For today's Christmas post I wanted to share a quick recap of some of my favorite holiday moments over the past month. I've shared posts covering an array of holiday activities and now that I am officially done with all of my preparations, I can sit back, enjoy the fruits of my labor and of course this very merry holiday!
Trimming My Christmas Tree
My husband and brother both announced that this year's Christmas tree is my best to date. I would have to agree! I love the way this "Woodland Chic" - themed tree glitters in my living room and I can't tell you what a difference it has made using green floral wire to aid in decorating my tree. I think you should always push yourself do your very best. Even though I am taking a moment to enjoy the way this beautiful tree came together, I have to admit that I have already started thinking up new ideas for next year!
Christmas Tablescape
I hosted a Christmas dinner for both my parents and my in-laws this past Wednesday. We had a delicious dinner complete with Beef Tenderloin, Scalloped Potatoes Au Gratin, Roasted Asparagus and a Sticky Toffee Date Cake soaked in a bourbon sauce for dessert. While the dinner was a big success, I have to say that I was especially proud of my Christmas Tablescape. It was pretty, festive and the only new pieces I purchased to create this scape came from the grocery store (flowers, ribbon, peppermint candies)! It was a good lesson for me to keep in mind with future tablescapes-- assess what you already have before going out to the store to buy more merchandise you may not even need.
The second and probably most important lesson I learned from hosting this most recent dinner party is to refrain from taking on too much. Yes, I ended up hosting a lovely and delicious party, but I was a little bummed that I wasn't able to spend as much time being with my family because I was too busy in the kitchen. When hosting a party in the future, I am going to make a conscious effort to keep it both simple and delicious so that I can have more time to spend with the people who matter most.
My Holiday Baking Marathon
From my homemade peppermint bark recipe to the dozens upon dozens of bourbon balls I rolled for my colleagues at work, this month has been quite the baking marathon. So happy to have successfully delivered all of these treats and to finally have the many delicious temptations out of my house (cookie intervention please)!
Homemade Eggnog
Last night I served this recipe for holiday eggnog while we opened up gifts. Whatever feelings you may have had about eggnog, just forget them because this recipe is fabulous and a definite must try.
While my holiday hostess duties may finally be complete, the holiday celebrating continues! My husband and I are currently on our way to Utah for a fun and snowy ski adventure with my sister and brother-in-law. Stay tuned for Redefining Domestics "Utah Edition" coming to the blog next week!
Have a wonderful Christmas everyone!