Holiday Cookie Party Hosting Tips

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For several years now, I’ve been attending an annual cookie party with the girls. It's always a lot of fun! 

THE BASICS:

Ask each guest to bring a big batch of cookies. As you can see above, one year I made chocolate chunk cookies.

Another year I made my grandmother's sugar cookies.

Many times guests will want to bring a seasonal cookie, like sugar cookies, but you might want to keep it open to all kinds of cookies or even fudge!



Years ago, I found two amazing fudge recipes, one I had made last year (so I knew it was good). The peanut butter one on left is Alton Brown's recipe. This is the best peanut butter fudge I have ever had and very easy to make. On right, is Carnation Famous Fudge w/o the nuts.




Last year I made No Bake Oreo Truffles. These were extremely popular with the girls and easy to make!

You’ll need to estimate 1 dozen multiplied by the total number of guests. We typically have 8 people at our cookie exchange, so that would be 96 cookies.


You may want to provide guidelines to each baker so that you get a good cookie assortment: rolled cookies, bar cookies, drop cookies, decorated cookies. Your friends may have family recipes they wish to share.

Packaging the Treats:
Each guest should also bring copies of their cookie recipe and containers to take cookies home. Heavy-duty plastic freezer bags will work for sturdy cookies, but decorated cookies and more delicate shapes should be packaged in tins or sealable plastic containers. Provide waxed paper or parchment for separating layers of cookies.

Last year, I picked up a few inexpensive bakery boxes to package the cookies. You can find bakery boxes and more cute containers on ebay. And to add extra style to your cookies with these adorable gift tags.

INCLUDE EXTRAS:

Buy reusable tote bags and include Yankee candles, along with the cookies. When I did this last year, everyone loved getting a little something extra. You could also include an assortment of candy, stickers or another small treat.

TIPS FOR THE HOSTESS:

Before the guests arrive, put on some holiday music and light a seasonal scented candle or spray a little holiday room. This will put guests in a holiday mood!

Besides snacking on cookies, set out big bowls of popcorn and chips, the veggies and dip and an insulated server of hot chocolate and a pitcher of cider for all the cookie bakers to help themselves.

Or make a cheese quiche, with different mix-ins in each quiche!

COOKIE RECIPE BOOKLETS:

Ask your guests to mail (or e-mail) their cookie recipes to you, or collect the recipes on the day of the party. Compile the recipes into a booklet for everyone to take home! Recipe booklets can be made in Microsoft Word or if you want to do something fancier, you can create a cookbook online. Or they can write them out on recipe cards.

Or guests can create their own recipe cards by downloading a fill-in-the-blank card from Etsy. They have so many cute options!

HELP OTHERS:

Have guests bring an unopened package of store-bought cookies or canned food. You can then collect the packaged food and bring them to a homeless shelter or food pantry. We also like to make extra plates of cookies for elderly relatives who couldn’t be at the party and we drop them off later.

Freeform Holiday Movie Schedule

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Home alone boy screaming

Note all times are listed for the Eastern Time Zone, followed by Central.

Wednesday, December 1

  • 7 AM/6c – Holiday in Handcuffs
  • 10:30 AM/9:30c – The Simpsons – Holiday Episodes
  • 11:05 AM/10:05c – The Santa Clause
  • 1:15 PM/12:15c – The Santa Clause 2
  • 3:45 PM/2:45c – The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause
  • 5:50 PM/4:50c – Home Alone
  • 8:20 PM/7:20c – Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
  • 12-2 AM/11-1c – The Simpsons – Holiday Episodes

Thursday, December 2

  • 7 AM/6c – The Mistle-tones
  • 10:30 AM/9:30c – The Little Drummer Boy (1968)
  • 11 AM/10c – Home Alone 4: Taking Back the House
  • 1:05 PM/12:05c – Arthur Christmas
  • 3:10 PM/2:10c – Home Alone
  • 5:40 PM/4:40c – Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
  • 8:20 PM/7:20c – Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
  • 12-2 AM/11-1c – The Simpsons – Holiday Episodes

