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Name That Dish!

partysugar — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 13:28:31 -0800

Christmas was a couple of days ago and I'm wondering if any of our British readers enjoyed the dish pictured below. It's a type of pie. Do you know what it's called?

Yummy Link: A Partridge in a Pear Tree

YumSugar — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 01:18:39 -0800

Although Christmas is over, I can't help but share this Christmas-related link with all of you. Anita has created the most adorable Partridge in a Pear Tree cookie. It's an adorable take on a linzer, and I love, love, love it! — Dessert First

Do You Enjoy Holiday Leftovers?

YumSugar — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 12:43:31 -0800

Source

Do You Enjoy Holiday Leftovers?

Yep, they're the best part of the holiday season!

They're tasty, but not as great as the meal.

I don't really have an opinion.

No thanks, I don't do leftovers.

Other — tell us in the comments!

Off to Market Recap: Egg Nog Bowl

partysugar — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 01:38:11 -0800

Each year, during the holidays, my sister and I love to make egg nog together. What we don't love about the process is trying to figure out what to serve the egg nog in. This year we decided to remedy the problem by finding the perfect bowl for our delicious egg nog. I asked you to help me search for a punch or a Christmas themed party bowl and you looked for a large vessel capable of fitting about 12 cups of liquid. You bookmarked the bowls in the Yum Market on TeamSugar with the keyword tag Egg Nog Bowl. I really like this festive red bowl with holly berry design that mellie_608 found. It's perfect for egg nog and the fact that it's decorated with a Christmas design will make our egg nog tradition more special. Check out all the bowls by scrolling through below.

GeekSugar has created a quick read explanation on how TeamSugar's fun bookmarking feature works so check it out if you are feeling confused.

Merry Christmas! Now It's Time to Treat Yourself!

YumSugar — Tue, 25 Dec 2007 06:01:31 -0800

Merry Christmas everyone!

If you've opened up all of your gifts and emptied out your stocking, but felt there was still something missing, then check out our entire 2007 gift guide. Trade in those fluffy puppy slippers for something a little more chic and sleek. From engraved bottles to fancy olive oil, you'll find great ideas for those gift cards you received.

For the rest of our guides,

Christmas Fun Facts!

partysugar — Tue, 25 Dec 2007 01:03:39 -0800

Feliz Navidad! I hope everyone is having a fabulous Christmas. To celebrate the season I've compiled a list of fun facts that are related to Christmas. These useless tidbits are great conversation starters. For example, when you are put on the spot by your nosy old aunt, you can mention that if she received all of the presents in the song "The Twelve Days of Christmas" she would receive exactly 364 gifts.

For more interesting facts about Christmas,

Cookies For Mr. Claus

partysugar — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 03:21:19 -0800

Santa Claus is coming to town tonight and you know what that means: he needs cookies! The ritual of baking cookies and leaving them on a plate for jolly old St. Nick is one of my favorite Christmas traditions. If you are eager to bake a last minute batch of cookies — for Santa or your family — I suggest making these peanut butter blossom cookies. They're cute as a button and will fill your house with the delicious aroma. Take a look at the recipe, just

Can You Match The Food to The Christmas Carol?

partysugar — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 01:01:39 -0800

I had such a good time taking Yum's Is It a Real Food Song or a Fake? quiz, I thought it would be fun to do a Christmas carol version! A ton of Christmas songs mention food.

I've listed the food portion of the lyrics and you have to match it to the Christmas carol. Ready to play?

Source

Name That Dish!

partysugar — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 08:01:32 -0800

Christmas is just a couple days away and many of you may be enjoying the classic dish pictured below. Here's a hint, it's mentioned in a famous Christmas song.

Chocolate Christmas Cabbie: Love It or Hate It?

YumSugar — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 01:31:31 -0800

I was hunting for some great gift ideas when I came across this Chocolate Christmas Cabbie ($29) from Dean & Deluca. It's a 12-ounce molded piece of hand-painted chocolate featuring Santa behind the wheel of a NYC cab. It's cute, but tacky. It would be a fun gift to get, but I don't think I'd spend my money on it. How about you? Are you hailing this cab?

Chocolate Christmas Cabbie: Love It or Hate It?

