The Christmas Party and Sunday Morning Coffee
Last night, our home was filled with the joy, laughter, and holiday spirit of 150 of our closest family and friends as we hosted our 37th annual Christmas party.
Although the party is over, I am writing this just before our party is about to begin. The anticipation is building, and I can’t help but reflect on how much this tradition means to us. Also, thanks for joining me for Sunday Morning Coffee. This is a place to share, learn, explain, dream, and have fun.
Season 4 Volume 50
About Me
Celebrating 37 Years of Holiday Cheer: Our Christmas Party
As much as I hoped to write this post after our party before this blog post was published, there wasn’t enough time (only about three hours). And to be honest, I knew I would be too exhausted to even think about adding new photos. But that’s ok, as I will share party prep, menus, and more here on my blog this Tuesday!
Hosting a party of this scale is no small feat, but it’s one of my favorite ways to celebrate the season and unite those we love. Over the past few weeks, my kitchen has been a whirlwind of activity as I prepared all the food for the party. This year’s menu features 14 appetizers and six desserts, each chosen to offer something for everyone while embracing the festive spirit of Christmas.
Adding to the magic of the evening, our boys, daughters-in-law, my son’s girlfriend, and our grandson flew in to join us for the party. Having them here made the night even more special. Seeing our family together, celebrating and enjoying the festivities, was the best gift I could have asked for.
Party Menu
Here’s a sneak peek at the menu I’ve prepared:
Appetizers
- Beef Tenderloin Sandwiches
- Roasted Shrimp Cocktail with Lemon-Horseradish Aioli
- Turkey with Cranberry-Orange Muffins
- Tomato Bisque with Grilled Cheese
- BLT Tomatoes
- Skewered Chicken with Peanut Sauce
- Artichoke Dip in Won Ton Shells
- Crab Cakes with Lemon Dill Sauce
- Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Bites
- Whipped Sweet Potatoes with Topping
- Brie Cups with Pomegranates
- Cranberry Brie Bites in Puffed Pastry
- Pesto Stuffed Mushrooms
- Caprese Wreath
Desserts
- Chocolate Caramel Cookies
- Peanut Butter Fudge
- Frosted Sugar Cookies (Wreaths and Packages)
- Double Mint Chocolate Cookies
- Coconut Cupcakes with Candy Trees
- Hazelnut Fudge Cups
Cooking all this has been a labor of love, but I couldn’t do it alone. One of the secrets to the success of our party is the incredible crew that helps us bring everything together. They’ve been working with us for 19 years and feel like family.
On the evening of the party, Craigs Crew takes over the kitchen to cook and serve everything I’ve prepared, ensuring everything is perfectly timed and beautifully presented. They also manage cleanup, a lifesaver after such a large gathering!
Our Christmas party is more than just an event—it’s my gift to our friends and family and my favorite gift to give every year. Over the years, it’s become a space to celebrate old friendships, create new memories, and enjoy the warmth and comfort of the holiday season.
From the delicious food to the festive decorations and laughter echoing through our home, it’s a night we look forward to all year.
I’m excited to share the party food prep and recipes this Tuesday! Whether planning your holiday gathering or looking for festive inspiration, I hope these recipes and tips will bring as much joy to your home as they do to ours.
As I finalize the last details and prepare to welcome our guests, I’m reminded of the true meaning of Christmas—coming together to share love, joy, and gratitude. Here’s to another magical evening and the continuation of a cherished tradition!
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My Latest Project
I have had a temporary wrapping station in our living room throughout December.
You might remember this table. It used to be in the room behind this area (now our new sitting room) and needed a temporary home. So, we moved the table, and it became our wrapping area!
I thought I would wrap our gifts on the third floor, but then I realized it would be hard to carry them up two floors and back down again! This is so much easier, and I am already done with my wrapping!
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- Relax. Put my feet up and eat leftovers from the Christmas party.
- Pack up and get ready to celebrate Christmas with our family. I cannot wait!
- Needlepoint, read, and work on the new changes at My 100 Year Old Home for 2025. I can’t wait to share everything with you.
Here are some last-minute Printable Holiday Gift Tags!
Have you ever tried macrame? I love this, How To Macrame: A Step By Step Guide For Beginners.
And what a week it was!
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Glass apothecary jars are one of my favorite ways to display decor. Today I am sharing seven ways to fill them for Valentine’s Day. One of the most popular ways to decorate glass apothecary jars is to fill them with seasonal… - Pink Apples Valentine’s Day Craft
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I can’t believe Christmas is this week, and it’s time to start winding down the year. I can’t wait to share creative ways to share your holiday cards and my Christmas party menus and recipes. I am also sharing some top ten lists for 2024, which include home decor, crafts, and Amazon finds.
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