Friday, December 3

  • 7 AM/6c – The Little Drummer Boy (1968)
  • 7:30 AM/6:30c – Jingle All the Way 2
  • 9:30 AM/8:30c – Jingle All the Way
  • 4:35 PM/3:35c – Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
  • 7:15 PM/6:15c – The Santa Clause
  • 9:25 PM/8:25c – The Santa Clause 2
  • 11:55 PM/10:55c – The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause

still shot from original Rudolph movie airing during Freeform's 25 Days of Christmas

Saturday, December 4

  • 7 AM/6c – The Simpsons – Holiday Episodes
  • 7:30 AM/6:30c – Jingle All the Way
  • 9:35 AM/8:35c – Prancer Returns
  • 11:40 AM/10:40c – Home Alone 3
  • 1:50 PM/12:50c – Arthur Christmas
  • 3:55 PM/2:55c – Disney’s A Christmas Carol
  • 6:05 PM/5:05 – Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town
  • 7:10 PM/6:10c – Frosty the Snowman
  • 7:45 PM/6:45c – Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
  • 8:50 PM/7:50c – Home Alone
  • 11:20 PM/10:20c – Home Alone 2: Lost in New York

Sunday, December 5

  • 7 AM/6c – Prancer Returns
  • 9:05 AM/8:05c – Decorating Disney: Holiday Magic
  • 10:05 AM/9:05c – Unaccompanied Minors
  • 12:10 PM/11:10c – Arthur Christmas
  • 2:15 PM/1:15c – The Nightmare Before Christmas
  • 3:55 PM/2:55c – Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town
  • 5 PM/4c – Frosty the Snowman
  • 5:35 PM/4:35c – Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
  • 6:40 PM/5:40c – Home Alone
  • 9:10 PM/8:10c – Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
  • 11:50 PM/10:50c – Daddy’s Home 2

Monday, December 6

  • 7 AM/6c – It’s a Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie
  • 10:30 AM/9:30c – The Simpsons – Holiday Episodes
  • 11 AM/10c – Daddy’s Home 2
  • 1:10 PM/12:10c – Home Alone
  • 3:40 PM/2:40c – Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
  • 6:20 PM/5:20c – The Santa Clause
  • 8:30 PM/7:30c – The Santa Clause 2
  • 12 AM/11c – The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause

Disney's a Christmas Carol on Freeform 25 Days of Christmas

Tuesday, December 7

  • 7 AM/6c – Stealing Christmas
  • 11 AM/10c – Home Alone
  • 1:30 PM/12:30c – Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
  • 4:10 PM/3:10c – Jingle All the Way
  • 6:15 PM/5:15c – Disney’s A Christmas Carol
  • 8:20 PM/7:20c – Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
  • 12 AM/11c – Arthur Christmas

Wednesday, December 8

  • 7 AM/6c – Snow
  • 11 AM/10c – Jingle All the Way
  • 1 PM/12c – Jingle All the Way 2
  • 3 PM/2c – Arthur Christmas
  • 5 PM/4c – Dr.Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
  • 7:30 PM/6:30c – Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch (2018)
  • 9:30 PM/8:30c – The Nightmare Before Christmas
  • 12-2 AM/11-1c – The Simpsons – Holiday Episodes

Thursday, December 9

  • 7 AM/6c – Snow 2: Brain Freeze
  • 10:30 AM/9:30c – Decorating Disney: Holiday Magic
  • 11:30 AM/10:30c – The Santa Clause
  • 1:40 PM/12:40c – The Santa Clause 2
  • 3:50 PM/2:50c – Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch (2018)
  • 5:50 PM/4:50c – Home Alone
  • 8:20 PM/7:20c – Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
  • 12 AM/11c – Snowglobe

Cindy Loo Who and the Grinch

Friday, December 10

  • 7 AM/6c – Call Me Claus
  • 12 PM/11c – Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
  • 2:35 PM/1:35c – The Nightmare Before Christmas
  • 4:10 PM/3:10c – Home Alone
  • 6:40 PM/5:40c – Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
  • 9:20 PM/8:20c – Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)

