Tuesday, December 23, 2014

Christmas Cookie Swap & Tea Social



Because it's been so hectic and I've had little time to post
 I am putting two parties into one blog post to share this before
Christmas. Not much longer now, is it?


I hosted my annual Christmas Cookie Exchange
 followed a few days later by having a large
"Tea, Coffee and Cookies Social."










There's always such fun and clever ways my friends and family
 find to package their cookies up for easy swapping.










These are both easy-to-host parties because the cookies
are the main attraction, and when you do a swap
you get lots of kinds to share with very little effort!










Let's just say by the time I hosted the Tea Social
the raspberry thumbprints and the ginger snaps
were GONE........hrm, seems Mr. Finch Rest has his favorites!
















We always have a gift exchange at my cookie swap.

I think my favorite this year was made by my youngest daughter.

It was a cute pedestal snowman themed mug
with a couple hot cocoa mix kits inside
with really cute decorated marshmallows
and little wooden stir sticks with chocolate & peppermint!










Handmade gifts are always so special to receive, aren't they?










The evening cookie swap consisted of ten ladies 
and the informal tea a few days later was held mid afternoon. 

I ended up having about 20 gals
 from my civic women's club for the social.

I made it as easy as possible simply just stacking holiday
teacups and coffee mugs
and provided a help-yourself area for hot cuppas:

Holiday tea bags
Coffee
Egg Nog
Mulled Cider
Lemon Water


And all the cookies you cared to eat!

























Here's the glass mugs above, up close. 

















We had cookies, and fruit bars and candies, too this year.

I swear I am gaining weight just posting about them!

SOOOOO yummy!!












My only wish is that YOU could have joined us!

Then you could have smelled the pine and mulled cider,
seen all the candles flickering, and heard the sounds of
the soft holiday music and laughter....
setting the tone for a very happy Christmas....

Because I wish you the very best!








I shared my pine cone decor yesterday and still hope to show my tablescape,
trees and mantle this week. I am behind, but when there's a will there's a way!




As always, thank you for your visit!


~Michele



Linking:




15 comments:

  1. Everything looks so wonderful and festive! I love the assortment--yum! Merry Christmas to you and your family, Michele! :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. All is lovely....

    Merry Christmas

    ReplyDelete
  3. What fun! YOU have a Very Merry Christmas!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Everything looks so pretty and not to mention delicious! I love raspberry thumbprints - I can see why they didn't last long :)

    Merry Christmas, lovely lady! Hugs!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Some very imaginative ways to pack cookies for the exchange and I'm sure the gathering itself was fun. I've never taken part in one but the end result must be cookie heaven.
    The H and S holiday tea was delicious, enjoyed with some of my own baking.
    I can see why you are so busy, hope your gathering on the 25th is as wonderful as you.
    Merry Christmas Michele!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Wish I could have been there too! I just held my first cookie swap and I think I am addicted. Have to do this again next year. Lots of amazing treats there. Your daughter's idea is so adorable. Love the snowmen in the white cups too, very cute. The cookies look yummy. I have those tea cups as well , but my set is only for 4. I love how they look in a group like you have them. Wishing you a Merry Christmas and all the best in 2015!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Oh my goodness, so many beautiful treats. I wish you and your family a very Merry and Blessed Christmas.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Oh Michele...what fun! Where we used to live my friends used to do that, and I do miss it! Everything looks wonderful and delish...no wonder some of the goodies disappeared....Have a wonderful Christmas and thanks for linking to Tuesday Cuppa Tea!
    Ruth

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hi Michele,
    I'm having a gathering this evening with my son and his family. Lots of excitement with three little boys! What a fabulous way to present the cookies! Lots of creative ways to make it fun. The cookies look wonderful and I like your cups and mugs. Very festive! You are a busy bee and I thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to join my tea party. Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones, Michele!

    Christmas hugs and blessings,
    Sandi

    ReplyDelete
  10. Kudos to you for having two parties right before Christmas, and being able to blog about it to boot! Whew! Everything looks so delicious, and lots of fun. Your daughter's gift was so festive, I love she even slipped in a little fresh pine. Love how creative everyone was in packaging the cookies. Don't forget to sit down with a cuppa and a cookie for yourself Michele!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hi Michele, All those cookies look so delicious! I love your daughter's idea of sweet things inside a snowman cup. Love all those Christmas tree tea cups, too! Merry Christmas to you and your family! ~Michelle

    ReplyDelete
  12. What fun parties, Michele! I love the packaging of the cookies and your daughter's delightful mug...so cute! Yes, I certainly would've loved to have been there to share in the joy, laughter and fun. Merry Christmas blessings to you!

    ReplyDelete
  13. What a fun party, the packaging of the cookies is wonderful So inventive! Merry Christmas to you and your family!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Mmm ... these look delicious! I'm so impressed by all the various ways the cookies are presented for gifting. Having never held a cookie swap (incredibly enough), I'm really thinking this should go on my calendar for next year!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Impressed by the organization! Everything looks wonderful and yummy! Merry Christmas! Happy New Year!

    ReplyDelete

Thank you, friend, for taking the time to comment! I read each and every one of them. Your thoughts are appreciated!