The party attire was one extreme or the other — your ugliest holiday sweater or your prettiest dress or tie.
The two groups proudly took sides for these photos. Spot me at the bottom center and see the outfit details here.
Don’t these just look cute as freaking Christmas cards?
And I still ran out of wine glasses!
Check out those wine charms on the stems. Last week I picked them up from Pier 1 because I didn’t want people getting glasses confused. Germs are for losers.
Also, beats a Solo cup (sorry Brad) and a Sharpie.
Additional wine glass in hand not pictured.
And THIS is what I presented to nearly 20 guests Friday night at my Holiday Wine Tasting soiree.
On the menu table:
- Garlic hummus with lightly salted pita chips and baby carrots
- Shrimp with cocktail sauce
- Poppy seed, wheat and regular crackers with Italian sausage
- Extra sharp cheddar, mozzarella, asiago and goat cheese
- Mini cheeseburgers!
- Chicken skewers with Chipotle ranch, buffalo chicken bread bowls and spinach and artichoke bites
- Baked brie with Ritz crackers
- Pigs in a blanket
- Dark chocolate-covered gingerbread hearts
- Chocolate-covered pretzels, chocolate-covered peanuts and m&ms
- Chocolate and caramel macaroons
- Whitman’s chocolates assortment
- Ridiculous oreo truffles covered in milk and white chocolate made by Keri
Can you believe we had almost nothing left over?
“When I get bored or really happy I make silly dances, I like to jump on the bed, roll around like a little worm, make funny noises, or imitate animals. I know, I’m a keeper.” —
Samesies, Tanya.
Brad calls this my “Wild Thing” state. Yesterday I asked him if he ever got annoyed with me. His reply, “No!” Even after I told him to answer wisely. :)
(via haygirlhay)
Yes! Let’s do it. :)
I’m thinking my wine lover gal pal Brittany and I should attempt this one: DIY: Wine Bottle Light
(via artpixie)
[video]
Last night Brad and I dove head first into a gingerbread house making kit. Eyes big as saucers with all the candy in sight, we channeled our inner grade schooler and set about making the most epic gingerbread house ever.
I don’t understand how anyone could attempt to make one of these things without the kit (and detailed instructions). See below for supplies — wine, however, was not optional. This was tough stuff.
After nearly gluing our fingers with icing, we managed to accomplish the task at hand(s). I’d like to welcome you to our humble gingerbread abode.
The snowwoman sitting happily in our front yard greets you, Hello! Please, watch your step as you make your way across the gummy path and thank you, I like the purple doorknob, too.
Although gumdrops and gumballs alike were included in the kit, we weren’t satisfied with the mediocre amount of candy. My tip when using kits: always get more candy. You will use it.
And so we sought out some extra skittles for our siding. See below for the boy’s side. I do quite like what he did with the landscaping.
Making sure each skittle was set to perfection on my side required patience I soon found out I lacked. The world would end if my purples didn’t come after my reds. God D! I dropped another on the floor.
After completing the patterned roof side, I added a bit of 6-year-old shrubbery found in the back of my cabinet. The rock-hard consistency of the once-gummy trees was of no concern to us. Gingerbread houses aren’t for eating!
Conclusion: Brad had far more patience. So much so that he even began decorating the back of the house. BUT NO ONE EVEN LOOKS AT THE BACK! I raged. Yet he meticulously continued picking up multi-colored candies one by one and sticking them into the frosting until the whole doorway was framed.
After all of the gooey and gummy, through the compromise and complaints, it did turn out epic — and I couldn’t have done it without him. But he couldn’t have done it without me, either. He would have eaten all the candy.
Dating a jewelry fiend? Married to someone who gets distracted by all things sparkly? Related to one? Never fear, last minute gifts here.
Check out my four shiny suggestions from Kranich’s Jewelers* she’s sure to love — all under $100.
1. Sterling silver, heart-shaped key necklace — $62.50
2. Cultured pearl bracelet — $85
3. 5mm pearl studs — $64
4. Diamond heart earrings — $129
OK, so the last one isn’t under $100, but if you do end up spending more than $100, you get free overnight shipping so it’s sure to be here before the holidays — even a great deal for procrastinators.
Have you been listening, men? Just checking. Now go forth and spend.
*Post sponsored by Kranich’s Jewelers.