Love It

Hate It

Undecided

Yum Market Finds: Red & White Holiday

partysugar — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 16:15:19 -0800

Like Santa Claus or candy canes, red and white can fill any kitchen with holiday cheer. While browsing the Yum Market on TeamSugar, I noticed that it was overflowing with deep-red and snowy-white hues. Incorporating this color combination into your kitchen is super easy. You can fill a bowl with candy canes or add a gorgeous cocktail shaker to your home bar. I love this clear and red shaker that jennjennnbubba found. It totally makes me want to whip up white Russians!

To make your holiday a red-and-white one, browse the ideas below.

For more info on how to bookmark, check out geeksugar's guide.

Happy Hour: Santa's Martini

partysugar — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 13:13:31 -0800

My little sister is moving home today. I am so excited that she will be back in my life, that I have been running around getting everything ready. To properly welcome her back, I've picked up the ingredients to make this delicious holiday cocktail. Santa's Martini is a vibrant, red drink made with Chambord, pomegranate-blueberry juice, and fresh lime juice. It's also perfect for toasting in front of the Christmas tree! For the recipe,

Here Comes the Neighborhood! (Part 2)

YumSugar — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 11:13:31 -0800

When we asked for your own gingerbread-house creations, I was surprised by the number of entries. There were 30 of them, and each one is fantastic! If you missed it, we posted the first fifteen entries this morning, but now it's time for the next fifteen! This set covers everything from a beach hut to a concert stage, including a replica Snoopy dog house! To check out the neighborhood,

Come Party With Me: Christmas Dinner — The Look

partysugar — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 07:47:59 -0800

If you have a formal dining room, eat Christmas dinner there. If you don't, set up a table beside the glowing Christmas tree. Next, focus your attention on creating a beautiful table setting. Cover the table with a holiday print tablecloth. Top this with gold chargers and your best china. Shiny green napkins rolled with jingle bell napkin rings are festive and fun.

Serve the food on shiny red platters and the drinks in amber hued red and green stemware. Place red amaryllis flowers in low vases and run them down the middle of the table. Add glowing light by scattering golden votives and candles between the vases. Tie green and gold ribbons to the back of your chairs.

Finally, have a leisurely, unhurried meal and enjoy your exquisite surroundings!

Source

Off To Market Recap: Christmas Plates

partysugar — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 03:01:32 -0800

I want to give my grandfather's girlfriend a beautiful set of plates for Christmas, so I asked you to help me search for a lovely set that she can use while entertaining. You looked for plates that are pretty, festive, and perfect for serving everything from holiday cookies to cocktail appetizers. You saved the plates in the Yum Market on TeamSugar with the keyword tag Christmas Plates.

When I saw that three of you — Country+Betty, emalove, and aimeeb — discovered the same fabulous snowflake printed plates, I knew I had found the ideal gift. Thanks for your help! Let's hope she likes the plate set.

To see all the holiday themed plates you saved, scroll through below.

Don't know how to use the bookmarking feature of TeamSugar? Have no fear, geeksugar has helped you by creating an easy how to.

Yummy Link: Edible Christmas Ornaments

YumSugar — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 06:01:38 -0800

What is Christmas without Christmas decorations? These delicious edible ornaments are perfect for the Christmas tree and would be fun to make as well. — The Culinary Chase

Would You Eat This Paté?

YumSugar — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 13:11:31 -0800

I've found us the perfect item for a special holiday edition of Would You Eat This. You may have heard of duck or goose paté, but how about reindeer paté? It's a paté made from cuts of Swedish Artic Reindeer meat, cognac and spices. It's supposed to go great on buttered toast with a glass of brandy. It makes me sad to think I'd be munching down on Dancer, Prancer or one of Santa's other reindeer, however it probably wouldn't stop me from trying it. How about you guys, would you give it a try?

Would You Eat This Paté?

No way, not the reindeer!

Maybe, I would have to be in the right situation.

Sure, what is so weird about it?

Other - let us know below!

