Christmas Cheers

Upon moving to our new apartment we knew that we won't be able to hold big gatherings (just like when I celebrated my 23rd birthday). My friends had been wanting to see my new place, I decided to throw a Christmas Party for us. Due to space availability, I made sure to keep it small. Since I can't have all of my friends over, I decided to throw one just for my friends from school, and another one for my friends from work. I thought it owuld be a nice thing to do as well... I love get togethers and it's not everyday that we get to hang-out.

After planning menus with Horacio, sending out evite (setting up a day which most of our friends are free) and thinking up of a way to do gift exchange (making sure that each one gets home with a gift), the day finally arrived. Horacio and I did the grocery Friday afternoon and I spent the whole night Saturday and whole morning Sunday preparing and cooking.

We had Lasagna Bolonese, Swedish Meatballs (minus jelly), Buffalo Wings, Spicy Rice with Shrimp, Chicken Macaroni Salad, Ceasar's Salad, and a Pumpkin Pie and Chocolate Cheesecake -- all of which are made by yours truly with help from Horacio (okay, the salad was store bought...). We also had a chocolate fountain running (had banana, apples, marshmallow and pretzels to dip into it) which was absolutely a hit! Horacio also made Sangria which made the beer and spiked eggnog go to waste...

After catching up, exchanging life's stories, (the usual...) gossip, Horacio prayed for the food and everbody dug in. We also celebrated Dave's birthday with the Chocolate Cheesecake, was so glad that he was able to make it. As instructed, everybody brought their unisex gifts (I got a lot of complains from this actually...) and we picked-out names and whoever we got, that would be the person who we gave the gift to. Everybody went home with a gift, a full belly, more food for their trip home and a great time.

I actually felt good about the party. It was spent with good friends and good food. I am also proud of myself for being able to pull through and make good food. This was the first party that I planned and prepared, it was nerve wracking thinking if the food would be good knowing that I made it all from scratch and no plan b. Special thanks to Horacio for helping me out in the kitchen especially during the times when I was panicking! To my brother who figured out how to make the space bigger and for the great pictures that he took.