X-mas Party #3

Christmas party #3 involved a Progressive Dinner-type gathering with our neighbors in the cul-de-sac. This is the 4th year that we have been doing this & a good time is always had by all. Shane unfortunately missed out on this year's festivities as he was headed up to WI for the weekend to pick up a camper shell for his truck. More on that later...

We started out at Dave & Gael's house where cocktails were provided & an appetizer was served.
Everyone mingled, ate, & had a cocktail & after an hour was up, we made our way over to the next house - Brian & Julie's - where there was soup being served.

There was Hot Apple Cider with Cinnamon Schnapps & Eggnog Martini's being served along with Taco Soup & our neighbors Tom & Laine brought over a Beer Cheese soup. Everything was so very good & hit the spot on a chilly night!

As we were all mingling, a Santa hat was brought out for everyone to wear! Now it's not just any Santa hat - this one has a little button on it that you push & the hat goes crazy bouncing back & forth to music. It was a hit at the party & everyone took turns wearing it - first Gael, then Julie & then me :)Next stop was the Taylor house. I had made several "heavy" appetizers which included: shrimp cocktail, stuffed mushrooms, meatballs, boneless chix wings & a meat/cheese tray. I figured since everyone would be drinking, that it might be a good idea if we fill up on some food with "substance" which seemed to be enjoyed by all.

Another hour had gone by & we were moving on to Mike & Linda's for cigars & martini's. The men moved outside to enjoy their cigars while Linda was stirrin' & a shakin' chocolate martini's for the ladies.While we were sippin' on Choco-Tini's & Black Santa's we also did our White Elephant gift exchange. There were many laughs as the gifts were being opened up & even quite a bit of "stealing" went on amongst the neighbors. The gifts usually consist of grabbing something random from around the house & putting it in a Xmas bag to be exchanged. Some of the gifts are pretty interesting to say the least.

Next place we were headed was over to Susie's for desserts & more cocktails. She had some yummy sweets for us to try: Cranberry Orange cookies, gooey chocolate bars, pumpkin dip & sweet liquors. After we indulged in the treats, we all gathered around the fireplace for a game of "What's Your's Like" which had us all trying to think & ponder the answer to the clue as well as many laughs from the group. We played & drank well into the evening & by midnight everyone decided to call it a night.

It turned out to be yet another successful holiday party in the cul-de-sac & much fun was had by all! As this year comes to a close, I think back these last 11 months & feel so blessed to have such wonderful neighbors. Not only are they our neighbors, but we consider all of them to be close friends & am thankful for all of their friendships. We look forward to what 2011 has to offer with these wonderful people!3 parties down - 1 more to go! Happy Holidays to you all :)