I didn't get a picture with everything filled and ready to go, but this one at least has my tablecloth ironed.
The appetizer (a cheese board and crackers) was set up on the small portion of countertop by the fridge. Since the dinner was huge, I kept that VERY simple. It was the perfect amount of teaser food. Here it is before I went to get ready.
And then here it is just before guests got here.
(clicky to see it bigger with the cheese name tags :) )The beverage area was then put on the larger counter area. We've agreed the next house needs a much larger kitchen :) Again, here it is before I go to get ready.
And then here it is just before guests arrive.
Lastly, I set up our breakfast table to be the after dinner drink and dessert table. It worked splendidly. Here it is in its state before I go to get ready. Everything is as prepped as possible. On the left side are the hot chocolate packets, spoons, stand for my ginger pumpkin tart and server. On the right side is the carafe for coffee, kettle for hot water and some add ins for the coffee ;)
Then here it is in actual party mode. Desserts are out and the candles are lit.
Everything timed out perfectly. The turkey was juicy, everything was warm at the same time. I was shocked. Normally there is at least one or two things when it's all said and done that I say I would do differently. Not last night. It really went as smoothly as I think it possibly could have.
Once everyone left, Carl and I kicked it into high gear and somehow got everything cleaned up and put away. We were in bed by 1am. I almost couldn't believe my eyes when I walked downstairs this morning to this.
I was still in disbelief that we got it all done! And I can't wait for next year! Hope you are enjoying your weekend! And stop back in later today for the second installment of Santa's Little Helpers!
everything was beautiful! great work Molly!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fabulous job you did!
ReplyDeleteWow you did great, everything looked amazing! :)
ReplyDeleteI found you through The DIY showoff and am now a follower. come on by for a visit and I hope you will follow along as well.
ReplyDeleteCheri
Wow! It looks beautiful. You are like superwoman.
ReplyDeleteThanks for joining in to our party.
Wow, your whole set up is very impressive! Looks great!
ReplyDeleteDid you make the hot chocolate packets? So cute! Looks like it was a well-planned and fun party.
ReplyDeleteAshley- I sure did! They'll be part of my holiday gift baskets as well. Stick around and I'll go into detail later this week!
ReplyDeleteIt looks beautiful! I love your idea of the dessert and drinks set up-it is such a good idea to have a separate spot where those things can be set up ahead of time, rather than trying to clear the table and set up for dessert at the same time!!
ReplyDeletegreat neutral color palate!
ReplyDeleteEverything was warm at the same time--you are a genius! Those candles with the ribbon and the leaves and the acorns--LOVE THEM!
ReplyDeleteHow fun to have a mock thanksgiving! And everything looks lovely.
ReplyDeleteIt was awesome. Molly is my hero. The cheese tags were so cute and I loved the tablescape. You did an amazing job on the turkey! I cannot believe that we all did so great on the amount of food we brought!!! Matt and I had a wonderful time and I can't wait to do it again soon. <3
ReplyDeleteYou did everything beautifully - sounds like fun.
ReplyDeleteWhat color is your kitchen paint? I love it and want it for my bathroom! Thanks
ReplyDelete28- Thanks! It's Wool Coat by Ace. I'm pretty sure you can color match it. And if they need a year, it's 2007.
ReplyDeleteI would have loved to have been there! Everything looked PERFECT. I really love the idea of the name tags in the cheese! I want to try that one. ;) Beautiful table too.
ReplyDeletecarafes make everything easier. i use the ikea ones with a lid and fill up several to continually replace during a party.
ReplyDeleteVery pretty! Looks like a fun get-together :)
ReplyDeleteI love the leaf table runner on your after dinner table. Its perfect! And the acorns in the centerpieces, too cute!
ReplyDeleteLooks amazing, I will now follow your blog! Are those coffee cups all starbucks city cups? love it!
ReplyDeleteLynn- Yes! Carl travels a TON for work and was collecting them as he went. I think we have about 16 of them now.
ReplyDeleteYou would hate our Thanksgiving. We use paper plates. :) So pretty!
ReplyDelete