Taste of Tuesday | Secret Santa Party

So last week I had some girls over for a little secret santa party.  I took a few good photos before the party started, but I did a terrible job of taking ANY pictures once the ladies arrived.  This party quickly turned into a first annual and I already can't wait for next year's party.  Here's the thing...I need ya'lls feedback.  Tell me your experience with Secret Santa parties and your favorite set of "rules."  Every one had their own suggestions on ways they have played before and next year I will be sure to have my shit TYPED OUT :)  Girls are competitive and we can't have any room for "grey area."

It was tons of fun and I think everyone enjoyed themselves even if I only barely knew the rules to the game! 

I set up  this cute hot chocolate bar with printable from here. I've kept it set up all weekend long and I think I'll keep it for the rest of winter! I love it :)

I cooked the food with some help from my Mama.  It worked out well.  I have a recipe for my appetizer below.  It's tasty and pretty for the holidays.  I just wish I took a picture of it for you.  #bloggerfail.  Sorry!

I made this Cranberry mojito and my favorite deadly delicious Poinsettia cocktail. 

Do you like my attempt for chalkboard art??? That is no freakin' joke.  People make that stuff look so easy and it sure ain't!! 

I'm glad I made the speciality cocktails but everyone always just loves the wine!  

I had hubby light up the firepit for us too, so we could end the night with some s'mores!  I love s'mores and glad we got to make a few even though we ran out of wood.  

Do you have a holiday party you attend every year with your girlfriends??  I've seen lots of cute cookie exchanges and ugly sweater parties this season that sound like so much fun. 

If you are needing an easy and pretty looking appetizer this week, please try this Curry Cheese Pate.  I'm sorry I don't have a picture of it for you!

Curry Cheese Pate 

via Jambalaya Cookbook

Ingredients 

Pate

2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened

2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded ( room temperature)

6 tablespoons sherry wine

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon curry powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

Topping

1 (8 ounce) jars mango chutney

1/2 cup peanuts, chopped

1/2 cup green onion, chopped

1/2 cup coconut, grated

Directions

Blend pate ingredients together until combined.

Line an 8" cake pan with plastic wrap and fill pan with cheese mixture. Cover with plastic wrap and chill 4 hours.

NOTE: Can be frozen at this point. Defrost at room temperature before proceeding.

Unmold pate on a large platter. Pour chutney over, then sprinkle with peanuts, onions, and coconut.

Serve with crackers. I think Ritz are the best :)


Lastly, thank you to everyone that joined in on the Tory Burch Giveaway from here.  A winner has been announced.  Congratulations to Sara Myirski!!