2nd Annual Girls Christmas Party and Christmas Decor 2016

Last Thursday I had another girls Christmas party.  Last year was so much fun and this year was great, if not better.  Last year we did desserts, but didn’t do the recipe exchange part of it (just enjoyed some treats after dinner).  This year, I made a recipe book so we could all exchange recipes.  We did appetizers and what a spread we had!  I wasn’t sure if I was going to do another craft this year, but last minute, I decided to give it a go (with the help of my friend, Kristen).

We made these super cute glitter dipped mugs with a funny saying on them.  I took pictures of the process so I could share a tutorial with you all because they make for an adorable personalized gift…and affordable too if you make it yourself.

Let’s dive into the pictures from the party (and then I’ll share some Christmas decorations I have around my house).

This is my entry table and I had the favors and Recipe books on it for the girls when they left.  I got the cookies from Coleys Cookie Shoppe and they were as cute as could be!

I ordered a dozen, but I’m pretty sure 18 came in my package…not sure if that was a mistake or she had extra.  Either way, I was pleased with the cookies.

Right when you walk in the door, I had this set up in my dining room for our craft.  We had 12 girls there, so I had to borrow a table from my neighbor.

There was so much good food there.  This “Christmas crack” is to die for.  Here is the recipe.

I made this super delicious Holiday punch.  Here is the recipe.  It calls for vodka, but you could leave that out.

Everyone working on their craft!  Such a fun time chatting with friends while we craft and sip on drinks.

My beautiful friend, Brittany, modeling the cute wine glasses we made 🙂  How funny is that saying?!

I set up a S’mores Bar at my usual dessert table.  To make it, I used some pots from Lowes filled with rocks and Sterno cans.  It roasted them perfectly.

Such great girls (one girl left before we took our pic).

It was such a fun night and we already can’t wait to do it next year.

Since my house was clean, I decided to take some pictures of the Christmas decorations I have up.  I would say I lean on the simpler side of decor because I loathe taking it down.  Plus, it gets too busy for my eye when there is a lot of decor.  If I’ve got some Christmas lights, then I’m good 🙂

You saw my entry table, but here is a close up of some decor.  The snowman is one of my favorite pieces.  He’s bendy.

This is on the same wall as the entry table, across the hallway.  I’ve always had wreaths on those wall sconces, but this year I added this glass vase full of cranberries (real) and a candle.  Out of all my decor, berries and candles is my favorite.  Before kids, I used to have this bundt pan that sat upside down for punch and I would fill it with berries and a candle and it sat on my coffee table.  Now we don’t even have a coffee table since having kids, so there ya go.

Our living room…

The cozy feeling in our living room makes me happy!  We have our lights on all the time.  We had to buy a new tree this year.  We got it from Big Lots for around $110 and it’s pre-lit.  I decorated it with some balls I found at Kroger, believe it or not.  The Santa and Mrs. Clause are from Walmart.  Our stockings are from Personal Creations (each one is personalized).

This is the guest bathroom (also the boys’ bathroom).  I had fun decorating this room.

I added a little bendable frog I had in my decor stash (for the kid-feel).

I got this sparkly, woodsy tree at Michaels.  It lights up and I’m in love with it.

I finally invested in a good hand towel from Target.  It better wipe my hands squeaky clean because it cost $8.  I think that’s a bit much for a towel, but I sure do love it.

I got this candle to put on this stand and it all fit so perfectly.  I always love a candle burning in the bathroom when guests come over.  This candle not only smells wonderful, it is green and packaged beautifully.  I thought it went well with the dark red hand soap for Christmas.

For my coffee station, I went with a lighter look adding these silver items.  I found all three of these things (tree, snowman, candle holder) at Big Lots for a great prices.  I just love the Snowman!

Well, I hope you enjoyed a peek into my home during the Christmas season.  I’ll be sharing that glitter dipped wine glass (and coffee mug) tutorial this week, along with my Office reveal.  It’s been long enough and I finally took pictures this weekend of my office!  It’s one of my favorite rooms and very girly for this boy mom, so be sure to check it out.  Have a great Monday!