Reader Tip: Elegant Icing Spheres

YumSugar — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 03:10:18 -0800

I was checking out the Cake Decorators Unite group when I discovered this Christmas Cake from TeamSugar member 4BYRDS. It's a beautiful cake that's been dusted with gold luster dust and topped with three golden ornaments. If you're wondering how she crafted those elegant ornaments, her secret was to inflate small balloons and then pipe royal icing on to the outside. Once it had set, she popped the balloon and voila, beautiful cake toppers. To check out more pictures and see what she had to say about her cake,

Name That Dish!

partysugar — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 15:28:31 -0800

While you could have a 12-bird roast for Christmas dinner, I'd opt for a simpler chicken dish, like the one pictured below. It's Italian and can be made with veal or chicken. Do you know what it's called?

Crab Cakes Two Ways — Beginner and Expert

partysugar — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 14:48:11 -0800

Crab is a lovely Christmastime luxury. While I love it freshly cracked, there is something undeniably glamorous about crispy, flaky crab cakes. Miniature crab cakes are scrumptious, bite-size appetizers and the larger version is delicious as a first course served over a bed of greens. Perhaps it's because my mother was born in Maryland, but I feel every home cook should know how to make crab cakes. For that reason I've found two recipes for you to enjoy; one is simple and the other a little more challenging. To check them out,

Come Party With Me: Christmas Dinner — Menu

partysugar — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 09:18:31 -0800

In my opinion, Christmas dinner should be an absolutely delicious, fragrant meal. At my house, we always begin our Christmas with seafood. Oysters on the half shell and crab crostini pair perfectly with bubbly, sparkling wine. At the table, serve a show-stopping pan roasted beef tenderloin with rosemary and garlic as the main course. A decadent potato gnocchi with gorgonzola cream sauce is luxurious along side it. Finally, round the menu out with a winter salad and pomegranate dressing. For these savory and stunning recipes,

What Do You Eat on Christmas?

partysugar — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 14:25:31 -0800

Source

Would You Eat a 12-Bird Roast?

YumSugar — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 10:13:13 -0800

If you think a turducken is an impressive display of protein, then you haven't seen anything yet. British farmer Anne Petch has created a massive 50 -lb. creation containing 12 different birds — 1. Turkey, 2. Goose, 3. Barbary duck, 4. Guinea fowl, 5. Mallard, 6. Poussin, 7. Quail, 8. Partridge, 9. Pigeon squab, 10. Pheasant, 11. Chicken, 12. Aylesbury duck — each one stuffed inside the next.Dubbed the True Love Roast because it contains a different bird for each of the 12 days of Christmas, the roast costs around $1300 and serves 125 people. It also takes over 8 hours to cook completely and 4 hours to assemble. The whole thing is definitely extravagant, but I would absolutely have to partake in a bite or three. How about you, would you eat this roast?Oh and if you think 12 birds isn't enough, Petch is hoping that they'll do a 21-bird roast next year.Source

Come Party With Me: Christmas Dinner — Invite

partysugar — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 09:13:31 -0800

There is something so magical about Christmas dinner. Sitting down with my family at a table filled with delicious food always makes me incredibly happy, especially when the Christmas tree is twinkling in the background.

This week I'm planning our Christmas dinner and I'm inviting you along for the journey. Christmas is an occasion special enough to require paper invitations. You can download, print, and fill out our Christmas Party Invites or make a festive little card like I did here. To see how it's done,

Would You Rather Eat a Candy Cane or Peppermint Bark?

partysugar — Sun, 16 Dec 2007 04:28:31 -0800

Source and Source

Would You Rather Eat a Candy Cane or Peppermint Bark?

Candy Cane

Peppermint Bark

I love both!

Neither, I prefer _____ (fill in the blank below).

Don't Eat the Ornaments!

YumSugar — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 12:03:31 -0800

If your love for food spills beyond the kitchen table, you'll be thrilled by this roundup. I've gone out and hunted down some of the best — if not silliest — food-inspired Christmas ornaments. How droolworthy would a tree decked out in Reese's Peanut Butter Cups be? Although everyone will probably think they're edible, so be sure to have a bowl of the real thing on hand. To check out the rest of the foodie ornaments, scroll through the list below.

Mid-Century Modern Gingerbread House

YumSugar — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 07:56:19 -0800

The other day, CasaSugar asked you which Sugar HQ gingerbread house you preferred. Many of you said PartySugar's Lagito Cabin Gingerbread House, but my Mid-Century Modern charmed some of you folks as well. Earlier you got the step-by-step for hers, so today I thought I'd give you the step-by-step for mine. And if it inspires you then join us! We're currently asking you to submit your own gingerbread house!

