Christmas drinkies
I meant to write this post yesterday fresh from our Saturday night Christmas party. I was too tired. Plus our dishwasher broke in the wee hours of Sunday morning (it trips if you over-load it which I did) so I had to wash everything by hand and empty out the water with a tupperware container. As I said, I was too tired! Anyway winge over and back to sharing the festivities.
When I have a themed party I’m usually quite reserved with my decorations. That is until I think of extra little things to do at the last minute. Turning the boys’ beers into mini Rudolphs fell into this category. Aren’t they cute? I just used a hot glue gun to stick on the nose and eyes and twisted the antlers around the neck. I totally expected the boys to rip them off as soon as they opened their beers but they all loved them. I might have stood back and laughed at my genius.
The Christmas table
We had 12 people to dinner which left me very excited. Why? Because I got to use our wedding silver. Yes I am still totally old school and asked for silver as a wedding present but it’s so special to eat with. I made the napkins and the lanterns you may remember from our wedding.
Party people
I didn’t warn everyone that their photos would be on the blog but I’m sure they won’t mind. Who’s that gorgeous man carving the ham? That’s my handsome husband! Note that everyone is wearing matching hats (thanks to my homemade crackers). This was actually our third free-range ham for the season and every one was succulent and so full of flavour. We got them all from Meat at Billy’s at Ashgrove.
Also on the menu was: potato bake, chicken stuffed with brie, cranberry and spinach, a super salad made by a friend and veges.
Secret Santa
After dinner it was Secret Santa time. Each year we set a $10 limit for a unisex gift. They get more hilarious every year!
Secret Santa
Doesn’t Will look excited to be unwrapping a skateboard? Sadly someone stole it from him (we play where you’re allowed to steal from others or pick from under the tree). I was rather smitten with my gift – Scrabble magnets!
Red velvet trifle
After dinner it was time for dessert. One friend kindly brought a delicious raspberry cheesecake and I whipped up my version of a red velvet trifle. It looked a lot more red in real life I promise. On the bottom I spread out some cream whipped with a little cream cheese, icing sugar and vanilla then the cake topped with meringue them more cream, raspberries (repeat) and finished with a layer of cream, berries and grated chocolate.
It was delicious! My only regret was not taking it out of the fridge sooner because it was even better later (no I didn’t eat a lot of it when I was cleaning up).
Red velvet truffles
I slightly over-estimated how much red velvet cake I’d need for the trifle so yesterday I whipped the leftovers up into red velvet truffles. I just threw the cake, some cream cheese and icing sugar in the food processor and whizzed it until smooth, rolled it into balls, chilled it, dipped it in white chocolate melts then added some decoration.
They’ll be coming along with me to Christmas lunch tomorrow.
If you liked this post, why not subscribe and receive updates straight to your inbox?
I am Claire & I love food. Here you'll find my favourite recipes, tips, tricks, restaurants & plates full of frivolity with the odd crafty post. New inspiration posted daily.
Season’s eatings Clare. May you and yours enjoy a peaceful festive season.
Seasons eatings to you too Lizzy!
Looks like it was a great evening. I hope I get a skate boarding gnome for Christmas….. And a red velvet trifle. That looks soo good. A Happy and safe Christmas to you.
It was Jo! Isn’t the gnome cute? All the boys were plotting how to steal it back. Merry Christmas to you too!
Claire, this looks like such a fun, festive party. I’d love to be a guest at one of your celebrations! Your decorations and details are wonderful!
I’d love you to be a guest Chris! Thank you!
Looks like a fabulous party. I want to party with you sometime. Merry Christmas!
Would love to have you Barbara!
Clare it all looks fantastic…VERY CLEVER GIRL!!!!! Have a wonderful Christmas and
we will be thinking of you all xxxC
Thank you Cath! Did you spot the very pretty pepper mill and gorgeous salt shell on the table? Merry Christmas! xx
Your dinner party looks like it was amazing. I’d have loved to have been a guest. I think the Secret Santa idea is a great one. We’ve done that a few times and I hate it when you get something you really want and then someone demands a swap. Merry Christmas to you and Will and looking forward to seeing you soon xx
I was lucky Charlie I drew number 12 so I had pick of all the presents!
What a fun looking party and I just love all your beautiful decorations. That trifle looks out of this world!
I love what you did to the beers! That’s genius! What lovely Christmas celebrations you had. Glad everyone liked the crackers!
Thanks Clare they’re cute aren’t they?!