Saturday, December 11

  • 7 AM/6c – Unaccompanied Minors
  • 9:05 AM/8:05c – The Little Drummer Boy (1968)
  • 9:35 AM/8:35c – The Star (2017)
  • 11:40 AM/10:40c – Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas
  • 1:10 PM/12:10c – Mickey’s Twice Upon a Christmas
  • 2:40 PM/1:40c – Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story That Time Forgot
  • 3:10 PM/2:10c – Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story
  • 5:10 PM/4:10c – Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story 2
  • 7:15 PM/6:15c – Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story 3
  • 9:45 PM/8:45c – Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story 4
  • 11:55 PM/10:55c – Arthur Christmas

Sunday, December 12

  • 7 AM/6c – The Star (2017)
  • 9 AM/8c – Jingle All the Way
  • 11 AM/10c – Jingle All the Way 2
  • 1:05 PM/12:05c – Arthur Christmas
  • 3:10 PM/2:10c – Disney’s A Christmas Carol
  • 5:15 PM/4:15c – The Santa Clause
  • 7:25 PM/6:25c – The Santa Clause 2
  • 9:55 PM/8:55c – The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause
  • 12 AM/11c – Home Alone 5: The Holiday Heist

Monday, December 13

  • 7 AM/6c – Holiday in Handcuffs
  • 10:30 AM/9:30c – Decorating Disney: Holiday Magic
  • 11:30 AM/10:30c – The Santa Clause
  • 1:30 PM/12:30c – The Santa Clause 2
  • 4 PM/3c – The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause
  • 6 PM/5c – Home Alone
  • 8:30 PM/7:30c – Home Alone 2: Lost in New York

Tuesday, December 14

  • 7 AM/6c – 12 Dates of Christmas
  • 10:30 AM/9:30c – Jingle All the Way
  • 12:30 PM/11:30c – Love Actually
  • 3:30 PM/2:30c – Home Alone
  • 6 PM/5c – Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
  • 8:30 PM/7:30c – Office Christmas Party (Freeform Premiere)
  • 12 AM/11c – The Night Before

boy with Santa

Wednesday, December 15

  • 7 AM/6c – Life-Size 2: A Christmas Eve
  • 11 AM/10c – Office Christmas Party
  • 1:35 PM/12:35c – The Santa Clause
  • 3:45 PM/2:45c – The Santa Clause 2
  • 6:15 PM/5:15c – The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause
  • 8:20 PM/7:20c – Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)

Thursday, December 16

  • 7 AM/6c – Black Nativity
  • 10:30 AM/9:30c – The Preacher’s Wife
  • 1 PM/12c – Almost Christmas
  • 3:30 PM/2:30c – Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
  • 6 PM/5c – Home Alone
  • 8:30 PM/7:30c – Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
  • 12-2 AM/11-1c – The Simpsons – Holiday Episodes

Friday, December 17

  • 9 AM/8c – Love Actually
  • 12 PM/11c – Home Alone
  • 2:30 PM/1:30c – Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
  • 5:10 PM/4:10c – The Santa Clause
  • 7:20 PM/6:20c – The Santa Clause 2
  • 9:50 PM/8:50c – The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause
  • 11:55 PM/10:55c – Disney’s A Christmas Carol

animated Grinch

Saturday, December 18

  • 7:35 AM/6:35c – Love Actually
  • 10:45 AM/9:45c – Unaccompanied Minors
  • 12:55 PM/11:55c – The Santa Clause
  • 3:05 PM/2:05c – The Santa Clause 2
  • 5:35 PM/4:35c – The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause
  • 7:40 PM/6:40c – Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch (2018)
  • 9:40 PM/8:40c – Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
  • 12:20 AM/11:20c – The Nightmare Before Christmas

Sunday, December 19

  • 7:30 AM/6:30c – Unaccompanied Minors
  • 9:30 AM/8:30c – Home Alone 3
  • 11:30 AM/10:30c – The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause
  • 1:30 PM/12:30c – Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
  • 4:10 PM/3:10c – Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch (2018)
  • 6:10 PM/5:10c – Frosty the Snowman
  • 6:45 PM/5:45c – Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
  • 7:50 PM/6:50c – Home Alone
  • 10:20 PM/9:20c – Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
  • 1 AM/12c – Decorating Disney: Holiday Magic

