Hey Guys! it's Christmas Time

It seems like the holidays seem to bring out a lot of people's inner Martha Stewart and start might entertaining...and then stress out over the reality of having a party.
For a number of years before we became parents, we would host an open house in addition to a cookie swap. I should have stressed out about these events, but I didn't.
I had a secret weapon.
Planning.
I would have everything listed that I would need to do from food to drinks to where everyone would park. I have my little journal (I still use a sketchbook) which post it tape flags separating events and topics.
I would sketch out the buffet table display, as well as any centerpieces that I needed to make.
I would make appetizers ahead and freeze. Cookies were also baked & frozen, so right before the party I didn't have a lot to do.
I (gasp) used disposable dishes, glasses and silverware for easy clean up. My biggest thing was cleaning up my kitchen before I went to bed that night, because there's nothing worse than waking up to a mess.

Hosting an open house is a super easy party to start with. You pick a time frame (for example, 1-4) and people come and go. I am a big believer in a buffet, and just finger foods. My go to spread includes:
Bruschetta and crackers
Mushroom cashew or another type of pate, crackers
Cheese platter, crackers
A type of meat or shrimp tray
Vegetables & fruit platter
Any frozen appetizer that you want to add
Punch, soda & water (everyone knew my parties were non alcoholic)

Sometimes we would do a blind gift exchange: you got something for $5 or less, wrapped it and put it on the table & you left with another package. Another year was an ornament exchange. The best was the passive agressive white elephant exchange: you regift something truly horrendous.

I liked to have themes for my parties too. One year, it was ugly sweaters. Another year it was red, another year it was blue & silver (it was the 2nd night of Hanukah). The main purpose of the party was for the disparate groups of people in our lives to blend together: work, church, volunteer work, family, other people we knew and just have fun. Even though we didn't have kids at the time, I never excluded them and always had a play area set up (coloring, small toys, a few easy crafts). The main purpose was to have fun.

All the guest left with a little favor too. One year, it was spiced cider mix, another year it was cookie in a jar mix, yet another it was an ornament.

I love entertaining, and what better way to spread holiday cheer than by having a party? Because...hey guys...it's Christmas time!

Wassail
1 gallon apple cider
1 gallon cranberry juice
1/4 c honey
1 tbsp whole cloves
3 cinnamon sticks
1 tbsp nutmeg

Add ingredients to a large sauce pan, add ingredients. Bring to a boil, then let simmer for 30 mins. Skim off cloves & cinnamon. Transfer to a crockpot or airpot & serve warm.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UX8VZgPBp0&feature=youtube_gdata_player