let the festivities begin!

I love love love the week leading up to Christmas. There are just so many fun family and friends activities. Last year at this time we were snowed in. All fun holiday activities were canceled and it was not.fun.at.all.

So this year I have been soaking in all my family and friend time and not taking anything for granted. This weekend was full of all the things that make this time of year special: parties, shopping, wrapping, lots and lots of laughing and Christmas music.

To start the weekend off right, I helped my mom throw my dad's annual employee Christmas party. While this might not sound like all that much fun, I actually love this because: 1. I get to help organize an event, 2. These people are f.u.n. 3. It's super early in the evening and we had a fun friend party after.

I thought I'd share with you some shots of the party scene. We had a lot of fun planning and making sure everything was beautiful and fabulous tasting.


I know this isn't new, but it's always so beautiful. Lemons, limes and cranberries. They not only make the water look beautiful, but it tastes so darn good.


The buffet table. Not sure why the forks are the focus, they aren't that exciting. But, instead of just having silverware loose to pick up, I like to keep it contained, so people can grab and go. In this instance, forks and knifes are contained in adorable tall snowman mugs.


My mom has the most adorable Christmas dishes. Each plate has a different line of the *Twas the Night Before Christmas*.


Cheese and cracker plate. I added these little craft paper signs to id all the different types of cheese. Super easy and added a ton of character to the plate.


Dessert = Christmas Cookies. Our annual cooking baking tradition is an upcoming post.


Um, yum. Frosted sugar cookies.


My mom is an amazing decorator. I've learned so much from her over the years. I loved this centerpiece she put together for the dining room table. Tulips + holly + swedish pillar candles = perfection in my mind.