Christmas Cocktail Party

We have had a Christmas cocktail party for the last few years. I always enjoy planning the menu and decorating for the party. This year was the just the same. I began thinking about what to serve and how I wanted to place the food and drinks as soon as Halloween was over. It's always difficult having a party during this time of year because everyone is so busy and you never know what kind of turn out you will have.

Our party was last Saturday and we had a great turnout! Thanks again to all that came! I made a lot of the foods I have every year because they seem to be crowd favorites. I added in a few new recipes this year, which I will post soon. The party was a success! We danced the night away and the food was all gone! I took a TON of pictures on our camera, but much like the end of the night, they were all blurry.

 Our Christmas tree

 Tissue Tassel Garland tutorial here. 

Party Food: click for recipe - Jalapeno Deviled Eggs (added bacon), Marinated Shrimp Appetizer,

 Peanut Butter Crunch Buckeyes, Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies, Rolo Pretzel Turtles,  Ham and Pickle Roll ups, Charcuterie Board, Spicy Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip, and Beef and Blue Cheese Crostini's. (recipes coming soon)

The dining room table. I didn't take a picture of the drinks or cocktail/champagne table but it looked very similar with the silver and gold accents. 

Looking forward to next year! 

Jalapeno Popper Pizza

My friend Alison constantly posts pictures of amazing looking dishes she makes and every time I ask her for the recipes. She is obviously an awesome cook because all of her recipes have been fantastic and this is no exception. Thanks for the recipe Alison!

Jalapeno Popper Pizza

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons cream cheese, room temperature (I use 1/3 less fat)
• 5 tablespoon ranch dressing (I used light)
• 2 jalapeno peppers, sliced. (you can use the jar kind)
• 4 slices bacon, cut into 1 inch pieces and cooked
• 1 cup mozzarella, shredded
• 1 cup cheddar, shredded
• 1 pre-made pizza crust (if you are feeling spunky you can make your own)

Directions

1. Mix the cream cheese into the ranch dressing.

2. spread the creamy ranch dressing over the crust.

3. Sprinkle the jalapeno peppers, bacon, and cheeses onto the pizza.

4. Bake as directed or until golden brown on top, about 5-10 minutes.

Enjoy!! 

Party Time

We hosted a holiday party this past weekend! It was a lot of fun to get dressed up, clean, decorate, bake, and enjoy time with our friends. I took a lot of food pictures, but not so many friend pictures. Here's a few party pictures and recipes to follow!

Why yes, that is a cardboard deer in our condo! 

 

Peanut Butter Crunch Buckeyes

 

Cake Pops 

(Betty Crocker holiday cake mix, almond bark and sprinkles)

Jalapeno Deviled Eggs

Festive Pasta Salad

Friends