Holiday Wine Tasting & Cookie Exchange

I heart the holidays and love nothing more than entertaining.

But, having a baby born in December totally changes things.

For years, I hosted a Sunday afternoon cookie and ornament exchange and while it was great fun, it just didn't fit in with my life after baby giving I have to schedule, and plan for a birthday party now on top of Christmas.

For 2-years we hosted an open house very close to Christmas, but even that now, doesn't seem right. 

We've decided to skip until we're in a real house and not a 3-floor walk-up.

So, this year, I was really wanting to do 'something', but didn't want it to be a lot of work, expense or a large group.

So, I decided to do the 'blind wine tasting competition' again with neighbors and a few close friends on Friday night, but also made it a cookie exchange as well.

Cookies and Wine..

MMMM... Good!

By doing the wine tasting, I didn't have to buy any booze and I made only a few light appetizers.

Super easy compared to what I have done in the past.

LuLu and my cousin Alayna came early to help out.

Thank goodness! I worked all day Friday and still pulled this off for a 7pm start time.

 As I mentioned in a previous post, I kept the decorations to a minimum in the dining room, knowing I'm converting the area to a birthday Minnie Mouse wonderland on Friday.

 I made citrus/rosemary water, had one bottle of wine to enjoy before the tasting and a bottle of sparkling apple cider for the one pregnant guest in attendance.

As always with this type of party, everyone brought 2 bottles.

One to compete with and one for the prize pool.

 Lots of neighbors who just delivered their 2nd children a few months ago.

They were loving the moms night out!

 There were 16 in all and 14 wines to taste and rate.

Super fun!!

I can honestly say this is probably one of the best parties I've ever hosted and it will be an annual thing!

 Such a fun group!!

 The neighborhood crew!!!

 The winning red was brought by my sister-in-law Robyn.

Once Upon a Vine Red Blend.

The winning white was a Cupcake Pinot Grigio.

There was only 4 whites.

 The entire group, minus two, one who had to leave early and one who is taking the picture.

Of course, there was the cookie exchange part of the party, but I forgot to take pictures.

My neighbor, who is a professional photographer took a ton, but I haven't received all of them yet.

Such a fun way to kick off the holiday season.

Seriously, I'm doing this again next year!!!

Happy Holidays!!