Prancer Returns Movie airing on Freeform's 25 Days of Christmas

Monday, December 20

  • 7 AM/6c – Prancer Returns
  • 10:30 AM/9:30c – Home Alone
  • 1 PM/12c – Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
  • 3:35 PM/2:35c – Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town
  • 4:40 PM/3:40c – Frosty the Snowman
  • 5:15 PM/4:15c – Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
  • 6:20 PM/5:20c – The Santa Clause
  • 8:30 PM/7:30c – The Santa Clause 2
  • 12 AM/11c – The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause

Tuesday, December 21

  • 10:30 AM/9:30c – Jingle All the Way
  • 12:30 PM/11:30c – The Little Drummer Boy (1968)
  • 1 PM/12c – Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town
  • 2 PM/1c – Daddy’s Home 2
  • 4 PM/3c – Disney’s A Christmas Carol
  • 6 PM/5c – Home Alone
  • 8:30 PM/7:30c – Home Alone 2: Lost in New York

Wednesday, December 22

  • 7 AM/6c – The Little Drummer Boy (1968)
  • 7:30 AM/6:30c – Jingle All the Way
  • 9:30 AM/8:30c – Love the Coopers
  • 12 PM/11c – Daddy’s Home 2
  • 2:05 PM/1:05c – Home Alone
  • 4:35 PM/3:35c – Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
  • 7:15 PM/6:15c – The Santa Clause
  • 9:25 PM/8:25c – The Santa Clause 2
  • 11:55 PM/10:55c – The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause

Thursday, December 23

  • 7 AM/6c – It’s a Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie
  • 9 AM/8c – Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas
  • 10:30 AM/9:30c – Mickey’s Twice Upon a Christmas
  • 12 PM/11c – Arthur Christmas
  • 2:05 PM/1:05c – The Star (2017)
  • 4:05 PM/3:05c – Home Alone
  • 6:35 PM/5:35c – Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
  • 9:15 PM/8:15c – Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
  • 11:55 PM/10:55c – Arthur Christmas

animated snowman wearing a hat

Friday, December 24

  • 7 AM/6c – Prancer Returns
  • 10:30 AM/9:30c – The Little Drummer Boy (1968)
  • 11 AM/10c – The Star (2017)
  • 1 PM/12c – Home Alone
  • 3:30 PM/2:30c – Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
  • 6 PM/5c – Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
  • 8:30 PM/7:30c – Frosty the Snowman
  • 9 PM/8c – Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
  • 10 PM/9c – Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town

Saturday, December 25

  • 7 AM/6c – Arthur Christmas
  • 9:10 AM/8:10c – The Santa Clause
  • 11:20 AM/10:20c – The Santa Clause 2
  • 1:50 PM/12:50c – The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause
  • 4 PM/3c – Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town
  • 5:05 PM/4:05c – Frosty the Snowman
  • 5:40 PM/4:40c – Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
  • 6:45 PM/5:45c – Home Alone
  • 9:15 PM/8:15c – Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
  • 11:55 PM/10:55c – Arthur Christmas

Netflix Holiday Movie Schedule

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November 1

The Claus Family

 

November 5

Love Hard

 

November 7

Father Christmas is Back

 

November 17

Christmas Flow (Netflix Series)

 

November 18

The Princess Switch 3: Romancing the Star

 

November 19

Blown Away: Christmas

 

November 23

Waffles + Mochi’s Holiday Feast (Kids & Family)

 

November 24

A Boy Called Christmas

Robin Robin (Kids & Family)

 

November 26

A Castle For Christmas

School of Chocolate (Netflix Series)

 

November 28

Elves (Netflix Series)

 

November 30

Charlie's Colorforms City: Snowy Stories (Kids & Family)

 

 

 

December 2

Single All the Way

 

December 3

Shaun the Sheep: The Flight Before Christmas (Kids & Family)

The Great British Baking Show: Holidays: Season 4 (Series)

 

December 6

David and the Elves

 

December 14

StarBeam: Beaming in the New Year (Kids & Family)

 

December 16

A California Christmas: City Lights

 

December 22

Grumpy Christmas

 

December 24

1000 Miles from Christmas

 

Coming in December

A Naija Christmas

How To Ruin Christmas: Season 2 (Netflix Series)

Pottery Barn Disney Holiday Collection

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STONEWARE SALAD PLATES

These stoneware plates are the perfect way to serve up your homemade cookies for Santa on Christmas Eve. They're dishwasher and microwave safe and match the brand's Mickey-inspired drinking glasses ($49) so you can leave him a cold glass of milk to go with the cookies.

