A party idea to file away for Christmas

I turned to some of my Pinterest boards to get some ideas for Christmas in July posts.  On my Christmas Hospitality board,  I found this practical and fun idea by Ashley from Under the Sycamore:  Come and go, but bring cookies.

Am I glad I pinned this!

Some years ago I saw an idea for just having a cookie and eggnog, or cookie and punch, party, and I liked the simplicity of it.  This idea from Ashley is even nicer.

She planned a simple "come and go" party and asked everyone who came to bring a plate of cookies.  Now I've done open houses, and I've done cookie swaps, but this simple idea seems to top them all.  Come when you can, leave when you must, but just bring a plate of cookies.

Ashley and her kids decorated before folks came

Screenshot from Under the Sycamore

and they provided cocoa, hot cider, lattes, and paper goods.   She shared that paper snack trays worked perfectly for serving the cookies, rather than paper plates. 

Screenshot from Under the Sycamore

Pretty sure I've seen this type of snack tray at the Dollar Tree in the past, especially in summer.  It might be worth a look there to see if they have them right now.

Really, this is just a perfect get-together for the season, isn't it?  Most people are going to bake (or buy) some festive cookies anyway.  How hard is it to arrange some on a plate and take it along to a come-and-go gathering?  It's hard to imagine what Christmas entertaining is going to look like come December.  Much as I wish it will be just as it's always been, I know that could be unrealistic.  A party like this would facilitate getting together but in smaller groups. 

I'm going to be putting a simple party like this on my December calendar, I think.  What about you?