Nothin’ like a good Christmas party with family to get you into the holiday season!
Last night, Jay and I attended an annual Christmas party held by very close family friends of ours.
These friends, Tim & Joan, have been great friends with my parents since before I was even around, and they usually have some great parties for all of the major holidays. Growing up, I was told that I had to wait until I was an “adult” to be invited to the annual Christmas party, which is always held on the first Saturday of December. I can still remember being jealous every time my parents would attend and I would be stuck at home with a babysitter.
But for the past few years, me, Jay, and my brother have been able to attend and join in on the festivities…which always include lots of yummy food.
I spent quite a bit of time grazing at the table, chatting with my parents, and sipping on some wine before finally deciding to make myself a small plate.
Don’t let the plate picture fool you. That’s just one snapshot of some of the goods I enjoyed. If I had whipped out the camera for every single snack, appetizer, and cookie that I had, then I probably would have run out the battery. You get the idea.
I also may have found myself a new favorite wine, Riondo Pinot Grigio. It was incredible.
SO much so that I enjoyed a few glasses throughout the evening.
Of course, there were also plenty of peanut butter kisses cookies, just like last year and every other year before that. It’s a lovely tradition, isn’t it?
And in addition to the cookies, there was my favorite table of the entire party…
The Dessert Table.
Do you guys see the candy cane and tree cakes there on the ends? Well those two cakes are something that I look forward to every year.
Our friend Tim makes them and there is just something about them that I absolutely adore. The candy cane cake is actually made with a strawberry cake mix, with cherry preserves added right to the batter. It’s just amazing and it’s a treat I’m only able to enjoy once a year.
So you know what that means? I loaded up!
And then I went back for seconds.
And then Joanie did what she always does and sent us home with a little care package.
They’re so good to us!
I actually left the party feeling a lot less disgusting than I usually do, which was quite a feat. I enjoyed my treats but I didn’t go *too* overboard. Just like I planned.
*****
This morning, I’m heading out once again to meet up with my mom and Meg for a fun little trip out to Massachusetts. We’re going somewhere that I’ve never been before but I’m really, REALLY excited about it.
I’ll fill ya’ll in a bit later but for now I’ll give ya a little hint…
It snows every four minutes there.
Caitlin says
That dessert table looks AWESOME! PB Hershey Kiss cookies are such a classic. I think they are almost everyone’s favorite classic cookie! That wine glass is too cute. I love finding a new wine – and indulging in a few glasses of it ;-) glad you had fun!
Erica @ For the Sake of Cake says
I love those peanut butter kisses cookies! They’re by far my favorite Christmas cookie!
Shari says
That dessert table looks amazing — and so festive! Isn’t it awesome how people go all out this time of year? Makes everything even more fun!
Jenn says
What a fabulous holiday party!!! There is nothing that makes me happier than a holiday bash. :)
I must ask though- I’m in love with your top. Where did you find it??? So pretty!
Emily @ Relishments says
I know where you’re going! I’m pretty sure you’re going to love it–have a great time!
EG Gal says
Oooh Oooh, I know where you’re going but I’ve never been there before either. Looking forward to your blog later to hear how it was. I just stocked up with their buy two, get two free!!
Laura H. says
Those desserts look fabulous! I love it when people make holiday cakes of any kind, since I prefer cake to cookies any day. Your hair looks great, by the way. I wish I could get mine to look that sleek in the middle of winter. ;)
Marykate Sinnott says
It’s a beautiful day here in MA, enjoy!!! :)
Khushboo says
I wanna drive head first into the dessert table- what a spread!
Shannon says
That looks like such a fun party. I wish our family friends did something like that. My mom has peanut butter kisses cookies in the cookie jar right now. How ironic is that?!?
Ashley @ My Food 'N' Fitness Diaries says
Looks like a fun AND delicious evening! :) You and Jay look so cute together in that first photo – beautiful couple! And oh my, all of those treats look amazing. I love holiday goodies. Those peanut butter kiss cookies are one of my favorites.
Jacqui says
Are you going to the Yankee Candle Factory?! I love that place especially this time of the year. I’m jealous if that’s where you’re going.
Colleen @ Jimmy Choos on the Treadmill says
What a fun tradition! The dessert table is always my favorite at parties, too!
Shannon @ Healthiful Balance says
Wowzers, all that food looks SO SO good! :)
Chelcie of Chelcie's Food Files says
peanut butter kisses are my favorite holiday cookie! looks like you had a great time!
Mallory @ It's Only Life says
you are so pretty courtney! all those desserts look amazing! wow!
Brittany @ GOtheXtraMile says
I loveee holiday parties! So fun :D That dessert table looks sooo awesome. Such great goodies!
Jessica @ The Process of Healing says
Those cakes look amazing and SO cute!
Julie H. of Spinach and Sprinkles says
I love finding a new favorite wine! <3 Yummmm! …..Especially when it was combined with a dessert table like that!
Tracy @ Tracy's Treats says
All those desserts look wonderful!
Jodi says
It looks like you had a great time; but any party with lots of food is good with me!
Sue says
Do you think your friend would share how he makes the candy cane cake. I “need” to make one this year for the dessert table. I’m in charge of it and am always looking for new, festive recipes and that cakes sounds and looks amazing. Thanks!!!
Courtney says
I’m pretty sure that he just uses a strawberry cake mix, makes it as-is, but also adds in some extra maraschino cherry juice and strawberry preserves. I *think* he puts it in a 9×13 pan and just cuts it as a candy cane and frosts it. It should be pretty easy! Good luck! :)
Laura@mypurposefullife says
You look absolutely gorgeous and glowing in these pictures! Also, Peanut Butter Blossoms are one of my biggest addictions. I only make them (or eat them) at Christmas, but they are one of the cookies I always looks forward to the most every year. I’m glad you stuck to your “not overdoing it” plan! That’s always easier said than done. :)