ALL IMAGE CREDITS VIA JULIE THIGPEN
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
My Annual Christmas Dinner Party
As promised, today I'm sharing some snapshots from our Christmas party last Saturday night. We somehow managed to cram 24 people into our one-bedroom apartment, along with a 16 ft. dining table (3 tables pushed together)...it was cozy and just perfect! The color scheme I went with this year was black and gold with accents of fuchsia.
I always keep the flowers simple - for this party I packed deep pink roses tightly into small vases and placed (3) arrangements down the table. The cranberry-pomegranate martinis were a big hit! And I was so pre-occupied with hosting, I didn't take any pictures of the food, except the beautiful caprese salad my friend Gina made. Yum!
The whole point of hosting this party every year is to gather everyone around one dining table. It's crowded but intimate and a great way for old friends and family to catch up over a delicious meal and good wine.
Me with my best girlfriends, my awesome husband Ryan, and toasting with Gina, my friend of 20 years.
Simple place settings - black table cloth, gold charger, Kate Spade dinner plate (china from our wedding), and a fuchsia cloth napkin. I purchased the gold snowflake ornaments from a local craft store, laced a black ribbon through the middle and tied it around the napkin. I forgot to make the placecards ahead of time (oops!) so I whipped them out about 30 mins. before the party on ivory card stock. Nothing fancy but they did the job!
One of my favorite pictures! Everyone toasting to a great evening with lots to celebrate. Cheers!
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Looks like a beautiful event!
ReplyDeleteaww that last picture looks so sweet! You should totally frame that one! :)
ReplyDeleteI love the fact that a small place don't get in your way to host a 16 ppl dinner! Love your christmastree too :)
ReplyDeletelooks like it was a very successful night! you have to tell me HOW you managed to squeeze 24 people in there! that's insane!
ReplyDeleteTotally gorgeous - you are quite the hostess.
ReplyDeleteLeigha
Looks so great, Julie - Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteSo fun packing into a small space - you totally pulled it off.
xoxo
I love the color scheme - dramatic and unexpected and very festive! But please tell - what was the menu? That is a lot of people to cook for, what on earth did you serve? Do you have two ovens? And another pair of arms?
ReplyDelete* Congrats on what was OBVIOUSLY a terrifically fun (and PRETTY!) night for all!
ReplyDeleteYou should be soooo proud of yourself, Julie!!! (And even if it DID get crowded, that just made it all the MORE fun n' cozy!!! I admire you for pulling off such a gr888 feat!!! It all looks just terriffic!!!)...
Wishing you all the very best for Christmas and 2011!!!
Warmly,
Linda in AZ *
bellesmom1234@comcast.net
* BTW, being w/ MY DEAREST FRIENDS n' FAMILY, and having such a WONDERFUL, LOVELY & WELL-THOUGHT-OUT seating arrangement, is all I ever need... fooood? That's not NEAR as important, IMHO~~~ it's the MOOOOD, the ATMOSPHERE, the CLOSENESS that's always soooooo enjoyed... and remembered!!! (Altho that cranberry martini DOES sound intriguing, I must say!!!!)
ReplyDeleteXO, Linda
How super fun! Looks like an amazing party! I'm so glad you had a wonderful time. Happy Holidays!
ReplyDeletep.s. So excited for your new stuff next year. I totally need that white dresser/night stand.
thank you everyone! xoxo :)
ReplyDeleteI love the color scheme you've chosen: gold, red and black. All very elegant and simple at the same time.
ReplyDeleteWonderful holiday!
Wow you did a spectacular job! I love that you squeezed all those people into your house. It was cozy but looked like a blast! Did you rent the tables and chairs? What did you serve?
ReplyDeletewhat a lovely table and setting!! amazing work you have done! Happy Holidays!
ReplyDeleteLooks like everyone had a fab time. Bravo to you for the undertaking. Entertaining at home always makes people feel special.
ReplyDeleteMary Ann