STONEWARE MUG SET

Hot cocoa is the perfect accompaniment to a holiday movie night, and we imagine it tastes even sweeter out of the Mickey-printed mugs. The set of two is dishwasher and microwave safe (score!) for easy clean-up and re-heating.

HOLIDAY CORK PLACEMATS

After all the time you spend making Christmas dinner, the last thing you want to do is spend more hours decorating the table. These cork placemats make creating gorgeous place settings a breeze—and they're so easy to clean, too! Plus, they're sustainably sourced and made from recycled materials.

HOLIDAY GUEST TOWELS

Welcome holiday guests with a fresh set of Mickey-inspired hand towels. Whether you hang them in the powder room or the guest bath (or grab a set for both!), they're an easy way to spread Christmas cheer all over the house. The set comes with two towels that are made from sustainably-sourced materials.

HOLIDAY COTTON TABLECLOTH

If you're looking for a splurge-worthy item, consider saving up for this gorgeous holiday tablecloth. Made from 100% cotton, the 70 x 108-inch tablecloth features a sweet winter scene of Mickey and friends all the way around. Plus, you can machine wash it after the big meal.

New LEGO Holiday Sets

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Whether you love adorable polar bears or whimsical penguins, you’ll have a hard time choosing between these cute new kits. The Polar Bear & Gift Pack ($9.99) is great for kids seven and up and comes with 142 pieces.

The LEGO Christmas Penguin ($14.99) is also bringing whimsy, with the ability to rotate, move its wings and stand next to a Christmas tree and three presents.

The penguin set is perfect for kids eight and older and comes with 244 pieces. Both sets will launch on Oct. 1 at LEGO.com and at LEGO stores.

 

All photos: Courtesy of LEGO

Starbucks Holiday Cups

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Photo credit: Starbucks

Photo credit: Starbucks

Starbucks' reusable tumblers for the holidays are the cutest cups of the bunch. First up is a swirly, sparkly cup with dashes of red, green, and pink with a pink lid and straw. Think holidays, but make it glam and all for $18.95! You can definitely use this through Valentine's Day with no one batting an eyelash. Next up, Starbucks is staying on the shimmering train it's been on the last few seasons with this shiny pink grid cold cup. This is truly an evergreen purchase you'll be carrying around through next summer and beyond and it'll run you $19.95.

Photo credit: Suzi Pratt

Photo credit: Suzi Pratt

The brand's Christmas Blend this year is inspired by the original 1984 recipe, which has all the cozy notes of herbs, baking spices, and a chocolate finish. This coffee will be available alongside bags of Holiday Blend and Christmas Blend Espresso Roast. 

Starbucks Holiday Treats

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Photo credit: Connor Surdi

Photo credit: Connor Surdi

This year, enjoy the Peppermint Mocha, Toasted White Chocolate Mocha, Caramel Brulee Latte, Chestnut Praline Latte, and Eggnog Latte at U.S. stores starting tomorrow, Friday November 6.

Second only to the cozy and festive coffee drinks are the cups that house them, and this year, we have possibly the most adorable ones in recent memory. The designs, seen in the photo above, are called Ribbon, Dot, Sparkle and Brand Wrap in case you want to sound very knowledgeable to your barista.

PLUS, Starbucks is indeed giving away a free collectible red holiday cup (shown above!) to customers who order a handcrafted holiday beverage (AKA all of the ones we just mentioned) on November 6 at participating stores in the U.S. Look at its cute little pattern! That's one holiday gift we can get behind. Just be quick if you can because these are only available while supplies last.

Photo credit: Starbucks

Photo credit: Starbucks

Finally, we're on to the food, and this year Starbucks will offer a new Cranberry Orange Scone in its bakery case that is sure to pair perfectly with any of its holiday drinks. You'll also see the return of the Sugar Plum Danish, Cranberry Bliss Bar, Snowman Cookie, and Snowman Cake Pop.

