We here at Cooking Channel love a good party. But throwing a memorable event requires more than just gathering some food and drink. We show you how with just five main “ingredients” (including recipes, big-impact decorating ideas and easy DIY elements) you can throw a party that feels like it has a cohesive theme — minimal work required.

The holidays are all about spending quality time with friends and family, so I love hosting a fun and festive gathering that allows me enjoy their company — not spend an entire day preparing for the event.  This year I decided to host a simple, old-fashioned cookie swap, reimagined to feel like a cozy mountain ski lodge. With an abundance of plaid and both vintage and handmade details, it sets the stage for mugs full of hot beverages and indulgent sweets. The best part about this party concept, though, is that everyone brings their own batch of homemade cookies for potluck-style eats, and by sending printable recipe cards along with the invitation, you'll have favors ready for everyone (that they'll actually use).

To throw your own cookie swap, you'll need five essential ingredients:

Click here to see the party in action and get tips on hosting your own cookie swap.

For my contribution to the cookie party, I baked some of my favorites: Peppermint Meltaways. (This recipe's prep time is under an hour and they absolutely melt in your mouth!) All of the cookies were delicious, but two other crowd favorites were the  Snappy Ginger Cookies (with an amazing creamy cranberry filling) and Peppermint Fudge Crinkle Cookies. Needless to say, the leftovers didn't last long.

I couldn't possibly serve cookies without milk. While I had plain 1% on hand for guests to enjoy, I also whipped up a more adult version combining brandy and nutmeg to create a classic "brandy milk punch." It's always good to have a fun nonalcoholic option as well, so I also served warm apple cider with cinnamon sticks.

See more about this party’s décor and find out how to set up your own cookie buffet here.

Camille Styles is the founder and editor of lifestyle blog camillestyles.com, where she shares creative enterta ining ideas for parties and everyday life. She also owns Camille Styles Events, a design and planning firm that transforms ordinary events into extraordinary experiences.