A Christmas dinner party in [mostly] black & white

Saturday night the boy and I hosted our first ever Christmas dinner party. 

This was my game face. His was much more handsome and relaxed…but not pictured here.

After spending a full day in the kitchen some of my most favorite people in the world arrived at his house. Sufjan Stevens effortlessly filled the air with the perfect Christmas atmosphere.

We mingled, chatted, sipped, and munched on delicious spinach and artichoke dip, thanks to the boy’s efforts. 

 Oh hi there…that’s me. I was in charge of the baking and was still in the process when they arrived. Unsurprisingly, our timing was a little off for the evening…

 ….but all turned out just splendidly.

 The table was set with candles…no plates. We didn’t have enough chairs to accompany all of our guests. We ate out of mismatched dinnerware.

 It was by no means a picture perfect dinner party…M. Stewart would most certainly have been let down.

 But…

 It was simply perfect. 

 Turns out that it’s difficult to play hostess, bake, and take pictures all at the same time so I’m sorry to say that I completely slacked on taking pictures. Fortunately, everyone else took pictures so there are pictures of all the beautiful people…less of the food. Maybe one day I’ll be super woman. 😉

Have I mentioned lately that I seriously have the most ridiculously awesome best friends in the world? In case I haven’t…I do. 

 These are the only pictures of the food. A dessert. These were supposed to be cupcakes. They turned into mini cakes. Chocolate mini cakes with Vanilla Mint icing and mint and dark chocolate chips. (Mini cakes just sounds so much more intentional and cute. Win.)

 I’m just saying…this is one of the best ideas I’ve ever had.

Since it was the only food picture I got…I may have over done it.

Along with these mini cakes we had the best Spicy Sausage Penne pasta, a delicious goat cheese, golden raisin, and walnut spinach salad with a honey balsamic vinaigrette, these Parker House rolls, and Apple Cider Creme Pie.

 That girl right there…one of the best gifts of graduate school.

 We’re a rare bunch, us therapist types with our awesome significant others. I tell the boy we’re no different than others, but I know it’s not true. I know he’s right. 

 We are different. I think my friends and my friends’ friends are more genuine. And goofy. Definitely a strange bunch. But they’re more interested. They listen better and love freer. I’m not saying other people don’t because that would be silly. I am saying though…that this group of friends makes for one kick ass Christmas dinner. Yep, I said it…that’s just the truth.

It ended with fully bellies, a few too many bags of puppy chow and one new friendship. Katie won that little one over.

A night for the books. As soon as everyone managed to get out of the door, we passed out on the couch. Lesson learned…these things take two days to prepare for. 

Now we know…for the second annual Christmas dinner party in 2012!!! 

Happy Tuesday!