Tips For An Affordable Holiday Party

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Holiday parties are a fun part of the season, and hosting one can be a blast. The trick is to throw a fun party without spending your gift shopping budget to make it happen. Luckily, there are some easy ways to make your party fun without breaking the bank. (See also: 7 Budget Gifts You Can Bring to a Holiday Party)

PARE DOWN THE GUEST LIST

The more the merrier, right? It's not quite that simple if you're the host (AKA the treasurer). Consider whittling down your guest list for the party and you'll save a good chunk of change while providing a more intimate gathering. If you still want to invite that old co-worker, fitness instructor, and the mailman, then go for a potluck or BYOB (more on that in a moment).

GET THE TIMING RIGHT

If you don't want to serve a full meal and deal with all of the requirements it brings, try having your party at a non-eating time. Eight at night or later is acceptable for not providing dinner unless you state otherwise. Plus, many people will go out to eat just before, and therefore won't need a snack until later. If you'd like to have a less boozy gathering that won't last until the wee hours, a Sunday evening party is perfect. For a (nearly) booze-less gathering, host a cookie or tree-trimming party in the afternoon, and you can squeeze by with warm cider and cookies.

DECORATE RESOURCEFULLY

There's no need to blow your budget on party decorations. For lighting, simply gather all of the candles you own and cluster them on a main table before lighting them. Or buy a couple of strings of cheap holiday lights and stick them in jars. Instead of buying expensive flowers, take trimmings from an evergreen tree, branches with berries, and pine cones and make a seasonal arrangement.

One of the easiest ways to decorate for a party is to use food. Put those pretty cookies you made (or your nice friend brought over) on a platter. Put pretty citrus on plates and in bowls for decoration, and then use them for cocktails or snacking. Fill bowls with candy that guests can snack on and take home.

You can even make decorating the central theme. Have a tree-trimming party and either have everyone make decorations as an activity when they arrive or bring an ornament with them as their contribution to the party.

BYO ALL SORTS OF THINGS

Don't be afraid to ask guests to bring key items with them to your party. The most common example is to have people bring their own drinks, such as wine. This tried-and-true method can majorly cut down on a big party budget eater: alcohol. You can get more creative with BYOB and have people bring a mixer and you supply the liquor for a nice cocktail bar (or reverse it and have your guests bring the booze). Or have a holiday wine tasting, and have everyone bring a bottle to share.

Throw a cookie party this year — ask guests to bring cookies to share and create a sweet display. Supply a salty snack or two and something to drink and you're done! If you're having a smaller gathering, have guests specifically bring cookies for decorating andprovide the icing and sprinkles for a fun afternoon.

FEED YOUR GUESTS (WITHOUT GOING BROKE)

Food can be a major expense for holiday parties, but you don't have to spend big to have a great time. A potluck is a classic way to nearly eliminate this expense, and it's a fun way to socialize and sample new dishes. Try basing your potluck party around a theme, even if that's just "holiday meal," and let everyone know what you're making as the main course so they can plan accordingly.

It's no secret that when it comes to food, it's almost always cheaper to do it yourself. So forget catering, and get thee to the kitchen! Even if you're not a cook, you can whip up some easy but satisfying snacks. Try swapping a pricey cheese platter for a homemade cheese ball with crackers and crudites (slice the veggies yourself — it's much cheaper than buying them cut up at the grocery). Bread fills people up, so put out a variety of crostini to nibble on. And a bowl of homemade popcorn is super cheap and always a hit.

If you can stand the clean up, use your own "real" dishes, utensils and glasses. If your crowd is too big or the lack of a dishwasher makes it all feel impossible, head to your local dollar store for disposables.

FESTIVE DRINKING THE CHEAP WAY

If you're offering up drinks as part of your party deal, a great way to please a crowd is with punch. It frees you up to use cheaper booze without anyone being the wiser, and you can stretch the alcohol with mixers. An apple cider punch or mulled wine are great for a winter party and can go a long way.

If you want to serve a proper cocktail, consider using prosecco. It tastes and looks festive, but for the taste and the bubbles, it costs much less than it's counterparts.

FREE ENTERTAINMENT

No party is complete without a soundtrack. Find holiday playlists on an online streaming or radio service and just press play. Put Christmas movies that you own or are streaming for free on your TV in the background (or perhaps a crackling fireplace). Mix things up by playing games like Celebrity, Who Am I? and Mafia, all of which are totally free and great fun with a group.

