Tree Trimming Party!
John and I were getting the house ready all day Saturday. I decided to hang up the ornaments so our guests didn't have to work while at the party and John put up the lights outside. Three of our strands went out but he did a great job without them and you can't even tell they're missing. We also put the trees I got on clearance last year on either side of the front door. I LOVE them! I would have trees in every room of the house if I could and I think they add the perfect touch to our front porch. I cleaned the house while listening to Christmas music and then got started on the appetizers. I took it easy on myself and only made 2 appetizers and also got some frozen pastry bites from Trader Joe's that were very yummy. Lisa made red velvet cupcakes with green frosting and Lindsey made peppermint bark and chocolate chip cookies so dessert was taken care of and I didn't need to worry about that. It was weird not to have a million dishes to prepare. I also made mulled wine for the first time. It made the house smell wonderful and the tiny sip I had of John's was delicious. It was the perfect drink for a chilly night! Everyone that came into the house said the tree looked beautiful and our house felt so cozy. I love hearing that because I want people to feel comfortable when they're in our home. I even lit the fireplace candles and it added a really nice glow to the room. I think that's only the second time I've lit them, hehehe. All the women were commenting on the table set up and saying how festive everything was and how I'm so good at throwing parties. I told them if they knew my Mom they would understand where it comes from :-) It was a really fun night! We have never had a Christmas party before and it was nice to have everyone over to kick off the holiday season. We played Christmas music, watched Christmas Vacation and the ornament craft project was a huge success. It even got the men out of the game room! The last guest left around 12 and John and I, and Abby, were ready for bed!
I love my trees!
Juicing oranges for the mulled wine. I need a Christmas apron :-)
Mulled wine
The spread
Mini Potato Bites...KC- these were DELICIOUS!
I love my tree tower! I completely forgot I got it on clearance at Sur La Table last year.
The ladies painting ornaments
and then the men decided to join us because we were having so much fun :-)
Lisa wins the award for best ornament of the night with her Rudolph
Tom gets most creative. He turned a hand cutout into a turkey, lol.
Trying to get a family photo...Abby and John were not cooperating. Notice the hand bribing Abby with a treat?
Today has been a very lazy day. I cleaned up the party mess and then didn't do much else the entire day. I ate leftover spinach artichoke dip and watched Christmas movies while John battled with his computer to install more memory. So far I've watched the Grinch and Charlie Brown and up next is Rudolph and Frosty the Snowman. I guess at some point we'll have to figure out what to do for dinner :-)
I love my trees!
Juicing oranges for the mulled wine. I need a Christmas apron :-)
Mulled wine
The spread
Mini Potato Bites...KC- these were DELICIOUS!
I love my tree tower! I completely forgot I got it on clearance at Sur La Table last year.
The ladies painting ornaments
and then the men decided to join us because we were having so much fun :-)
Lisa wins the award for best ornament of the night with her Rudolph
Tom gets most creative. He turned a hand cutout into a turkey, lol.
Trying to get a family photo...Abby and John were not cooperating. Notice the hand bribing Abby with a treat?
Today has been a very lazy day. I cleaned up the party mess and then didn't do much else the entire day. I ate leftover spinach artichoke dip and watched Christmas movies while John battled with his computer to install more memory. So far I've watched the Grinch and Charlie Brown and up next is Rudolph and Frosty the Snowman. I guess at some point we'll have to figure out what to do for dinner :-)