PLAY NICE: Rules for Effective Swapping

1.  Trust, trust, trust.  You're going to have to jump in here with both feet, friends!  It is kinda rude (and a snooze-fest to boot) to grill someone about the purity of his ingredients or his kitchen hygiene.  Take that leap of faith that the people partaking in the food swap are truly interested in food and will treat it with care, just like you.

2.  It is okay to say 'no'.  The host will announce at the start of the event that people can accept or decline swaps with zero guilt.  People don't say no because your food looks 'yuck' - they could have an allergy, a specific diet requirement, or perhaps your item is a little on the 'ho-hum' side.  People tend to go for the exotic, or things they won't make themselves at home: basil-blackberry vodka, homemade vanilla extract, etc."

3.  Don't play 'Let's Make a Deal".  The general rule of swaps is one item for one item.  No one really wants to hear "I stayed up all night and watched my bread rise, so one loaf is worth 5 dozen of your shortbread cookies."  That takes the fun out of the social aspect of this event.

4.  DO pity swaps.  So, if you've scored all the goodies you want and you still have extra jars of your homemade cinnamon peanut butter, don't take them home with you.  Swap your leftovers with people whose offerings have been passed by.  This is a great way to encourage beginners and get people to feel welcome.  Besides, you might be pleasantly surprised!