I hosted a cookie swap over the weekend! I'm showing off the invite today, as kind of a teaser, before I show off the whole party tomorrow...
When I put out the idea for a cookie exchange in November, I thought my friends would think I was crazy, but apparently we're all smart ladies, who would rather take it easy come December... you know, relax and enjoy the holidays and all that... *wink*
So, right now, I have 9 dozen cookies freezing comfortably, waiting to be defrosted for gifts or whatever (and by whatever, I may mean just for me...) It's like the heavens open up every time I peek into my freezer - all of those beautiful cookies!
As with any party decor, repetition is key to creating a pulled-together look. So, this invite is the jumping off point for all of the decor you'll see tomorrow. I used 3 CSS stamp sets to make Christmas come early: "cookie bake," "designer lines," and "favor flags."
I created a candy cane-striped base, and added a texty layer overtop (I adore that background strip from "cookie bake" - it just lists all kinds of different cookies! What could be more perfect if you're hosting a cookie exchange?)
My favorite part of this card (and I love it so) is a toss up between the green sentiment favor flag, and the white enamel accents on the christmas tree cookie image. It looks like those edible pearls you'd see on a yummy gingerbread cookie. It's the little things that make me happy :)
I tucked the when-what of the party onto a second tag shape... I love the personal touch of handwriting on a card, but I don't think everyone needs to see it front-and-center, either... hee.
If you are thinking of hosting your own cookie bake party this season, do it! Here are the cookie swap basics:
-your guests come with their pre-baked cookies and the corresponding recipe (1 dozen x the number of party guests, plus an additional dozen for sampling at the party)
-you get to spend quality time with your best lovely ladies before the holiday rush, eating delicious treats
-you leave with enough cookies to gift out to teachers, neighbors, yourself (did I really just write that? i have no shame...)
And, you can do what we did and turn it into a fun contest! I won't give away too much, but I was voted best looking. Er, my cookies were...
Hope to see you back here tomorrow!
cookie swap...sounds yummy!!! Super cool invite too :)
ReplyDeleteso sweet, Elena!
ReplyDeleteLove the invite! I wish I lived nearby so I could go to all of your awesome parties :) Any good cookie recipes??
ReplyDelete