~~Planning the Perfect Holiday Party~~

Christmas is one of my favorite holidays of the year. I love everything about it…the sights (all the pretty lights), the sounds (people caroling…yes, believe it or not people still do), the smells (evergreen, cookies, pies) and the good cheer. This is also my favorite time to throw a party…but then I’ll throw a party just because it’s Wednesday. (smile)

If you’re like me and love to entertain, I thought I would share with you some of my favorite things I use when hosting the perfect holiday gathering.

First the cocktail...

I love greeting guests as they arrive with a cocktail, it’s just right thing to set the mood for the evening. This year I will be serving the Peppermint Patty at all of my holiday gatherings.

Peppermint Patty Cocktail

Ingredients:

2 ounces vodka 1 ounces peppermint schnapps

1/2 ounces white crème de cacao

Directions:
Combine ingredients in a shaker with ice.
Stir gently and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

Servings: One cocktail.

To add a little pizazz crush some peppermints in a food processor. Dip the rim of your cocktail glass in water and then dip the rim in the ground peppermints. Garnish your cocktail with a candy cane.

Drink recipe and photo courtesy of fineliving.com


Next the appetizer...

As much as I love to entertain I don’t like to cook, but if there is one thing that I don’t mind making that would be my favorite Hot Crab Dip. I found this great recipe on the Food Network’s website a while back and it’s never failed me. In addition to the Hot Crab Dip, I also make sure to call my favorite caterer who is always on “stand by” ready to help me at a moments notice for all the rest. (smile)

Hot Crab Dip

Ingredients:

1 pound jumbo lump crab meat, free of shells

1 cup grated pepper jack cheese

3/4 cup mayonnaise

1/4 cup grated Parmesan

1/4 cup green onions, minced, optional

5 to 6 roasted garlic cloves or 2 cloves minced

3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

2 tablespoons fresh lemon or lime juice

1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce

1/2 teaspoon dry mustard

Salt and pepper

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.

Combine all of the ingredients in a casserole and gently stir until thoroughly mixed.

Bake for 40 minutes.

Serve hot with crackers or toast points.

Recipe and Photo courtesy of FoodNetwork.com

Now that we’ve got the cocktail and appetizer checked off our list, let’s move on to music.

A holiday party is just not a party without good old Christmas music to get you in the mood. Below you will find just a few of my favorites. Don’t have time to go out and buy the CD? No problems. Most of the songs can be found and downloaded from iTunes for just 99 cents!

Here are my top 6 picks for this holiday season...

1. The Christmas Song – Nat King Cole
2. Christmas Time is Here – Vince Guaraldi Trio (from A Charlie Brown Christmas soundtrack)
3. Let it Snow – Michael Bublé (the entire CD is a must have!)
4. All I Want For Christmas Is You – Mariah Carey
5. Jingle Bells – Ella Fitzgerald (from the CD Ella Wishes You a Swinging Christmas)
6. Winter Wonderland - Ella Fitzgerald (from the CD Ella Wishes You a Swinging Christmas)

So we've got the cocktail, appetizer, caterer on speed dial and the music we’re all set for a great holiday gathering! All you have to do now is pick a date and invite your guests.

Here’s to a fun holiday party!

Happy Planning!