AFFORDABLE GIFTING

If you'd like to include a gifting element, an always fun and budget-friendly game of Secret Santa is an easy solution. Set a spending limit as low as you like and let people get creative. That way, everyone (including you) only has to buy one gift instead of 15, and it's a fun party game. You can also send your guests home with gifts, but make them dual purpose: gift your party decorations (such as ornaments), or pack everyone little gift bags with an assortment of the cookies they brought.

Source: Wisebread.com

Baby Yoda Cookies

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Just use an angel cookie cutter, trim off the top and there it is- Baby Yoda! Use brown and green icing to decorate.
Here's the sugar cookie recipe: 

    1 1/2 cups butter, softened 

    2 cups white sugar 

    4 eggs 

    1 teaspoon vanilla extract 

    5 cups all-purpose flour 

    2 teaspoons baking powder 

    1 teaspoon salt 


In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Stir in the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cover, and chill dough for at least one hour (or overnight).    Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Roll out dough on floured surface 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Cut into shapes with any cookie cutter. Place cookies 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheets.    Bake 6 to 8 minutes in preheated oven. Cool completely. 


Icing Recipe: 
In a medium bowl, mix powdered sugar and butter with spoon or electric mixer on low speed. Stir in vanilla and 1 tablespoon of the milk. Gradually beat in just enough remaining milk to make frosting smooth and spreadable. If frosting is too thick, beat in more milk, a few drops at a time.


First, I doubled the recipe and mixed everything in my Kitchen Aid mixer. My grandma mixed most of her cookies with a spoon, the old-school way. 

Then I wrapped everything in wax paper to chill for a few hours. Then get out your angel cookie cutters and start cutting out.

Photo Source Unknown

Holiday Shipping Deadlines

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FedEx Shipping Deadlines

  • December 9th – FedEx SmartPost
  • December 16th – FedEx Ground and FedEx Home Delivery
  • December 19th – FedEx Express Saver
  • December 20th – both FedEx 2Day and 2Day A.M.
  • December 23rd – FedEx First Overnight, Priority Overnight, and Standard Overnight
  • December 25th – FedEx SameDay, SameDay City Priority, or SameDay City Direct,

Go here for more details about FedEx’s 2019 holiday ordering deadlines, or download the printable version.

 

 

USPS Shipping Deadlines

Go here for more details about USPS’s 2019 holiday ordering deadlines.

 

UPS Shipping Deadlines

  • December 13th – UPS Ground
  • December 19th – UPS 3-Day Select
  • December 20th – UPS 2nd Day Air
  • December 23rd – UPS Next Day Air

Amazon Holiday Movies

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Frosty the Snowman

 

The whole family will be a bunch of jolly, happy souls when they watch this holiday classic about the snowman who was brought to life with a magic hat and some love.

Rated: G
Recommended Ages: 3+
Available on: Amazon

 

 

The Snowman

 

Based on the classic picture book by Raymond Briggs, The Snowman is totally worth a watch with your tiny tots. This wordless movie follows the adventures of a young boy whose snowman comes to life. It’s a simple but whimsical story that still offers a healthy dose of holiday magic.

Rated: Not Rated
Recommended Ages: 3+
Available at: Amazon.com

 

The Polar Express

 

Based on the beautiful best-selling book, this modern classic follows a young boy on his journey to the North Pole where he discovers just how real Santa's holiday magic is.

Rating: G
Recommended Ages: 6+
Available on Amazon

 

 

It's a Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie

 

The classic story of It’s a Wonderful Life gets a kid-friendly twist thanks to the Muppet gang. In this version, the Muppet Theater is in trouble and a stressed-out Kermit wonders if the world would have been better off without him and his friends. Luckily, his guardian angel (David Arquette) shows him what matters most—with the help of fun musical numbers and a star-studded cast, of course.

Rated: PG
Recommended Ages: 6+
Available at: Amazon.com

 

Arthur Christmas

 

What’s the lovable youngest son of Santa to do when he discovers that one child hasn’t received her Christmas present? Go on a madcap mission, of course! You’ll love the family spirit of this movie as we meet Arthur and the whole Claus clan. Plus, it’s made by the very same animators who came up with Chicken Run and Wallace & Gromit.

