Ugly Christmas Sweater Cookie Swap Party

     While I was in Texas visiting my family, my mom and I decided it would be fun to host an Ugly Christmas Sweater Cookie Swap party.  The ugly sweaters have been popping up everywhere when the holiday season hits.  I found my cute "ugly" sweater at Target along with some fun decorations for the party.

     Mom and I also set out some yummy snacks to munch on before we dove into the sweet treats.

     I found some fun Gingerbread Man shaped pasta on Amazon which I made into a pasta salad.  I even found some sweaters and scarves for the wine!

As for the treats...

     I baked up some homemade Gingerbread and my friend made these Balish Cookies.

     Mom made her famous Buckeyes and Pretzel Turtles.

     She also made some Gingersnaps and a friend brought these Hershey Kiss Cookies.

     My friend Tori brought these M&M Sugar Cookies and my sister brought some Mexican Chocolate Snickerdoodles.

     My Mother-in-Law came too and brought these White Chocolate Covered Pretzels and some Peanut Butter Fudge.

     Another family friend brought some yummy Toffee.

     The kiddos had a great time surrounded by the whole family.  Enjoying tasty snacks and cookies.

     We even got to ooVoo (video chat) with the hubby, since he is still deployed.  It was the first time in 5 months that his family got to speak to him.  They were so excited to see him!

     Another great party, laid back and fun.  I love having my family around me for the holidays.  Plus there were cookies! YAY!

Christmas Cookie Swap

     Awhile ago I invited some of my lady friends over to have a Christmas Cookie Swap.  If you haven't been to one of these they are great!  Everyone bakes up some cookies, I asked everyone to bring 3 dozen, plus the cookie recipe.  Then, we place all the cookies out and everyone can box some up to take home plus we swap the cookie recipes!  It's a lot of fun!

I love decorating for a party and this was no exception. Even Zippy decided to hang out on the cookie table!

I went for a red gold vintage inspired table decor.

Put out my little baking Santa with some cinnamon scented pinecones

I just to put one of my fox ornaments out with the pretty garland

And of course, what would Christmas be without a Nativity Scene

Love poinsettia during the holidays and this one was so pretty!

Liam and I made some old school paper chains

I hung up some of the Candy Cane pipe cleaners we made

I also wanted to put up some paper snowflakes.

This is best one I've ever cut out!

I made some Broiled Grapefruit

How about a little sweet and savory 

with these Sausage Bacon Bites

I know they are a little toasty but very tasty, 

made some Cheesy Bacon Egg Boats 

& Egg Boats with Roasted Garlic & Goat Cheese

These Hazelnut Goji Berry Truffles were pretty yummy too!

Since it's a cookie swap..here are the cookies I baked up!

Lemon Pistachio & Cranberry Wreath Cookies

Candied Bacon & Bourbon Chocolate Chip Cookies

My friend Marisa brought these Peanut Butter Cup Cookies

My friend Amanda brought these Chocolate Almond Logs

My friend Elizabeth brought these Peanut Butter Squares

And my friend Jennie brought the Peppermint Bark

I set up a Hot Cocoa Bar too!

Stocked with marshmallows, peppermint marshmallows, 

peppermint sticks, and some cinnamon.

This was the BEST Hot Cocoa

and it was made in the CROCKPOT!

And I set up a Champagne Bar!

Fresh fruit and different kinds of juices to add to your champagne!

I went with an Orange Juice, Pomegranate Juice, with Raspberries Mimosa!

Enjoying some brunch

After some yummy munchies, 

the ladies put on their aprons and got to baking!

We baked up some Andes Mint Chocolate Cookies

I made these cute party favors for the ladies to take home!

Another fun filled party and yummy too!

Hope you enjoy all the cookie recipes!