Exchange, Anyone?

In early December, I received a beautiful invitation, via e-mail (I love green efforts!), to an annual holiday event hosted by a coworker, a Cookie Exchange.  Since I had missed it the two years prior, and had heard great stories about each year's get-together, I was determined to make room on my schedule this year!  Also, as an avid food photog hobbyist, I thought it would be a great opportunity to snap some fabulous foodie shots. 

The invitation included directions for this soiree: "Please bring six dozen of your favorite cookie, bars, or other sweet treat. Take home packages will be provided. Drinks and light snacks will also be provided."

Our host, Lori, and her husband, had just moved into their new home a few months before the party, so it was a great opportunity to see the new digs, visit with friends outside of work, and enjoy yummy treats.

Their home was stunning, and I'm pretty sure I passed the (now infamous) Tiger Woods estate on my drive there, a neighborhood nowhere near my own, thank you very much!  However, once we all finally arrived and added our goodies to the table ......

the festivities began .....

and continued....

and continued....

with lots of good food to eat

until it was time for everyone to grab a to-go container

and begin filling them ...

and filling them some more....

I'm pretty sure everyone made the number of rounds that matched our contribution to the party:  6!

Wow... that's a lot of goodies!

As the serving platters emptied and the wine glasses, too, it was time to say good-night and thank our host for a very nice evening:

Thanks, Lori!

What a great way to spend time with friends during the holidays and enjoy the season's treats.

But why stop there?

How about other Exchange Parties during the year?

With Valentine's Day approaching, how about

a Wine Exchange party?

OR

a Candy Heart Exchange party?

(especially fun for single guys/gals for this 'lovers' holiday'!)....

Maybe add a set of movie tix to the bottom?

Want to be more practical?

How about a BOGO Exchange party?

(Bring One, Get One)

Clean out your closets, invite your friends,

and EXCHANGE,

as you give good stuff and get other good stuff!

(Great way to be green and have fun at the same time!)

Check out my "How To" here.

What have you exchanged or would exchange?

Recipes?

Specialty Coffees?

Artisan Cheeses/Crackers?

Seasonal, locally grown produce?

(All wrapped in beautiful, reusable, kitchen containers)

Happy eating, cooking, (and exchanging) friends....

Robin