New Years Celebration Party

New Years this year was a little scaled down due to our entire family being sick over Christmas. Despite an ER visit on the 26th, I thought I just had a bit of a bug and proceeded on through New Years. Had I known I had Pneumonia, I may have resigned to the couch for our new years celebrations! Thank goodness I had saved my decor from last year, so set up was minimal! It's still a super cute way to celebrate the new year!

 We always go out to dinner with the adults then come back after to the kids. With all the extra excitement, I like to put together bags of activities for each hour for the sitter to do with the kids. At least the sitters wont go crazy! They are little games or activities that can be completed in the hour. I've toyed with having over next year and would do activities for the kids and all their cousins. I think its fun to have the anticipation for the next hours activities!

 Each bag this year also had a handful of "watches" made with chocolate coins and watch faces, since my daughter was learning to read a watch it was a fun way of incorporating the learning into each hour bag, not to mention- yummy!

 I purchased my bag printables and new years activities a while back from the dating divas, i absolutely love them! The whole kit is so much fun and comes with everything (except the watches) as well as a game which we played and is also very fun. I love the little kids new years resolution page. My daughter had a blast drawing it up and I thought it was so sweet to read through! It was a good way to introduce new years resolutions to the young kids!

What midnight celebration is complete without the midnight toast? I loved loved loved this drink and was able to find the perfect plastic martini glasses to make it worry proof and easy clean up! It could be made spiked or non like we did. It is basically martinelli's cider with a shot of mango nectar and peach nectar. throw in a few pomegranate seeds and a sprig of rosemary to cut the sweetness! It was wonderful! For the adult version, add peach schnapps's instead of nectar!

North Pole Elf Breatfast

Some people do a fun breakfast to welcome their elf on the shelf to their home for the Christmas season, we have always decided to do a North Pole Elf Breakfast on Christmas Eve morning to send him back home on a good night, and basically to suck up to him Christmas Eve :)  We've always had lots of fun with it, but this year we added to the fun when my daughter asked me to sew "buddy the elf style" hats for everyone. I have to admit, she was right, it made it much more fun and the hats were actually quite easily sewn! I highly recommend adding hats to all your future elf events!

I always love using these awsome little vintage milk bottles! They are the perfect size and look wonderful in any theme with a colored straw and any beverage!

 Upon arrival, everyone was required to find out what their elf names were from our chart, don their elf hat and start off with a nice mug of hot cocoa! Some of my favorite names were: Bubbles sugar-socks and cookie monkey-buns! Such a fun way to get in the elf spirit!

 Hmmm, had to make sure all the major elf food groups were represented. Sadly, despite four stores, I could not find candy corns in December. Next year I'll have to save some halloween candy!

Candy Cane Pancakes

Happy Christmas Eve from our Elf Family to yours! ( and Clarisse the reindeer)

Christmas Party Treat Table

Every year to kick off the Christmas season we host an Angel Tree party. In our area, the Salvation Army collects names of families that need help providing children with Christmas gifts and clothing. We usually select 2 children to start with and are usually able to add more children, depending on the turn out of our get together. We send out the childrens names and info, and guests are welcome but not obligated to bring a gift if they like, or they can just come to the party and help wrap gifts. This year we were able to sponsor 4 children, which made my heart so happy!

 I love this party because I love seeing the charity of others especially at the holiday season, and I love baking for the party while listening to my Christmas music! I figure, if I'm asking people to give gifts, the least I can do is feed them well! :) It is one of my favorite parties. and this year gave me the extra time to try some new recipes that I will share!

 Pomegranite Macarons (white) and Raspberry White Chocolate Macarons (left) Loved the colors!

 Christmas Pavlova- was so much fun to make, and beautiful to see- not to mention tasty!

 Christmas Fudge- Microwave-super-easy-but-tasty Style

 who doesn't love sugared cranberries

 This was one of the best. I love peanut brittle, but seldom make it due to the time. I wanted to make it but alas, my candy thermometer was broken that day. So I pulled out this awesome microwave recipe I've had for a while but haven't tried and it was amazing! Better even then the slow version! Recipe included below- make it..... love it!

 I always have requests for my snowman and girl sugar cookies

What a  beautiful site, and night! Happy holidays!!

Super Easy 10 Minute Microwave Peanut Brittle

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1 1/2 cups dry roasted peanuts
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup light corn syrup
• 1 pinch salt (optional)

Directions

1. Grease a baking sheet, and set aside. In a glass bowl, combine peanuts, sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Cook in microwave for 6 to 7 minutes on High (700 W); mixture should be bubbly and peanuts browned. Stir in butter and vanilla; cook 2 to 3 minutes longer.
2. Quickly stir in baking soda, just until mixture is foamy. Pour immediately onto greased baking sheet. Let cool 15 minutes, or until set. Break into pieces, and store in an airtight container.

 Recipe adapted from Allrecipes.com