Happy Tuesday! I love it when we link up to Andrea and share something. Today, we’re sharing favorite parties we’ve hosted (it’s going to be fun to look through everyone’s!).
I like having people over and entertaining, but usually, we have small little suppers at our house and not actual parties. Typically, we only have birthday parties for each kiddo in our home and then a Christmas party or two (with maybe an occasional baby shower or something thrown in for good measure).
I can’t pick between my kids’ birthday parties (because I really and truly love them all!), so instead of picking one of their special days, I thought I’d show you my other favorite kind of party to host…
For the last five years in a row, I’ve hosted a recipe exchange with some girlfriends and it is truly one of my favorite things to do during the holiday season.
Each year, we have a different theme (appetizers, desserts, side dishes, casseroles), everyone turns in their recipe in advance so that a little book can be made for the party, we bring something to donate for a charitable cause (we’ve done the Angel Tree before and we donate to the food pantry), and then everyone brings their favorite dish and we all have a big feast. I provide the drinks, any additional accompanying food, the festive music and twinkle lights and we have the best time!
Over the last five years, this has been such a wonderful way to celebrate the holidays with friends, get new recipes for my own family to use throughout the year and do something good for our community. I love these recipe exchanges :).
So, once more, let’s recap…
1. Everyone emails me their recipe in advance and I compile a book.
2. Everyone brings their recipe the night of the party.
3. We eat, eat, eat and then vote on our favorite (the winner gets a prize!).
4. Everyone leaves with a party favor and a copy of the recipe book.
Over the years, we have done a Cookie and Bar Exchange (I provided dinner and then we ate the sweets), we have done a Side Dish Exchange (I provided a ham, dinner rolls and dessert), a Casserole Exchange, and then this was our second time to do an Appetizer Exchange (we did it back in 2011 and decided to repeat it this last year too).
I always provide drinks and dessert to round things out. Next year, we’re all coming in our pajamas and doing a Breakfast Recipe Exchange :).
This doesn’t have to be a holiday party either! You could do your own recipe exchange any time of year…a summer exchange would be fun too!
And because my three favorite reasons to celebrate are my sweet kiddos, here are the links to their birthday parties…
…I cannot wait until June when we get to have a party for Miss Ashby too!
Next time on Show & Tell Tuesdays, we’re sharing our momfessional moments! And to see posts from the past…
(I was in China for the first two, so I wasn’t able to participate.)
On my foodie blog today, one of my very favorite things…
Not only are they so good, they’re simple to whip together too!
And one last thing…
…Erika is celebrating her one year anniversary with Rodan + Fields with a fun party! If you’ve ever considered working with Rodan + Fields, you should come check it out! All of the details are on her blog. If you’re a stay at home mom, a teacher who is off for the summer or a working professional that would like some extra income, this is for you. Click here to find out more.
Happy Tuesday!
Elizabeth says
I always love reading about your recipe exchanges!!! (P.s. This is the first time in over a year I was awake before you posted! ? I honestly got worried and then I looked at the time- I just thought it was too funny not to share!)
Narci says
Your recipe exchanges are one of my favorite traditions! I can't wait for this year!!
Sarah Shaneyfelt says
I love the recipe exchange idea! I am going to have to try it with my friends this year!
Sheaffer {Pinterest Told Me To} says
Yep! One of my very favorite parties to attend for sure!!!!!!!
Kelly @ Familiar Joy says
I love the recipe exchange idea, and may just have to use that, this year! Great ideas for kids parties, too! I looooove throwing kid birthday parties! Getting ready for my last baby to turn two next month. =)
Erika Slaughter says
I agree!!! That Christmas party is one of my favorite to attend!
Hayley Nelson says
What website do you use to compile the cookbook?
Mix and Match Mama says
I'm totally not fancy at all! I just type everything up on Word and print it out on fun Christmas paper. 🙂
thebusybrunette says
OMG – I love this idea. I think I like it most b/c it takes the pressure off the host/hostess to provide and prepare ALL the food. You just have to "fill in the blanks." Smart! I think I may have to steal your idea here because it sounds so fun… mostly b/c I love to eat! 🙂
Happy Tuesday!
"The Busy Brunette"
http://thebusybrunette.blogspot.com/
Kelly @ The OK Momma says
What a fun idea for a party – like pot luck with a twist 🙂
Jersey Love says
I love the recipe exchange idea. I go to a Christmas cookie swap every year, but I want to host a recipe exchange this year! Hopefully we'll be moved into our new house by then!
Anonymous says
Your recipe exchange party sounds like a such a super fun time, plus you get the chance to come away with some yummy recipes! Wish you would share those recipes with us sometime…hint hint 🙂 Really enjoy your blog Shay look forward to reading it everyday!!
Ann Marie says
I love seeing your adorable birthdays for the kids! TOO cute!!!! Planning parties is my thing- I. love. it! Now.. off to plan the girls 3rd in October. Kidding- kinda.
Natalie Zambreski says
I love the idea of a recipe exchange party!
Anonymous says
1. your kids are ADORABLE!
2. not trying to be rude or anything to the prince and princess but you totally should have helped them name the new little princess LOL. your kids have such wonderful names. Charlotte Elizabeth Diana is a cute name but I feel like you could have came up with something more creative 😉
Sarah says
Love recipe exchanges! Might have to do this with my friends 🙂 You are such an awesome party planner, You and Andrea need to go into business together planning other people's parties 🙂 Like you don't already have enough to do!
Whitney @ Work it Mommy says
This is such a fun idea! I love reading about your recipe exchanges, maybe I need to organize one for my girlfriends. I love eating so whats better than doing it with friends and giving back to the community? Thanks for the great idea!
Megan says
I love the recipe exchange idea! I really think I am going to get this going in our group of friends! Looks so fun!
Whitney S says
Loved the idea of a holiday recipe exchange with girlfriends! Totally going to do this with our gals! 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
mel @ the larson lingo says
Pretty sure I need to host a recipe exchange party! SO fun! Yay for parties!! 🙂
Anonymous says
I hope this is not too personal but
1. where do you get their cute cupcakes and cookies from?
2. As a new mommy to party age kids ( school age).. how much does a nice party cost. anyone can answer this lol
Jaren says
I love how y'all change up the theme each year! Can I just say that I totally wish I could attend next year's breakfast one 🙂 That sounds like such a great theme for Christmas!!
Anonymous says
Hi shay! Hope you are having a fantastic week. Quick question… What size are you in the J Crew 3" inch chinos? I want to order some but not sure about sizing. Thanks so much! You are amazing and so so beautiful. Xoxo
Anonymous says
You should look into this website next time you put together a cookbook. I've heard great things about it!
http://www.tastebook.com/cookbook_studio
Alison says
I love the recipe exchange idea Shay!
Christy says
I can't wait to host a recipe exchange party! How do you make the books for them to take home? I would LOVE this!