Welcome to the December Pinterest Challenge A White Christmas Cast Party. This monthly event is hosted by the delightful Cindy of County Road 407.
A White Christmas Cast Party
This month’s challenge, a food station, was inspired by a soup bar created by Celebrations At Home. It features:
- Serving dishes
- Cups
- Silverware
- Delicious Food
I LOVE to entertain during the holiday season!
I spend about a week deep cleaning and decorating the house. It’s the best that Storybook Cottage looks all year so why not have people over?
Both food and drink stations are lifesavers when entertaining. They make guests feel welcome to help themselves and also frees the host up to truly visit with friends.
For this challenge, I wanted to continue the White Christmas holiday theme that is being used this year at Storybook Cottage.
In the 1954 film, there are several scenes that feature gatherings.
Preparation Is Key
In early November, at the start of the holiday season, I take about three to four hours to do holiday kitchen prep. But this can even be done a few days before Christmas. After all, the twelfth day of Christmas occurs on January 6th.
- I clean out the refrigerator, tossing out expired items and such. Both the stove and microwave are also cleaned.
- Silver serving pieces and utensils are polished.
- Cloth holiday napkins and tablecloths are ironed.
- A count is taken of paper plates, napkins, cups, and candles that are on hand.
- A list is made for party themed food, drinks, and paper goods. Then it’s off to a few stores to stock up.
A Magical Gathering
What makes for a magical gathering? Well, that means different things for different people.
Perhaps you like a big, but casual, party with a large cast of characters.
- Easy hors d’oeuvres are served.
- Both warm and hot drinks are available.
- Guests don’t stress over a chair, they simply seat themselves everywhere.
Or maybe a smaller, intimate dinner group is more your style.
Maybe a round of evening cocktails? Or a coffee and dessert break?
Your guests really don’t care,
They’re just happy to be there!
I actually held TWO gatherings on the same day.
Cups and mugs are lined up.
The electric kettle is plugged in. Tins of tea are laid out.
The cocoa cabinet is open for business!
The table is set.
Savories and sweets are plated up!
I have lovely ladies living on my street. It felt so good to not just catch up, but get to know a new neighbor!
Do any of these gals look put out that I called them to stop by just one day before?
Kiddie Party
I think it’s important to teach your children how to be good hosts. It’s a skill that will serve them well both personally and professionally.
So when Sweet Guy asked if his friends could come over later that night for a study and cocoa session it was an easy YES!
The same plates, cups, and mugs were washed and laid out again.
The boys refused to let me take a photo of them enjoying their hot chocolate in “Girlie cups with pinkies up!” LOL
But Wait There’s More!
I’m planning a large scale soiree as well. People will be packed in! But it will be smiles all around.
Don’t stress. Just say YES to the guest!
I hope you enjoyed this post. You can find the other White Christmas themed post links below.
Irving Berlin’s White Christmas Themed Home Tour
The White Christmas Kitchen Tour
White Christmas inspired centerpiece.
Judy Haynes Engagement Scene ensemble.
I will now be taking a bit of time off to PARTY! Winter break for my youngest begins tomorrow. Our darling daughter arrives from Nashville on the 22nd.
But there is an amazing Christmas tour of homes going on at my Instagram account. With much more to come over there!
May your days be merry and bright!
Laura
More Food Bar Inspiration
For more inspiring ideas please visit my friends below.
Oh how fun is this and you have given me a lesson. In late summer/early fall I’m getting these other things done. I do the cleaning, oven and fridge but didn’t think of the others.
Thanks my friend.
You ladies look like you had a great time at both get togethers.
Cindy
This is darling. I missed Judith’s event this year but it looks like you all had fun.
What a darling table setting. I bet your friends were tickled to be a part of your blog post. I need to binge all of your posts about this fun movie. Life needs to slow down a little.
Thank you for your sweet email. It’s been a strange season of Christmas and grieving for sure. I am determined to cast aside Mr. Grinch and enjoy the next week of fellowship.
Merry Christmas.
Love the idea of a Christmas Cast Party! Love your photos and ideas as well. I never think to clean out the fridge beforehand but totally should! It’s a good thing I don’t live on your street. You’d get tired of me popping in. 😉 Thank you so much for putting in the effort to join us today. It means a lot. Merry Christmas and big hugs!
Your table and decor look lovely!
So lovely! I adore your nostalgic posts especially for the holidays Merry Christmas! !
Love White Christmas; my daughter & I have started watching it each year. Great hosting tips for groups of every size! Love the big boys hanging around the table:)
I love your holiday partying! And I’m with you on entertaining, though this year I’m so behind. But yes, it will go for 12 days! I was looking at your list… silver is pretty OK, tablecloths/napkins are good; I have all the paper supplies needed. But the fridge? Scared to death to go in there and find what might be waiting for me! You give me courage!
Laura, Another delightful post! I’ve got to make sure I catch White Christmas on TV this week. My favorite scene is on the train when they sing ‘Snow.’ I enjoyed your entertaining tips and it’s always fun to see your lovely cottage. I wish I was your neighbor; those parties look like fun! Happy Holidays and enjoy your time with family. See you next year!
Really fun, Laura!!! I love your table set for two parties, and I am sure your neighbors who visited had the best time!! Thank you for a fun weekend and visit to Storybook Cottage… <3 Enjoy your holiday break!
Merry Christmas,
Barb 🙂
What fun you’ve had this Christmas season. I love White Christmas and have enjoyed your White Christmas posts this year. Have a wonderful Christmas!
I’ve often thought that when the house is all cleaned and decorated, I should get more than one gathering out of it. 🙂 I think I have only actually done it once or twice. I like drink stations and self-serve foods as well.
Love your cute way of sharing the parties!!
I love to entertain and have had 3 in a row pretty much.
I posted about two of them – one an afternoon tea, and the other my annual cookie swap – the other one was an intimate dinner and I didn’t take any pics.
(boo, hiss)
Love people who entertain – it is something that certainly is rare these days. Good for you – keep up the good work. Hugs.