Captured Moments: Christmas Party

A few things you’ll find out quick about me: I love Christmas. I have a major sweet tooth. And I am not ashamed to call Pinterest a past-time.

So when I got the idea of a Hot Chocolate Bar via Pinterest, I couldn’t wait to host one myself.

A couple weeks before Christmas I invited over a few friends for a “Hot Chocolate Bar and Christmas Movie Marathon Party.” (Which actually turned out to be only one movie, but that’s okay!) I had so much fun getting it all together, and it may just have to become a tradition now!

Here are The Captured Moments:

Kenzie (my niece) stealing the camera for some selfies. Never know what I’m going to find when I pick up my camera!

Kenzie capturing me frantically running around, trying to get last-minute details in place.

Goofball!

Most of the island once I was finished putting it all together. Not exactly Pinterest perfect, but I was happy with it and had a lot of fun planning and getting it all set up. 🙂

On one side, I placed large marshmallows in a paper bowl, three tiny glass dishes filled with chocolate chips, mini-marshmallows, and crushed peppermint (Kenzie loved helping me smash all those candy canes), whipped cream, chocolate syrup, toffee almond creamer, and cute paper straws and candy canes each in their own mason jar.

In the middle I placed a cake stand with glass ornaments, several types of sprinkles, ground cinnamon, a wreath, and a cork Christmas tree I discovered how to make myself just a week or so before (find directions on how to make one yourself here) :

On the opposite side I placed several Christmas mugs, a chalkboard with homemade pennant banner (paper, jute string, and hot glue), and a mason jar full of hot cocoa mix.

Merry and Bright.

Close-up of the banner.

Then it was time to partake! My first creation was pretty simple and consisted of mini-marshmallows, whipped cream, and cinnamon. Mmm! I also made two bowls of popcorn, one regular and one ooey gooey (tasted kind of like Marshmallow/Rice Krispie Treats), which was a major hit! (Find the recipe here.)

My next creation included marshmallows, whipped cream, chocolate chips, and peppermint bits.

 My philosophy in hosting parties (yes, I actually do have a philosophy for hosting parties) is based on two principles: 1) As a guest in my home, you’ll be honored that way. My job is to be there to serve you. You shouldn’t have to make a drink; a drink will be brought to you. Before you ask, it should already be provided. It might be a weird concept to some people (you wouldn’t believe how many people have seemed  insulted or told me “I can do it myself, you know”), but I get joy out of doing it. To me, it’s hospitality, plain and simple. I was taught growing up that guests got first pick. That their wants and needs always came first. Kind of like the concept of chivalry, to me it’s not some passive aggressive accusation of your incompetence, but the honor of being able to serve you and to put you first.

The second principle is a simple one: 2) You should feel as though you’re right at home. My goal is to always make guests feel comfortable and just a little bit spoiled once they leave.

So after some hot cocoa, a warm fire, and cozy blankets, then, this was a pretty honoring sight:

Jakota, Carsyn, and Jordan. (Accidentally cut out Erin though. Sorry, Erin!)

I think they felt at home!

Mission accomplished.