Rated: PG
Recommended Ages: 5+
Available at: Amazon.com

 

 

The Nightmare Before Christmas

 

Are your little elves torn about whether their favorite holiday is Christmas or Halloween? Then give ‘em a dose of both. This holiday classic is a little offbeat, a little spooky, and full of a whole lot of crazy stop-motion visuals. It’s perfect for kids who crave a different kind of Christmas movie—and those who are old enough to enjoy the eerie effects.

Rated: PG
Recommended Ages: 7+
Available at: Amazon.com

 

A Charlie Brown Christmas

 

For wise kids (and those who have a soft spot for Snoopy), you can’t go wrong with the Peanuts gang. Charlie Brown has some deep thoughts about Christmas commercialization and the holiday blues, but the end is all kinds of merry: the true meaning of Christmas and snappy music to boot.

Rated: Not Rated
Recommended Ages: 3+
Available at: Amazon.com

 

The Santa Clause

 

Older kids will get a kick out of watching Tim Allen (a divorced, uninvolved, turkey-burning dad) take a turn as Santa. The scenes at Santa’s workshop and the North Pole are definitely amazing, but practice some Christmas caution: Allen gets the Santa gig because the original takes a fatal topple off a roof, there’s a lot of talk about divorce and even a slightly scary scene with police.

Rated: PG
Recommended Ages: 9+
Available at: Amazon.com

 

Home Alone

 

A member of the John Hughes movie family, Home Alone is a full-fledged faceoff between eight-year-old Kevin and a couple of witless burglars. If it’s been a while since you’ve seen this one, you may not remember just how violent the slapstick gets. Still, it’s worth a view for older kids who understand the Christmas consequences.

Rated: PG
Recommended Ages: 10+
Available at: Amazon.com

 

Elf

 

Don’t be a cotton-headed ninny muggins (pardon our language) and miss out on watching the story of our favorite innocent “elf,” Buddy! This is another holiday movie you'll be quoting all season long. Though there are a few spots that may run a little boring for little ones, they’ll still love seeing the holidays through Buddy’s enthusiastic eyes.

Rated: PG
Recommended Ages: 7+
Available: Amazon.com

 

Miracle on 34th Street

 

This 1994 remake of a 1940s classic has all the tried-and-true favorites of a Christmas movie: a precocious kid, a lovable Santa and a smiley ending. But keep in mind, Mom and Dad, that the little girl in the movie does question the existence of Santa Claus—so if this isn’t a hot topic in your house yet, you might want to skip this one!

Rated: PG
Recommended Ages: 6+
Available: Amazon.com

 

How the Grinch Stole Christmas

 

We can’t settle the age-old debate of old Grinch vs. new Grinch—but we’ll admit that the classic ‘toon version holds a special place in our “two sizes too small” hearts. Add it to your holiday movie lineup to get your yuletide dose of Seuss and Whoville.

Rated: Not Rated
Recommended Ages: 4+
Available at: Amazon.com

 

photo: IMDB

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

 

This stop-motion classic about Rudolph and his unusual nose is a must-watch for every generation in your house

Rated: Not Rated
Recommended Ages: 3+
Available at: Amazon

 

The Muppets Christmas Carol

 

There are a lot of versions of this story out there, but how many of them feature Michael Caine as Scrooge and the big-hearted Kermit as Bob Cratchit? Throw in all the fun musical numbers and Gonzo as the Charles Dickens narrator and you’ve got yourself a movie sesh to remember. Fair warning: his job is to scare Scrooge, so the Ghost of Christmas Future is pretty scary.

Rated: G
Recommended Ages: 5+
Available at: Amazon.com

 

A Christmas Story

 

Warning: Watching A Christmas Story is likely to result in nonstop quoting of all those hilarious one-liners (Go ahead and say it with us: “You’ll shoot your eye out!”). Double warning for the younger tots: “Fudge” is substituted for the F word, one poor kid gets his tongue frozen to a flagpole, and let’s not forget that fishnet stocking leg lamp.

Rated: PG
Recommended Ages: 8+
Available at: Amazon.com