Hosting a cookie exchange is an effortless way to collect a variety of cookies without baking them all yourself. Plus there’s the added bonus of enjoying a fun visit with family, friends, neighbours and colleagues.

1 Keep the guest list manageable. Six to eight is a good starting point. More guests will ensure a wide variety of cookies, but too many spells an excess of baked goods.

2 Avoid duplication by asking guests to RSVP with the kind of cookie they plan to bring.

3 Ask each guest to plan on baking one dozen cookies per guest. Suggest that guests avoid anything fragile or sticky.

4 Remind guests to bring their own containers to transport cookies home. Or have guests pack their cookies in inexpensive airtight containers to avoid repacking. Have plenty of waxed paper on hand for layering and packing.

5 Have guests bring along enough copies of their cookie recipe for everyone.

6 Provide a decorated table to display all of the cookies.

7 Provide beverages and snacks for guests to enjoy as they ooh and aah over the cookies.

8 Have a good time!

Excerpted from Canadian Living The Complete Christmas Book by the editors of Canadian Living Magazine Copyright © 2007 by the editors of Canadian Living Magazine. Excerpted by permission of Transcontinental Books, a division of Random House of Canada Limited. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.