Annual Christmas Open House! Whew! It is a lot of work but so worth the pleasure of seeing old and new friends!
The Captain and I have a way of saying “Hello/Season’s Greetings !” to neighbors, family, friends … old and new ones we have just met, by having our Christmas Open House. People are free to come and go between the hours of 3-6 pm because we know how busy and frantic it can get so close to the Holiday. We print out a flyer and hand out or mail to all about a week before our Open House.
It always seems to be appreciated by every one… it is a way of slowing down, stopping the shopping and present wrapping, to take a breather and most importantly to wish everyone a personal Merry Christmas!
We bake banana nut and pumpkin breads! Wonderful sugar and walnut spice cookies! We make fudge and peanut brittle candies to share with all.
We also try to have something like the pulled pork “sliders” (very mini buns) and the Lil Smokies everyone seems to love. There are chips, crackers, dips and cheese spreads…and fruit!
I also make Hot Wassail! It is so yummy to our tummy… and our guests always ask for the recipe so I am providing it below.
Christmas Wassail
Pour 1/2 gallon of apple cider, 1 large package of red hots, 6 sticks of cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg, 1 teaspoon of all spice and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice into a slow cooker (or you can put in kettle on top of your stove burner). Stir often until the red hots melt. Keep hot…..and serve in cups! I use the slow cooker because it allows me to keep the Wassail hot without a constant watch but only an occasional stir.
Oh, and if you like more “spice”… you may use 1 and 1/2 cups of Rum….or to your taste!
For those who linger a little after the end at 6 pm time….The Captain and I pack up care packages of left over goodies! (I like to use Chinese carry-out boxes that I get at the craft store) It not only aids in my control of the Jigglies….it is sharing at the Holidays and that is a good thing! 🙂
Me
Mom everything looks so yummy wish I was there
I wish you were here too honey….;)
Oh, Kari, it looks lovely and so much fun. I wish I were there. You are a wonderful hostess.
Happy holidays and a terrific 2014.
Hi Kari, It is so lovely to join you through your blogs and I love your care and attention to detail. I wish I lived close enough to pop over and sample your wonderful hospitality again.
As I am too far away, I am sending you, Captain Tom and your family, all the very best wishes for this festive season and raise my glass to you all for the an amazing 2014. Rossana x