Thanks to Duncan Hines for sponsoring my writing. There’s no limit to the baking possibilities, so grab your favorite Duncan Hines mix and Comstock or Wilderness fruit fillings and Bake On! www.duncanhines.com .
Every year, my husband and I host a Holiday Party for our siblings, close friends and their children. It’s a cozy little gathering smack dab in the middle of December where everyone gets to relax and catch up with one another. Our party even includes a visit from Santa Claus who somehow always has the perfect gift for each and every child visiting our home that night.
This year is no exception, but I can’t believe how fast this Holiday Season is passing me by. Usually, I’m very prepared. But this year, we skipped Thanksgiving and travelled to Cozumel, Mexico instead to watch my amazing husband compete in an Ironman competition. (He finished in 12:55:48!)
I am insanely proud of him, but arriving back in the States after December 1st threw me for a loop. But now that our home is finally decorated, and our invitations have gone out, I can catch my breath – and that makes me happy.
You see, ever since I was a little girl, I’ve always looked forward to Christmas, and I still do. It’s never really been about the presents (although those are a nice perk!). What I really cherish year after year is the feeling of closeness that I share with my loved ones.
I’m not quite sure what makes December so special, but perhaps the stockings hung by the chimney with care have something to do with it? Or maybe, I just like coming down the stairs in the morning with my fuzzy socks on and seeing our tastefully decorated mantle all lit up? Or better yet, I think I just like knowing that we all slow down for a few weeks and take the time to enjoy one another.
With this in mind, my husband and I try to keep our Holiday Party as simple as possible so that everyone can spend quality time together. With oodles of children running around underfoot, and bunches of adults catching up together, who wants to spend an inordinate amount of time in the kitchen? Not I! So, this year, we’re keeping it really simple – pizza for everyone – and potluck desserts from our guests.
At first I was a bit hesitant about serving pizza to our adult guests, but when I realized that I wouldn’t have anything to do but hang out with our guests, I quickly got over it.
So with just a few days left to prepare, I’m happily focusing on what scrumptious new desserts I will whip up this year. I’m trying to stick to my mantra of less-is-more and so I am only making desserts that don’t require any babysitting from me once they are placed upon the dessert table.
So as of right now, I’m making a Chocolate Caramel Trifle made with Duncan Hines chocolate cake, freshly whipped cream, chocolate wafers, homemade pudding and caramel sauce. It might sound like a lot of work, but a trifle can be made a day ahead of time, so all I’ll have to do after dinner is take it out of the fridge!
I’ll also be taking a stab at Cake Pops this year – they’re cute, they’re self-serve, and my kids have been begging me to make them for months! Cake pops are also great because like trifles, they’re better when they’re made ahead of time so the cake has time to fully cool before being mixed with icing.
Regardless of what I serve, I know we’ll have a wonderful time – and with a little visit from Santa Claus, the children will have a night that’s truly magical.
Thanks for reading,
Denine
Remember to check out Duncan Hines’ website www.duncanhines.com to find some great recipes for your holiday get-together! I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective.
Thanks Dee – let me know how it goes. Perhaps a Superbowl party is in your future? Or, maybe it’s just a “We’re watching the Superbowl simply for the commercials” party at your house like it is in ours? 😉
Thanks Liz – it worked out well – and the potluck desserts were great! It’s a nice way to get everyone involved and keep your own self out of the kitchen!
Julie, I did enjoy spending more time chatting this year. I love the concept of a formal dinner – but you’re right – with little kids, it’s just TOO crazy! Hope your holiday went well!
What a great idea1 I’m going to use his theme for the next get together I Hostess! =)
I love that your get-together is so cozy and relaxed. I find that some of my friends throw the parties, and we never see them because they’re in the kitchen/running around the whole time. I think it’s fabulous that you’ll be able to actually ENJOY your friends and family.
Pizza and pot-luck dessert party? What could be better?!
So glad I read this today! We’re not doing pizza, but we are foregoing the sit down dinner, much to the chagrin of those of us steeped in tradition. You’re right – focusing on the family this year is a better path. And a heck of a lot less chaos, as so many of the guests are kids! 🙂
We’ll try for the formal dinner once the kids are older. It will be less stress for everyone. Plus, they’ll be older and able to help with prep and cleanup.
Maybe…