Cheryl Smith Cookie Exchange
The most wonderful time of the year brings the most anticipated parties of the year. One of the holiday traditions most eagerly awaited is the baking of Christmas cookies and candies and the annual Cookie and White Elephant Gift Exchange Party hosted by Cheryl Smith.
Invited bakers and sweet enthusiasts joined in the fun and delicious cookie exchange to welcome in the holiday season. The house was decorated from top to bottom and holiday music was playing in the background as we all arrived with made-from-scratch cookies, candy or other festive treats. For a few winter hours sweet treats were our sole focus. This was a sweet time for fellowship and laughter as refreshments were served.
After everyone had eaten and socialized a bit, Cheryl called the group to order, and we gathered in the living room where the cookies had been laid out with place cards identifying each treat. While the cookies at the exchange are mostly meant to be taken home, of course there was plenty of sampling during the party and some friendly competition.
After everyone filled their plates, to judge of course, we played a few holiday games, and prizes were awarded. Then we proceeded with our white elephant gift exchange. Lots of laughs and fun were had by all.
When the actual cookie swap happened we were elbow to elbow with our empty platters and slowly went around the table selecting cookies from each plate. By the time we rotated around the table a few times the cookies were gone! Once the swap ended we continued to celebrate in another delicious way, sharing our cookie recipes which were located next to each tray of delicious treats for everyone to take home.
The gathering with friends for a fun fete and leaving everyone with enough baked treats for the rest of our holiday festivities was a terrific way to kick off the season and a delicious way to turn a memory making get-together into a beloved holiday tradition. We wish everyone a sweet and happy 2017.