One Holiday Party down...

Last night we hosted Paul's office holiday party.

It is always fun, because we really enjoy being with our work friends.

(I call them "our" work friends, even though I don't work with them!)

This is our third year hosting and each year I learn how to make the next year a little better, a little easier, and a little more fun!

You have to forgive the photography.  I'm hoping to take a class to figure my camera out and actually take a good picture!

Paul's task for Christmas decorating is the outside.

Doesn't it look nice!

...and welcoming, right?!

The dining room.

I have had that burlap runner on my table since before Thanksgiving when I hosted a shower.  I then used it for Thanksgiving dinner and now for Christmas.  Who knew it would be so versatile?!

(I think I may even use it when I help with the Cub Scout dinner in February)

 The appetizer spread

We went for Mexican this year, and it was delicious!

I had Cafe Rio pork, beef, and chicken in crockpots

and my stroke of genius was to have Qdoba provide the 

rice, beans, tortillas, salsa, chips, guacamole and queso.

So all I had to do was chop lettuce, tomato, cilantro, lime, and grate some cheese!

And here is my piece de resistance:

the dessert buffet

I made peppermint whoopee pies

chocolate peanut butter cup trifle

cheesecake parfaits

hazelnut chocolate mousse

and triple berry trifle.

It took a lot of planning, but it was also a lot of fun to do

But seriously, how did anyone plan parties before Pinterest?!