Let's start with the all important bar. A well stocked bar makes for a great party and the whiskey punch was a big hit on this snowy night. I usually let people try it before I let them know the ingredients because it's deceptively simple. Empty a can of frozen lemonade into your punch bowl. Then use the can as a measuring tool to add one can's worth of whiskey and two of seltzer. Mix and serve!
Then comes the savory buffet...
- Deviled eggs
- Spicy stuffed mushrooms
- Spanakopita
- Mini Reuben sandwiches
- Smoked salmon cucumber boats
- Sweet potato and pecan purses (I substituted goat cheese for blue)
- Pears with blue cheese and prosciutto
- Smokey and sweet kielbasa bites
- Antipasto skewers (not pictured)
- An assortment of dips and crackers (not pictured)
And not to be outdone, the sweets!
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| Almond wedges |
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| Linzer cookies |
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| Mini gingerbread cupcakes with cinnamon cream cheese frosting |
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| Pecan pie bites |
All of which were accompanied by apple tart and eggnog panna cotta which escaped the camera.
Parties are a great time to make memories. But they also come with many memories built in. The punch bowl was a gift from my friend Kristen and the drink tub a gift to Jake from my mom. The flowers on the table were sent to me by my future mother-in-law. The copper chafing dish was handed down to me by my grandfather. I repurposed centerpieces from friends' weddings and showers as additional decor. A cross-stitch piece of the twelve days of Christmas that my grandmother made hung in the window. I remembered the last time I made those deviled eggs was for a lovely late summer picnic Jake and I had in Gloucester. And the last time I wore the sparkly dress was to dinner after our engagement.
I love the holidays and all the memories they bring, all the chances to spend with the people you care about. Which is exactly why I love hosting a good party. May your days be merry and bright and filled with delicious noshes and good company. Merry Christmas everyone!
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