Ringing in the New Year & Girls Gone Mild

Well here it is, 2009! Welcome! I see that my last few posts were semi-angry and ranting. I hope to curb that in the new year!

New Years Eve and the subsequent days were a blast. Instead of trying to figure out what to do, paying money to be in some bar (which I haven't done in years) having a bunch of people over or trudging to someone else's house, figuring out who is available, looking for babysitters (not me!) the seven of us "girls" and significant others rented a house from 12/31 - 1/2.

What a great idea! Unfortunately, one couple had to back out last minute due to sickness which was the only bummer of the trip.

The house was beautiful, which you never really can count on when randomly renting something off of the internet, even with pictures. 6 bedrooms, great living spaces and a beautiful kitchen which looked out on a deck and pool, and yard with a fire pit and grape vines!

It was the best of communal living. Good food, good drinks, and good friends. New Years Eve got pretty crazy. It is all a bit fuzzy except for bits of the dance party and the phone call from my sister-in-law announcing her engagement. While shopping for liquor Jason and I came across a magnum of Chandon that we simply had to buy. I fear I made quite a dent in it. I also blame Cathy for her Buffalo Vodka.

New Years Day was slow. People got up, ate, napped, read, played games and generally stayed in our pajamas all day. 4 of us were dubbed "Girls Gone Mild" as we sat in our corners in the couches, fleece head to toe, reading our books and not speaking a word. Now that is a New Years Day!

Holiday Open House

I really enjoy throwing parties. Sometimes, I think I enjoy having parties more than going to other people's parties. I love the prep work that goes into it, whether it be a small BBQ or the 45 person Holiday Open house we had this weekend, complete with homemade appetizers and a big, glorious ham! We used this recipe for a country ham and apple slaw sandwich with bourbon mustard for inspiration and laid out the spiral ham with mini rolls, the slaw and mustard so everyone could make their own mini sandwiches.

My "fake family" has been having a Tree Trimming Party since before I can remember. We would all get together, go to my aunt and uncle's, eat appetizers, trim the tree and then go to China Town for dinner. As the kids all got older and the size of the group started growing we stopped going to China Town and just had a party. I used this party as the inspiration for my own. I love the idea of getting to see all of your friends right before the holidays and wishing them a "Merry Christmas" in person before we all go off to our respective families.

I think everyone had a great time. Kids running around, wine flowing, crostini, dips, the ever addictive rosemary roasted cashews and the aforementioned ham made for quite a night! Only 1 broken glass and 1 pair of children's shoes left behind.

In the spirit of giving we also collected coats, hats, gloves and scarves to donate to the Night Ministry, an organization that provides services to homeless adults and teens in the city. Given the fact that it was below zero this weekend, the cause seemed appropo. And people brought piles of clothing! I'm really overwhelmed. Now we just need to get all of it dropped off so hopefully it can be distributed before Christmas.

I will post some photos as soon as I get some!