I started off by creating my concept. Once I had the crude drawing, I got some scraps of cardboard and created a life-size model. If you're going to create your own house, I recommend you doing the same. The cardboard pieces will be used to cut out each wall piece.

To get the rest of my steps and up close pictures of each side and all the components,

Come Party With Me: Ugly Sweater — The Look

partysugar — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 06:01:39 -0800

When decorating for your Ugly Sweater party, think the uglier the better. Create an over-the-top look with tacky accents and mis-matched prints in bright red and vivid green.

Set the mood by hanging a cheeky sign from the door encouraging rowdy behavior. When guests arrive give them a Christmas stocking shaped beverage holder and a black sharpie. Have them write their name on the stocking to prevent lost drinks.

Cover the table with a garish poinsettia tablecloth. Hang lights and wrap beads around banisters and staircases. Light candles and a fire in the fireplace.

Serve the appetizers on big red platters and the sweets in bowls shaped like ornaments. Pour the cocktails in festive martini glasses and pass them out with a plaid cocktail napkin.

Off to Market: Christmas Plates

partysugar — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 03:01:39 -0800

For Christmas, I want to give my grandfather's girlfriend a set of beautiful plates. She is an extraordinary entertainer so it would be lovely to present her with a set of Christmas themed plates that she can use throughout the holiday season. Let's head off to market in search of the most wonderful Christmas plates. Look for plates that are pretty, festive, and perfect for serving everything from holiday cookies to cocktail appetizers. Save the plates you find in the Yum Market on TeamSugar with the keyword tag Christmas Plates. I'm looking forward to checking out your discoveries!

Don't know how to use the bookmarking feature of TeamSugar? Have no fear, geeksugar has helped you by creating an easy how to.

To check out where I shop online,

Yummy Link: Guacamole Grinch Sandwiches

YumSugar — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 11:51:31 -0800

The children — real and young at heart — are going to love this one. With a little bit of bread and a whole lot of guacamole, you can make Grinch Sandwiches. Just don't let it sit out too long, or he's going to look mean and nasty. — Junk Food Blog

The Lagito Cabin Gingerbread House

partysugar — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 08:30:00 -0800

After twelve hours, five emergency trips to the grocery store, three batches of royal frosting, and two house threatening crises, my log gingerbread snow cabin with frozen lake was completed and ready to enter the challenge. Let's hope it wins the the SugarHQ best gingerbread house contest!

It was a tough, time consuming project, but the final result — an amazingly cute gingerbread house — was well worth the effort. I couldn't have done it without the expertise of an incredibly creative friend, the support of very loving parents, and the candy from a recently opened old-school candy shop. To check out a gallery of images of The Lagito Cabin and learn more about the house making process — along with my tips for future builders —

Off to Market Recap: Holiday Shot Glasses

partysugar — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 01:29:19 -0800

Every year at my annual holiday cocktail party, a large amount of shots are consumed. The partying has taken its toll on my collection, and this year I want to stock up on some special holiday themed shooters. I asked you to head off to market in search of small glasses that are fun and conversation provoking. You saved the shooters in the Yum Market on TeamSugar with the keyword tag Holiday Shot Glasses.

The twelve days of Christmas shot glass wreath is pretty cool, but a little too college. These red and green shooters that shelleymonster discovered are more up my alley. They are festive, but a teeny bit sophisticated and absolutely fabulous. For more holiday shot glasses, browse the collection below.

Chocolate Fudge Two Ways — Beginner and Expert

partysugar — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 15:27:31 -0800

Chocolate fudge is my mom's all-time favorite holiday sweet. She's not much of a cook, so we usually make it together. It's an excellent dessert to make with loved ones because the final result is decadently rewarding. There are a million fudge recipes out there, but I prefer one that highlights the pure chocolate flavor by omitting walnuts.

