It was a lot of hard work and I continue to be amazed at Yen Snead who would pull this kind of thing off with serious gourmet delights. Believe it or not, it was the least stressful hostessing event we've had and I am learning the fine art of hospitality includes 2 crucial things:
1. Serious planning and organization
2. Even more serious PREP work
I will say I could not have pulled it off without the help of Danny and Lauren. Both were beyond just "helpful" and had made the experience so much fun as we prepared to open our home.
Although I've never compare to Yen Snead, I certainly do have her genes and found myself declaring more than once, "Yen would be so proud!" (despite much of the not-so-homemade-goodies).
MENU (for Catrina) --( all homemade except where noted)
- Baked brie
-- 1 with Fig preserves
-- 1 with Raspberry preserves- Creamy Smoked Salmon spread
-- served with crostini, carrots, celery, and cocktail bread- Bacon wrapped apricots
-- fresh sage drizzled with maple syrup- Hummus pita sandwiches
--roasted red pepper, fennel, olive & parsley slaw- Granny smith apple slices
-- goat cheese spread sprinkled with pistachio and candied ginger- pecan pie tarts -- whole foods
- bite sized wafers with chocolate -- whole foods
- spiced cake cupcakes --- Betty Crocker mix
- brownie mini-cupcakes --- Betty Crocker mix
- gingerbread mini-cupcakes --- Trader Joe's mix
- Drinks
--Coffee
--Sprite/7-up (clear liquids so if kids spilled I wouldn't freak!)
--Egg Nog (store bought)
--Mulled spiced warm red wine (homemade)- Party favor bags with holiday candy/chocolates with tags that had the verse Luke 2:10-11
