The Christmas Party Ramblings - plus wine, food, wine, menu, and lastly more wine

[pgsahm]

Over the years we've had many, many cookouts. We've had small dinner parties for close family. We've also had plenty of birthday parties between the three boys. But this year we are hosting our very first Christmas party.

I'm thrilled to be having a Christmas party. Really, I am! I love having the house lit up all pretty and the Christmas decorations sparkling in each room. I also enjoy entertaining, though Shawn is less than thrilled each time we throw a shin-dig. He's a Bah Humbug most days out of the year.

We have invited close to 40 people to the party. Right now I think about half will be stopping by. I hope we have a good turn out considering it's only a few nights before Christmas and I know people are always busy those last few days prior to the holiday. Either way the people who do show up should enjoy themselves.

I am still contemplating what to make for the party. I have a tentative menu that I have to finalize in the next few days. Here's the list so far:

Meatballs

Lil' Smokies

Crab Dip with crackers

Marinated Mushrooms

Fruit Tray

Cheese Tray with crackers

Pickle and Olive Tray

Buttered Shrimp

Artichoke Dip with crackers

And then I have made a few baked goods for desserts:

Chocolate Fudge

Butterscotch Cookies

Snickerdoodles

Plus I still need to make:

Sugared Pecans

Yule Log

What else do I need to make? If you have ideas on what else to add to the menu please let me know. Also if you have specific recipes you'd recommend I'd love to see them.

This week will be busy, busy, busy. Today is Camden's sixth birthday and we're having a pizza and cake party this afternoon. The boys get out of school on Wednesday. Shawn starts vacation after work tomorrow. And I have to clean, clean, clean! Not to mention shop for everything for Saturday night! I'm exhausted just thinking about what needs to be done this week!

Oh, yea. I forgot the drink list. Ha! That's the most important part of any menu!

Sodas

Beer

Wine

Sangria

I went to Total Wine last week and bought gobs of alcohol. LOL  I love that store. Who ever came up with the idea of a supermarket for wine was a complete genius. They deserve a Nobel Peace Prize or an Oscar or an Emmy or a Citzenship Award. Is it bad that I did most of my Christmas shopping at a wine supermarket?

If I survive the week, and then the weekend, and then the two freaking weeks that Shawn is on vacation (again... after two weeks off already in the past month!) I will give a complete party update. So wait for it. And in the meantime enjoy the holiday season!

[Andiet]

Dec. 17, 2007 at 1:01 PM

WOW! You are a busy momma! I wished I lived closer...I would definetly try to help you out with all your chores but it looks like a great menu! No other suggestions except try to enjoy your party! The guests will love spending time with you and your family! 

[Dashielsmom]

Dec. 17, 2007 at 5:52 PM MMMMM.... Sangria! Wine gives bad hangovers. I'm a beer girl. That is quite a menu... WOW!