I've found two recipes, one that is simple and another that takes a little more time, equipment, and expertise. Whichever you choose, whip up a batch soon. Fudge is delicious on a holiday dessert buffet and divine wrapped in cellophane and presented as a homemade gift. For the recipes,

Come Party With Me: Holiday Cocktail — The Look

partysugar — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 01:39:19 -0800

If you already decorate your house with festive Christmas decor — light, tree, stockings, and more — you won't need to do much for a stylish and fun holiday cocktail party look. Cover the tables with red satin runners. Place the appetizers on shiny red chargers and stack gold houndstooth napkins next to the alcohol. Choose a simple, small old-fashioned glass that works well with both egg nog and champagne punch. Fragrant wreathes and fresh poinsettias add lushness to the room. A fire in the fireplace makes the room cozy and inviting. Light candles for a glowing atmosphere. Lastly, hang mistletoe in several prominent walkways for a little extra excitement.

Source

Yum Market Finds: Sweet Holiday Treats

partysugar — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 11:43:18 -0800

Whether you're decking the halls or rocking around the Christmas tree, holiday candy is a big part of celebrating the season. I like to fill bowls with mini candy canes and red and white M&Ms. Looks like you enjoy holiday treats as well because the Yum Market on TeamSugar is full of delicious candies, peppermints, and chocolates. Take these Hershey kisses with red and white candy stripes for example. Phasekitty says they're the perfect blend of white chocolate and sweet peppermint flavor. For more sweet holiday treats scroll through below.

Name That Dish!

partysugar — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 14:31:39 -0800

Like fruitcake, the dessert pictured below is a ghost from Christmas past. It used to be popular, but has since fallen from fashion. Do you know what it's called?

Get Your Gift On! YumSugar Gift Guides Start Next Week

YumSugar — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 13:43:25 -0800

This year, I've vowed to have my holiday shopping done well ahead of the main event. Usually I'm that poor sap running around on Christmas Eve muttering horrible things under her breath because somehow someone was left off of my initial list. However this year, that's not going to happen; this year we've put together some amazing gift guides and we've got something for everyone. Whether you're shopping for your close family members, or your wine snob neighbor, we'll have some great choices for you.

Here are some of the categories we've got up our sleeves: Hostess, Baker, Cheese Lover, Vegetarian, Gardener, Cupcake Fiend, Cookbook Collector, Beer Aficionado, Griller, Brunch Lover and many many more. They'll start up next week, but here are a few gift ideas to give you a taste of what's to come.

Source

Yum Market Finds: It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

YumSugar — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 11:01:31 -0800

I told myself that I would wait until Thanksgiving had a little time in the sun before I went into full-swing Christmas mode. However, after glancing through the Yum Market, it became pretty clear just how impossible that would be. You guys have already started gearing up! There were Santa hat place cards, holiday cake pans, reindeer martini glasses and more! Personally, I was really excited by the book I'm Dreaming of a Chocolate Christmas that TeamSugar member ishop2much bookmarked. Scroll through below to see some of the great Christmas themed items!

Interested in learning how to bookmark? Check out geeksugar's explanation.

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas

YumSugar — Mon, 25 Dec 2006 00:01:00 -0800

¡Feliz Navidad!

I hope all of you readers are enjoying your holiday. Wishing you a fabulous and festive day full of decadent extravagance and familiar comforts. May your kitchens be filled with laughter, warmth, fragrance, and light. Merry Christmas!

Much love,
YumSugar

ps. If you still don't know what's for dinner, check out our recipes section for some last minute recipe ideas.

Cookies For Santa

YumSugar — Sun, 24 Dec 2006 00:02:52 -0800

Remember when you used to pick out the best, most perfectly shaped and delicately frosted cookies, place them on your special use-only-on-Christmas-Eve plate, and leave them out (along with a glass of milk and a few carrots) for Santa? Ok, so that may have been a long time ago and I know that I'm too old to believe in Santa Claus (when my mom told me in fifth grade I cried), but I like to make a fresh batch of cookies on the morning of Christmas Eve with him in mind. Even though the cherry cheeked old man won't be visiting me tonight, it's nice to have the house smelling of fresh baked cookies. If you are like me and want a tasty little sweet bite to munch on while you sip your spiked hot chocolate and wrap up last minute presents, then do yourself a favor and make these snowball cookies. For the recipe

Come Party With Me: Cookie Swap

YumSugar — Fri, 22 Dec 2006 00:05:03 -0800

Cookie swaps are all the rage these days. Never one to be ashamed of jumping on a rolling bandwagon, this winter I’ve decided to host my own. Instead of making ten different kinds of cookies this year I’ll give a cookie exchange for my friends. Each guest makes several batches of their favorite holiday cookies then brings the treats to my house where the cookies are shared with all. Guests leave with a goodie bag full of delicious cookies to take home and share with their family. To learn more about this party

