11th annual christmas party

The Invitation...

The Prep

I've collected these 60 some mason jars over the years.

I used a combination of tea lights, and some battery candles. 

I love them displayed in mass.

Organizing  all the serving pieces ahead of time!

  

Moved the jars to the kitchen island, which serves as the buffet, 

added fresh greens from our yard.

Setting up a bar cart for serving drinks.

~  Welcome  ~

The Menu

Pomegranate Martinis

Wine

Giada's Italian Chicken Salad in Lettuce Leaves

Shrimp with Cocktail Sauce

Marmalade Meatballs

Stilton Stuffed Dates wrapped in Bacon

Individual  ~ Giada's Mac 'n Cheese

Molten Chocolate Cake

Coffee with Baileys

Sorry, no photos I was busy getting dishes out of the oven, 

but I'll do a post about the do-ahead appetizers and my tips.

 Friends

The Gifts

 

These clever girls!! Using the invitation as a bow,

decopaging a wine box with book pages, using the comics as wrapping paper

all in keeping with our 'word' theme.

Here's mine.

 What was in the beautifully wrapped packages?

I'm a lucky girl,

 and so happy they feel guilty stealing from the hostess!

Did I mention I immediately hung it on the wall!

Oh, and my friend made it!

  Here's to my wonderful girlfriends!

I saw this Pooped Party Girl

when I got up this morning, she slept all night with her pearls on!

(she got the fashion advice from this stylish friend)

Till next year...

do you have a jollifer?

~   Jollifers   ~

are sentimental things that spread a little joy every time you cast your eye upon them

A couple of months ago there was an article in the Wall Street Journal's

Design & Decorating Page, by Deborah Needleman,

author of the forthcoming "The Perfectly Imperfect Home."

10 Odd, Yet Essential, Elements of Style

#2  - Jollifers

I thought it would be fun to go through her list and see if we have the essential elements...

This is my jollifer during the holidays....

a simple gingerbread man swag, hung in my kitchen window every year. 

Ms. Needleman says, "They are among the easiest decorating tools,

as they require no skill, no sophisticated understanding of color, texture or composition.

You basically set them out and like talismans, they exude their subtle power."

My jollifer was given to me by a special friend and her two daughters years ago.

It makes me smile and think of her positve attitude no matter the circumstance.

Do you have a Jollifer? 

Christmas mantel

After the blast of snow last week,

 that I was beyond thankful for ~ go here to see why,

 and a high of 15 today we're ready for some cozy nights by our fireplace.

Here's our mantel decked out for the season...

I kept with the same scheme as the bookcases and used

stacked books, cream vases, some gold for sparkle

 and greenery (door swags I had). 

I started on the ends and moved toward the center,

where I got stuck and tried everything under the sun...

 wreaths, grouping of large candlesticks, black vase with greenery,

then I stole this large piece from a vignette in the kitchen - it works! 

These jars were on clearance at my favorite store,

but not my favorite color, so...

they got a transformation along with all the other cream colored vases on the bookcases,

 all picked up at thrift stores.

Since it's Christmas, my decorating is done, I'm nice, and you're my favorites

 because you come visit everyday, I have a little surprise for you!

      Spot a mistake in the photo above and be the first to name it in a comment.

 (be sure I have your email)

I love games like this, being detailed and all I think I'm so good! 

If you haven't finished your mantel yet come check out the inspiration over at...

Ten June

Uncommon Slice of Suburbia 

Or, if yours is all decked out too, come join in!

exterior holiday decor...PB inspired

Remember when I mentioned my inspiration for our exterior holiday decor,

here it is....all ready to greet guests for tomorrow's party!

Here's the Pottery Barn version, very pretty, but....

do you think their snow is the real deal?

 

I have some lanterns, I could have casually arranged them along the walk,

instead I used them for this

 unique personalized gift idea for teachers, hostesses, and neighbors.

From our front gate...

Our front patio...

I had all the wreaths and garland and purchased the ornaments from Dollar Tree. 

                           Sorry for the poor photos, it was snowing!!!  I love Colorado!!

And, this one for the hottest lighting technician ever,

~   thank you, mr. simple  ~

we love our chimney covered in red lights so Santa doesn't miss our house! 

Don't miss the other bloggers creative ideas over at

Debbiedoo's Copycat Challenge

you're sure to find something that inspires!

free maps for giftwrap

Last year I used maps for wrapping Christmas gifts!

(free, of course, keep reading and I'll tell you where you can get them)

They're clever for any time of year, think....

Birthdays

Graduation

Easter 

Retiree 

Father's Day

Wedding

Baby

Hostess

New Home

~  add a note that uses one of  these words  ~

 journey, adventure, travels, road, explore, trek, trip, excursion, world...

'You mean the world to me!'

Congratulations, enjoy your new adventures!

Hit the road Jack!

 (Ha! That's for a special friend.)

indulgy.com

 The White Bench

 Sky Goddess Voyages

crate.typepad.com 

media1.onsugar.com

 circleofmoms.com

beachcomber26.blogspot.com

If you're in Denver they're available at no charge...

rolled in bundles of 10, limit 2 rolls/person

The Map Store - U.S. Geological Survey

Denver Federal Center - Gate 1 @ Kipling just north of Alameda

M-F 8am - 4pm thru December 23rd

Not in Denver...check here for a location

http://www.usgs.gov/

Hope your weekend includes a...

 shopping excursion,  a holiday adventure, or a trek to pick a tree!