Start a sweet tradition with a cookie swap where friends and family share tempting treats. Here’s how to plan the easiest party ever.

• Email invitations at least four weeks in advance and ask guests to respond by sending you the recipes they intend to bring for the swap. At this point you can intervene if you discover too many people are bringing similar cookies. Simply ask that they pick another favorite.

• Suggest guests bring 6-8 dozen of their best homemade cookies or bars.

• Ask for cookies that travel well and are freezer-friendly. Guests can enjoy some cookies when they get home and put the remaining cookies into sealed bags or storage containers in the freezer.

• Request that the cookies be brought to the party on a nice platter or container. Make sure guests bring containers to fill with cookies to take home.

• Leave space on the table near each platter for guests to park their cookie-gathering container while they fill it.

• Use cute, coordinated cards to label each plate of cookies and its baker. If a recipe contains nuts, indicate that on the corresponding card to caution those with nut allergies.

• Have guests stand near their cookies and share a story or detail about the treats. Then invite everyone to go around the table choosing a dozen cookies. Repeat until the cookies are gone. Guests should take the same number of cookies they contributed. If someone brought 6 dozen cookies, he or she can take home 6 dozen.

• Create a Cookie Booklet made up of the recipes guests have provided. Take pictures during the party to include with each recipe and email the booklet to everyone.

Check out some of our favorite recipes:  Chocolate Caramel Thumbprint Cookie, Basic Chocolate Chip Cookies, Molasses Cookies, Raspberry Orange Cookies.

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