Hi there, hard to believe we are in 2024! Hope everyone had a wonderful and happy New Year. Covid took me down which was quite unexpected and I am still dragging but up on the upswing. Hope to be bacon my feet in a few days, taking it slow. Thank God for lots of choices of things to watch on TV!

For this past holiday seasons, we decided rather impromptu to host a small cocktail party. We were about 35 people and it was the perfect size. I loved how it worked out. I hired a local caterer, Green Pear who did an excellent job executing what I had in mind. We discusses stationery hors d’oeuvres as well as several passed hot and cold  hors d’oeuvres. I know many like to see what’s on the menu so I have attached that below, there was a plethora of choices and I can safely say, no one went home hungry! In fact many commented (including myself) that they prefer this type of eating vs sitting down to one big heavy meal.

We had our favorite bartender, Joe (no one better) serving wonderful cocktails and spirits  and had a full open bar.  With festive background Christmas music and lively chatter and laughter, it felt like the Christmas magic was very much alive. It ended with several of the men going to the back patio and smoking their cigars (kind of a tradition). The perfect finishing touch was handing our the spectacular Christmas cookies as small favors and I considered it to be a very successful evening.

Didn’t really take any pictures once the night got started but here is what I was able to capture right up until the first guest arrived! I wasn’t able to get any pictures  of the passed hors d’oeuvres unfortunately, once the evening got started I was busy playing hostess and socializing!

 

Here is what was served-

 

Everything was SOOO good.  And bonus points for looking extra pretty!! So here is recap on the setup and final display right before things got started-

 

This is VERY picture heavy so you may want to take a seat:)

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Back in the kitchen

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Most beautiful Christmas cookies created right from my Christmas decor, thanks Cowtown Cookies!

Almost showtime..candles getting lit and food being put out….

I love seeing our magnificent large swag and garland etched hurricanes lit up…they are showstoppingly pretty!

Used our extra large ornate serving trays for the stationery food item…fit for a king!

And how perfect is our large silver punch bowl for a huge shrimp cocktail display!

Our pierced silver bowls were perfect to use for serving breads, crackers, etc…

The big ornate tray was also used for champagne, these trays are really “statement making”

Joe the bartender getting a Christmas cocktail prepared to pass around

I had these all over my living room and dining room and they are so beautiful, all lit up!

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We have a deal of the day on one of our best selling wicker scalloped 2 handled trays that we got a double shipment of.

A tray that every house needs, perfect for indoor and outdoor entertaining…

CLICK HERE (no code necessary, discount comes off at checkout)

 

Thank you for stopping in! Hope you enjoyed my recap on our party, it was a highlight of the Christmas holiday and though not everything this holiday worked out according to plan (Covid) I was happy to be able to ring in the season with both friends and family. Made me realize how much I enjoy at home entertaining which I have not done a lot of, but hope  to do more in 20224. Wishing everyone a wonderful and smooth day. Until next time…..