A few of my favorite things… and People!

Every year around this time I enjoy hosting some kind of event.  Last year I did a cookie swap, remember?  This year I wanted to try something a little different.  I had read about the idea of a “Favorite Things” (F/T) party on some blogs:  The Nester’s.  Brooke’s.  And Katie’s take.   I thought this was the perfect excuse to bring my friends together.

The general gist of the party

• Bring 3 of your favorite items (3 of the same items)

• $6 – $10 price range

• You’ll present your item and give it to three different people.  So you’ll end up going home with three different items.

So once I knew that I wanted to try this F/T party, it was time to figure out the invitation.  I checked out the normal options (evite, etc.) and couldn’t find anything that was quite right.  I came across the site Paperless Post and really liked their options.  And this was the end result:

So we had the date.  Invitations sent out.  What’s next??? The To-Do List & the menu of course!

I had been “pinning” ideas on a board specifically for the F/T party. You can check it out here.

Menu:

Prosciutto Cups	Layered Greek Dip
Asian Spring Rolls	Jalapeno & Raspberry Jam w/ Cream Cheese
Caprese Skewers	Bacon & Peach Pinwheels
Raspberries filled w/ Lemon Curd	Peanut Butter Cup Bark
White Chocolate Pretzels	Fruity Water
Trader Joe’s Spiced Cider

Everything turned out pretty tasty although there were some “challenges.”  Alton Brown’s recipe for Lemon Curd didn’t thicken up like it was supposed to.  The filling for the prosciutto cups left a little to be desired so we had to doctor it up a bit.  And there’s one whole recipe I’ve left off the list because they may have burnt over-cooked.  But all in all good stuff!

Of course we weren’t here just for the food…  we were here to share our favorite things!  And this is where the pictures fall short.  I was partying with my girls and didn’t take the opportunity to capture shots of all the favorite things.  But I can show you what I got:

Book & muffin mix     •    Mug with tea    •  Sam Adams Berry Wheat & Spicy Almonds

There were so many good ideas!  We had a total of 16 people so we learned about LOTS of Favorite Things:

Curel Extra Healing Lotion • Scarves • Vanilla Cinnamon Candle • French Press • Key Chain • Ped Egg • Gloves • Post-it Dispenser • Wine • Hand Soap • Snazzy Chocolate Bar •

So all in all – I do believe a Favorite Things Party may be my Favorite kind of Holiday party around!!  You’ve got to try it!  If you have please tell us about it!  Or if you’ve blogged about it leave a link for us to check it out!!