Under a Bushel

A few months ago, I was asked to head the social committee in our department. Wow. (Note to self, in the future hide under a bushel, hide under a bushel.)

Can we say nervous? Yes. Can we say excited? Heck yes.

The first task: the annual formal Christmas party.

This event was fun to plan. I met with a few people on my committee to talk about catering ideas, entertainment, and the yearly gift. We came up with some delicious and fun ideas.

The day of the event was a little crazy with some last-minute preparations, and of course I was a bit high-strung during the event worrying about whether or not everything would work out well, but it turned out beautifully.

The Food: We ended up planning a delicious buffet that included round roast with a black currant demi glace and cream horseradish sauce, Italian chicken with a mushroom caper sauce, scalloped potatoes, sausage sage cranberry cornbread stuffing, spinach and romaine salad with walnuts, craisins, and Gorgonzola cheese with a delicious caramel balsamic vinaigrette.

I'm getting hungry just remembering.

The Entertainment: We also scored big brownie points with the entertainment...

Awesome 4-piece jazz ensemble

with an amazing saxophonist.

See what I mean? 

The Gift: Our idea for a Christmas gift was a big hit... especially because each person got to take home two. 

However, McKenzie's lack of math skills meant that we only had half the amount intended for our guests. (Evidenced quickly by a large stack of cocoa that disappeared within minutes...)

Luckily, there was enough for the retirees that evening, and another trip to Costco so I could play Santa and hand-deliver the rest. 

Despite the fact that I was a bit frantic because of the chocolate, Ryan and I had fun chatting with colleagues and enjoying the incredible music. 

At dinner 

Heidi and Phillip after dinner 

Colleagues 

Phew. One down, three more to go in the next 12 months. 

And... just over a month until the Career Fair. Nice.

Holiday Cocktail Party

Someday, when Ryan is a doctor and we live in a spacer bigger than a two-bedroom apartment, I will host an incredible annual holiday cocktail party...

But for now, I'm going to stick to intimate imitations.

A couple of months ago I started making meticulous plans to break out my tasting party ware.

But, naturally, planning a party can be difficult. There are always the questions: who to invite, what to serve, etc.

But, naturally I was excited!

So excited in fact that I printed hard-copy invitations and mailed them! They were pretty fabulous if I don't say so myself.

Anyway... Friday was the big day.

And of course, so many things went wrong.

First, Thursday I was feeling under the weather and wasn't able to do as much as I would have liked to prepare.

Second, Ryan had a final Friday so I had to manage Adi and the preparations.

Third, my parents couldn't help like I'd been planning on.

Fourth, Ryan had the car, so I couldn't get last-minute needs at the store.

Finally, tasting the punch and realizing it was completely bitter. (:

Luckily, it turned out so well despite the things that went wrong. Ash helped pick up plates, and the few people I had asked to help pulled through with some amazing hors d'oeuvres.

The best part of the night? Adi gagging on what she was eating and throwing up in my hands, in front of everyone. (: Classic moment.

I only took a few pictures, but it was so much fun.

Chantico! So delicious!

Some of the delicacies...

A few of the girls and Adi shirtless after the incident.

A huge thanks to Ash who made amazing mini cupcakes, brought european crackers from her own food storage, and who picked up plates on her way--all after taking a lengthy law final only hours before.

Success

Ryan and I have recently gone through a homemade pizza phase... and after about 10 pizzas, we finally had one we were proud of. So proud in fact, that we took a picture...

Ta da!