'Tis the Season....

'Tis the Season for Christmas trees, mass chaos at any shopping establishment, dozens of cookies and baked goodies, twinkling lights, and Christmas parties. For the past few years I have been saying that I was going to have a Christmas party....and I never did. I would always get wrapped up in the craziness of the season and before I knew it, everyone was planning New Year's Eve parties. This year, though, was different! Long about October, I decided I was really going to follow through and have a party. I set a date and got invitations out even before my family and friends had a chance to stuff their Thanksgiving turkey. 


Then the planning began! I consulted the best party planner and thrower I know, my mom, and began planning out the menu. I started buying things a little at a time so I wouldn't have a panic attack at the check-out line when my total was through the roof. I took a trip to Trader Joe's to get wine and fell in love with the place!  Just a little side-note....I need a Trader Joe's in my life....don't think they are going to bring one out to the sticks where I live...so I guess I can add that to the "Reasons M. Joy Needs To Move ITP"  list. Of course, while I was there, I made a frantic call to my dear friend in NYC so he could tell me what kind of red wine to get. I confess, I'm not a red wine drinker, so I had no clue what to get. His question was "what's on the menu"...my response was "I'm not really sure." Thankfully, he made a great recommendation...if the number of bottles consumed is any indication, then it was a hit! 


Then the week of the party approached and I was as giddy as a school girl! I was so excited about having all my friends come over and just have fun. I couldn't want until they all got to meet each other...they would finally get to put faces with the names I talk about all the time. I raided my parents' house for things I didn't have, went to Publix about 14 times, and got busy cleaning and working in the kitchen. Meatballs, pigs-in-a-blanket, spinach dip, cookies, chips, cupcakes, and lots of tempting goodies awaited my guests....and lots and lots of wine!

Then, like clockwork, the doorbell rang at precisely 7 pm and the party began. We ate, drank, talked, ate and drank some more, sang a few Christmas carols...my Jingle Bell tree even made an appearance during our rendition of Jingle Bells...thanks to CE for joining in and being our fabulous "jingle bell-er"...ate and drank some more, and just had a good time. I had a blast and I certainly hope my guests did too! I want this to be an annual tradition at my house....just good friends, good food, and fun....what a great way to ring in the season.

I hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas season!