Host an Amazing Ugly Sweater/Cookie Exchange Christmas Party Mashup!

I like Christmas parties, cookies and ugly sweaters. So this year, my husband and I decided to mashup those favorites into one festive party. Because we all know, ain’t nobody got time to have two holiday parties. Here’s how to plan the perfect ugly sweater/cookie exchange party mashup!

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I like Christmas parties, cookies and ugly sweaters. So this year, my husband and I decided to mashup those favorites into one festive party. Because we all know, ain’t nobody got time to have two holiday parties.

I also like my party planning to be easy and laid out for me. If you’re like me, here’s a list of my tips and tricks to follow to make sure you have the easiest party planning possible.

Choose a date, time and place. Make an invitation.

First things first: pick when and where the party will be. Will you have it at your house or host it at a different location?

Then, make an invitation. Are you more of a paper/snail mail type or an e-vite type?

If you like paper/snail mail, I recommend checking out canva.com. You can design an invitation and then save it as a PDF to print out.

Here’s an example of one I designed on canva (the address line is left blank, obviously):

You can also use an online invitation site, like e-vite, to create super cute digital invitations.

Plan the food around the cookies. Choose make-ahead as much as possible.

Remember, everyone is bringing cookies. We’re having everyone bring 1-2 dozen of one kind of cookie. I made 3 kinds so there were extras. That way, everyone could choose a dozen to take home, and there were plenty left for snacking on, too.

Depending on the time of your party, you may just want to serve a few appetizers to go alongside the cookies. We’re doing 3 different dips in my 3-pot crockpot, and probably some sliders and little sausages. We’ll have a fresh veggie tray as well. You definitely want your appetizers to be savory, because there are going to be soooo many sweet cookies.

Most of the appetizers are either crockpot or make-ahead dishes. That way, I don’t have to be stuck in the kitchen the whole time; I can be out enjoying the party while the food takes care of itself.

Provide one kind of drink, and ask others to contribute.

Alcohol is expensive. We always buy some beer or make a fancy punch/cocktail, and then ask guests to bring some beer or wine with them if they’d like. That way, the cost isn’t all yours, and at the end of the night, you’re not potentially left with tons of leftover drinks.

Try making mulled wine using Trader Joe’s Winter Wassail and a bottle of red wine. Just simmer both in the crockpot with a few cinnamon sticks and you’re set!

Decide if there will be prizes for the ugliest sweater.

Is it a contest? IF so, you’re going to want some cheap prizes. I found some cute ribbons at Hobby Lobby – one each for ugly, uglier, and ugliest sweater. Here are some other ones on Amazon, as well.

I’m going to make a ballot box and cards so that people can vote for their favorite ugly sweater, but you can also buy a cheap one here.

You also need to decide what your prize is going to be. I’m going to get some classy Aldi wine and dress them up with these ugly sweater labels for the winner.

Have boxes or bags for people to take cookies home in.

They may have room in the container they brought their cookies in, but it would be courteous if you had extra available for those who need them.

Decorate (if you want).

I’m a firm believer that the people make the party, not the decorations. But, ugly sweater parties are meant to be gaudy and loud. If you need some decoration ideas, just search ‘ugly sweater party’ on Amazon, or hit up Hobby Lobby. Here’s water bottle labels and wine glass markers; there’s tons more on Amazon as well.

How about stringing up an ugly sweater banner? Oriental Trading has one for a decent price!

Our party is this weekend – I’ll let you know how it goes. Hopefully, I’ll also update with some pictures!

Need some cookie ideas for the cookie exchange?