We Gather to Celebrate

With age comes wisdom, or something like that. This year, we have planned ahead, instead of pulling it together in less than 24 hours. Now we can actually enjoy the party. We are so lucky that we got  to spend this evening of 13 new and old friends.

Chris and Ashley

 Chris and Ashley are new friends of ours. Aren't they a cute couple? Chris and Kristen are old friends. They hiked all the way from D.C.  Kristen is the MOH in our fast approaching wedding. Kristen was our only guest who has attended multiple Hanukkah parties hosted by us. She agreed that this one was also a success.

Kristen and Chris



This was the perfect occassion to break out my "woozie". Skeeter, my fabulous friend gave me this at our stock the bar shower in Baton Rouge before our big move.  Its a coozie for your wine glass! Apparantly this is a must have for all the girls. My first question was, " Oh, cute but whats with the G?". Um...."that would be your new last name!", Skeeter informed me. Oh yes, this chick is getting married.

The spread. Jeff made his famous Bloody Ceasars and latkes (from scratch), I will get back to you on the recipe for that. We cheated and bought the apple sauce this year. Jeff made it from scratch year 1 but this year we went the easy route. These latkes were so freaking good, we ate them all in no time. I wish I could have one right now!

I made cupcakes, yellow with fudge frosting and chocolate with chocolate chips and chocolate frosting. Some with sprinkles some without. Ashley brought some treats from her baking extravaganza she embarked on earlier that day. I loved those peanut butter cookies with the Kisses in the middle!

 The boys lit the candles and sang the blessings.

 Then we lit another candle. Happy Birthday Drew!

Every party needs a signature cocktail and some fun games. For this special occassion, we decided to go with Dirty Santa with a twist. We asked every one to bring a re-gifted or something recycled from their house. This was a BIG hit.

bubbles!

keeping it klassy!

This was very successful for everyone involved. Everyone was really happy to get rid of some random stuff but it seemed that everyone was even more excited to get new random unncessary items. Jeff could not have been happier when he stole this Christmas mug from Alana. Good thing Kristen snagged this from the Dollar Tree on her way in. Look at the joy on his precious face!

Princess Jasmine perched on the highest pillow she could find and observed the crowd. This chick was super proud of how well behaved and hospitable this little doggie was with a house full of guests she didn't know.

To top it all off, we had our first snow flurry! We didnt get much more than this  but it was still on the ground in the morning. By noon it was melted away.

 Happy Hanukkah to all. And to all a Good Night!