
Eat, Drink and Be Merry with delicious cookies + Milo’s Tea!
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This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Milo’s Tea, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #HolidaysWithMilos http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV
I adore this idea! We just hosted Friendsgiving and the part about not stressing out is so important! Also, that drink sure does look good! Can’t wait to find out which cookies you picked!
The tea sounds refreshing & I’d love a cookie! I made cookies last night. This is a fun idea, I’ll have to do this but maybe next year.
Leslie recently posted…Christmas Cards With Minted.com
Cranberry lemon iced tea sounds amazing! What a great combination. I’ve never heard of that brand before, but now I want to try it. the cookie exchange party sounds like so much fun too.
Shann Eva recently posted…Micro Preemie Monday and Stella