Party Girl

This past Saturday was our annual Holiday Soiree.

Preparations begain in early November when I sent out invitations. I like to snag people early because you know holiday social calenders fill up so quickly!

Once we had all the RSVP's back in late November I set about putting together a party menu. I trolled through my usual go-to recipe sites and made a list of what appealed to me and then consulted with Adam to see which ones he thought would be good and together we ended up with this menu of treats for the party

Deviled Cocktail Sausages with Mango Chutney Lime Dipping Sauce

Brie, Pears and Mustard Laced Apple Butter

Fruit Pate served with crackers

(from BHG.com)

Creamy Goat Cheese Ornaments served with french bread and crackers.

(from BHG.com)

Blue Cheese on Baguettes with Drizzled Honey

Assorted Italian Christmas cookies from a local bakery

and without a doubt the STAR of the party: Champagne Punch

If you are sensing a cheese theme here, you are correct. I think we have established previously that I love cheese and force it upon everyone I know. In any case, everything seemed to go over really well especially the cocktail sausages and the blue cheese baguette slices which was funny since last year I couldnt PAY people to eat the blue cheese. I guess drizzzling honey on it makes it more palatable (and distinctly less stinky). Also it's probable that people needed whatever carbs they could get their hands on to soak up the demon punch. Which was so DELICIOUS. oh. God. We ran out about after about an hour and a half and Adam ran out to get more champagne so I could make more and we ran out of THAT within an hour. So the lesson here is when your friends (and you!) are booze hounds and you are serving champagne punch, save yourself some trouble and go ahead and buy a case of champagne before hand.

We held our annual Secret Santa which was fun as always and cause for mania (we LOVE us some Secret Santa). I had my friend Chris and totally copped out and got him a gift certificate to a local Indian restaurant. Jenny had me and got me the most GORGEOUS pitcher that I can't wait to fill with new punch recipes I am currently researching.

I love you, pretty pitcher

In addition to the Secret Santa shenangians I also held a few drawings throughout the night. I like to get a few small gifts (like a box of belgian chocolates, a cool candle), wrap them and put them under the tree and then have my guests write their names on pieces of paper to do random drawings throughout the night. Everyone loves a prize and I thought it would be good for the people not doing Secret Santa to feel like they can still get in on the gift action.

The party went on until the wee small hours of the morning and best of all? My friends are so neat that cleanup was a breeze. What's better than that?

So all in all, the party was a big success and reaffirmed my love for my friends and for throwing parties. Thanks to everyone who came and if I ever get around to uploading what few photos I took I will direct you to them.

I have a Hot Toddy Tasting party in the planning stages for January so look forward to the posting of various recipes I find for that. I know you are on the edge of your seat!