That's What Bob's Cooking: Christmas Entertaining

"It's a Small World" 2007

"Pop Culture" 2004

11 years ago in 2000, Craig and I started collecting Christmas ornaments. This was a continuation of a collection he started about 12 years before, yes that’s right 23 years of collecting ornaments. We quickly started amassing quite a collection. Every year we would start decorating around the first part of November, because we both work in retail and have no time during the actual holiday season. We always enjoyed the decorations ourselves, so we a few years later, to open our home up one evening, after Thanksgiving to help our friends kick off the holiday season.


Christmas Catering 2003

The pictures are just a few of the many we have highlighting what a Christmas cocktail party can look like. Now take in mind, our condo is about 1200 feet and we've put up as many as 14 trees. We utilize every inch of space, and select just the right trees to maximize both the ornaments as well as the tight space. We also utilize our kitchen counter and flexible dining room table as bar and appetizer areas.

Christmas Catering 2003

When you have a small or even large area and are catering an event, move your furniture around so that you can make best use of your entire area. This way people can mingle, and still see what a great home you have.


Christmas Catering 2006

A couple other things to remember, is if you have an annual party, try to mix things up. Don't put the table in the same space as last year. People become bored with the same and eventually won't come to your party, because they've already been there.


Christmas Catering 2005

And lastly try selecting one or two types of cocktails. Such as this, we set out gin (our fav!) and vodka. Then we set out carafes of juice (cranberry, tomato, apricot, grapefruit, etc.) as well as mixers (tonic, seltzer/soda). Place a few recipe cards for popular drinks and some simple garnishes. Allow your guests to custom make their own drinks. Just keep an eye on the refreshments and refill as needed.


Bar 2005

Christmas Catering 2006

One of the BIGGEST things to remember, Why are you having this party?

Christmas Catering 2006


Christmas Bar 2005

To socialize with your friends, right. Don't make the mistake, as so many people do, and spend the whole party in the kitchen. Select appetizers you can get ready and set on the table and only have to refill as needed. With this as well as a self-serve bar, you'll be set. If you are not comfortable with stepping back and enjoying your party, then enlist the help of some really great friends to assist you before, during and after, so your guests are not wondering why you’re not around chatting with them.

These things, as well as, some water bottles by the front door for your guests to take with them as they leave, will leave them with the memory that you were the perfect host.