The thing I love most about the holidays is the togetherness. I try to take every opportunity we can to celebrate the season with family and friends. The other day we had a little Christmas Cookies and Holiday Sangria Party for our neighbors and it was so fun to come together. Since we just moved we’re still getting to know the other families on our block. Doing a casual get together like this one seemed like less pressure and I think it will have to be a new tradition we keep going, no matter where we live!
A Christmas Cookies and Holiday Sangria Party
One of my go-to gift ideas is always something personalized. When Matthew and I were dating, I got him a few monogrammed pieces – a silver key ring, and also a wallet. I always think that personalized pieces go a long way, and the best part about them is that they’re unique to that specific person. I was getting our holiday cards on Shutterfly the other week and I was blown away by how many amazing entertaining pieces they had. So many great ideas from a monogrammed cutting board, wine glasses, and a vase!
I got a few things and what I love, besides the fact that they’re personalized for our family, is that they’re incredibly versatile. Holiday-specific pieces are always great, don’t get me wrong. I love our reindeer mugs {currently drinking out of mine now!}, but what I love even more are pieces that can be used throughout the year and for any occasion. If any of you are looking for a good gift idea still, or want something for your family, I loved the following pieces:
This wood cutting board. I couldn’t resist this one, especially with the branch decal. The wood is nice and thick and it would be great to sit up on your counter holding fruit even!
A marble and wood cheese platter. I’ve been wanting something exactly like this for so long! I love the longer length because it’s perfect to have an array of cheeses and crackers. I also always try to add a fruit and a nut to keep it healthy, but also some chocolate because hello, cheese and chocolate are delicious!
An ornament! So I got this ornament thinking it would be a great gift for the grandparents but now I want one too! To be honest, a few years ago I would think a customized ornament was cheesy but I LOVE them now! It is so so cute to see this photo printed on glass with sparkly glitter inside. It’s such an amazing keepsake and I know I’ll cherish it, especially as our little guy becomes a bigger guy!
Wine glasses. I think stemless wine glasses are such a great casual option for a party because you don’t have to worry about them spilling like you would with a traditional wine glass. To make things a little more polished, the monogrammed F is a nice touch. It’s updated casual which I’m all about!
Coasters are a must for a party because you don’t want to be freaking out about wood stains or wine stains. I try not to keep things too precious in our house, especially since we have a busy little baby, but I like the idea of having coasters out to encourage their use. These ones have an etched F in it which is nice and simple but still makes a statement.
Vase. This vase is actually something I’d normally keep in my office but I brought it down for the party and filled it with tangerines. I love using fruit as décor because it adds something a little different plus it’s a great pop of color. I might just have this whole vase back up to my office afterward, fruit included! I always need snacks while I’m working!
Our go-to cookies for our party were shortbread and jam cookies, double chocolate peppermint cookies, Gingerbread men, and some chocolate mint stars. I also wanted an easy drink option so I made a simple red wine sangria. I just sliced up some oranges, apples, and pears and added those to the glasses with cranberries and a cinnamon stick. Then I poured the wine in about 15 minutes before guests arrived {cover with plastic wrap if you need!} and let the flavors soak up a bit. I know there’s a way you can make this on the stove but I liked this idea. And then when guests wanted more, they could pour wine from our Cheers! decanter! Isn’t that a fun one? I could have put anything on there {like Red Wine, our name, or Drink Up!} but I thought Cheers was fun!
If you’re attending a party, a cute little-monogrammed detail to bring is this wine bag! It’s so affordable but it’s a small thoughtful touch.
Are any of you throwing any holiday parties this year? Or just attending? Do you have a preference? I feel like with Augustine it’s easier to host, but then the clean up always gets me! Luckily this one wasn’t too bad!
xox
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Shutterfly for partnering with me on this post! All thoughts and opinions, as always, are my own. Thanks so much for supporting my sponsors!
photos by Priscilla Frey