Come Party With Me: Christmas Brunch

YumSugar — Thu, 21 Dec 2006 00:02:21 -0800

Christmas day is less than a week away. If you have not thrown your holiday fete and still want to, host a Christmas day brunch (have plans on Christmas? host a day after Christmas brunch). Invite close friends and family to join you after unwrapping the presents for an easy late breakfast. All of my dishes can be made ahead of time. Pop in the oven while you discover what Santa brought you and enjoy with your family afterward. For the recipes and more

Come Party With Me: Christmas Caroling

YumSugar — Wed, 20 Dec 2006 00:05:22 -0800

I know it may be a little old fashioned but I think it's time we bring back Christmas caroling. That's right, you guessed it, let's throw a Christmas caroling party. Invite a group of people over (we all know a few American Idol wannabes) then put on your big coats and head out into the cold to sing for your neighbors. Afterwards invite everyone back in for some hot soup and a hot chocolate bar. Make this party particularly memorable and ask guests to wear their tackiest Christmas sweaters. To make this party your own

Come Party With Me: Secret Santa Soiree

YumSugar — Tue, 19 Dec 2006 00:05:56 -0800

When I was in high school my friends and I got together every year for a party we called 'Friend Christmas'. Instead of having to purchase gifts for all of the girlies in our circle we did a Secret Santa exchange. The sleepover was a highlight of the Christmas holidays, one full of gossip and cookies. This year I decided to get together the girls again for a grown up version of Friend Christmas - a light cocktail style party to start around 8:30 pm. To host this Secret Santa Soiree for you and your girlfriends,

What is your favorite festive, holiday cocktail?

YumSugar — Mon, 18 Dec 2006 12:04:27 -0800

What is your favorite festive, holiday cocktail?

Creamy Egg Nog

Spicy, Mulled Cider

Sparkling Champange

Pomegranite Martini

Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale

Other (let us know below!)

Come Party With Me: How The Grinch Stole Christmas Watching Party

YumSugar — Sat, 16 Dec 2006 08:46:08 -0800

Looking for an informal yet celebratory reason to entertain this season? Hold a get together where you make a comforting dinner and watch your dearest holiday special/movie/television show. The original cartoon version of How the Grinch Stole Christmas is my choice for this party, but BuzzSugar has a list of other holiday classics and holiday-ish films for you to choose from. To make the menu and get all the party details,

YumSugar Preview: Come Party With Me - Holiday Cocktail

YumSugar — Tue, 12 Dec 2006 11:22:40 -0800

The holidays are just around the corner and we're happy to announce that YumSugar.com will be here just in time. Starting this Friday, YumSugar.com will be your go to place for delicious recipes, entertaining tips and festive cocktails. See below for a sneak peek:

This week why not plan a cocktail party for you and your friends? The perfect event where ready made meets homemade, a quick, easy holiday themed get together can be thrown any night of the week. For all of the details (invite ideas, serving suggestions, decorations schemes, musical playlists, divine drinks) on how to host this party, see below.

Invites: Make simple invites by cutting out the shape of an ornament (or use this template) on metallic card stock or colored wrapping paper. Write out the super important details of your party-date, time, location, formality-on the back. Slide into an envelope and send. Too busy to send out formal invites? Decided you want to throw this party in three hours? Have no fear: write a text-invitation and send it to all of your friends.

Menu: Don't worry even if you aren't a kitchen goddess, you can still host a fabulous cocktail party by using mostly store bought items. Make one simple yet super tasty tiny bite or decadent dip and assemble the rest of your menu. Assemble a cheese platter: purchase one each of your favorite types of hard, semi soft, and soft cheese. Plate with crackers, baguette toasts, grapes, and bread sticks. Lay out slices of salami, prosciutto, and honeyed turkey on another plate. Fill bowls with mixed nuts, olives, and pretzels. For a sweet treat purchase Christmas themed cookies from your local bakery. Or fill silver bowls with red and green M&Ms, Hershey kisses, and candy canes.

For Decorations, Music and Drinks,