Holiday Cookie and Ornament Exchange

Yesterday I had my annual holiday cookie and ornament exchange!

With help from my super awesome husband, I think it was a SUCCESS!

I did things a little different this year.

I moved all the food out of the kitchen and into the dining room.

Generally, I have everyone put their cookies in here but I decided to change it up a bit.

You like?

A big thanks to my blogger b/f/f, I Do Declare, for creating my signs!

 The only screw up of the party was that I didn't buy enough Rose' for this cocktail that my other blogger friend, A Liz, suggested.

Rosemary Rose'.

One word.

YUMMY!

We just didn't have enough of it!

I also provided my Nottoway Punch.

Everyone loved that too.

 My party favors were inspiration of blogger, Miss Janice.

Peppermints with peppermint hand sanitizer from Bath and Body works.

 The menu.

Which, I Do Declare, also helped with by sending me loads of suggestions.

She's so talented.

 Brie, cranberries and nuts in pastry cups.

Anything with brie is good!

 Holiday cheese board.

 Poppy seed ham rolls.

Click here for the recipe.

You can never go wrong with these.

People go bonkers over them.

Brad helps out and makes them for me every year.

Such a great husband.

 I always make this cheese ball too.

So easy.

Cream cheese, green onions and corn beef.

Make a day or two in advance and it's better.

 I went fancy this year and made these sweet potato wedges with lemon garlic mayo.

Another hit!

Click here for the recipe.

 The usual suspects attended but a few new ones as well.

My friend Karen and hiking partner Kelli.

 Best SIL ever.

 And, blogger friend A Liz!

Yes, internet friends and real life!

My normal crew found it amusing to have a 'blogger friend' in attendance.

My friend Kelli said, 'she's just like you!'

HA!

 It was a good time.

 Fabulous cookies as always.

 And, the ornament exchange was super fun.

 This was the favorite.

It was stolen twice.

I opted to pick my ornament and got to keep it!

The pickle!

My cousin introduced me to the pickle many years ago and I have wanted to start this tradition with our family.

So, this year it will happen!

Click here for the tradition.

Such a fun event, as it is every year.

Thanks for everyone who helped and came!

Happy Monday!