Engagement Party for the Future Weber's

Call me the matchmaker...

A few years ago I decided I wanted to set up one of Brent's best friends, Jeremy. And I don't want to give anything away, but by the title of this post, I think you have a pretty good guess how this ends.

I knew the right girl for him would have to exhibit certain unique qualities. She needed to be active, up for anything, easygoing and kind. She needed to be a loyal friend, understanding and compassionate. She had to be as beautiful inside as she was out. Most of all she had to have a passion for life and a contagious laugh.

I found that girl in my friend Tara's sister, Alise. I knew right off the bat that Jeremy would find her attractive---I mean come on. She's got big blue eyes, long thick blonde hair and an athletic petite body.

Fast forward a few years later and they're engaged! I couldn't be more excited for them. They seem to make one another so extremely happy. They build one another up and lift each other's spirits.

So this all called for a party!

Address and phone number blurred out on the image--I promise I didn't send out invitations with smudges on them :)

We sent out invitations---real paper invitations. I wanted it to feel special for all the guests that Alise and Jeremy chose.

For appetizers I made simple caprese skewers, prosciutto wrapped melon and these little bites...

 

 

 

I was inspired by some apple onion jam my friend Shelley gave me for Christmas. So I added a bit of goat cheese and a sliver of pear atop a simple cracker.



 



As always, my philosophy is that simple food is usually the most appealing and delicious. Caprese skewers could not be any easier to assemble.

The tables were set simply as well, with a mix of cloth napkins, our white plates and silver utensils. Because of the number of guests, I squeezed two dining tables into the room...with seating for 15. It was cozy but I think it worked fine.

 

We decided on one signature drink for the evening---sangria! Since the theme of the food was Italian, I wanted something that sort of went along. It was a HUGE hit and I plan to make it more often. We probably could have used two of these! 

 

 

Brent and our friend Tom enjoyed a few glasses in the backyard as the guys played cornhole. The girls stayed inside and shared funny stories around the dining table.

For dinner I made two different kinds of lasagna, salad and breadsticks. We were so busy having fun that I didn't take pics. Same story for dessert which included two different kinds of Salted Caramel Gelato Pie (one was coffee and one was vanilla).

 

Look at this sweet couple! They bless us with their friendship and kind hearts. This was the very least we could do for them.

But secretly I do love that I can say I set them up on a blind date :)

Love and blessings,
Karli

Host a Holiday Cookie Exchange!

Last year I hosted my first Holiday Cookie Exchange with my girlfriends. It was so much fun and I think all the guests enjoyed their time (and all the goodies they got to take home). Here's how you can do the same!

1. Send out the invitations well in advance so people have time to choose their cookies and bake them. I think three to four weeks is enough notice, but I know how my friend's schedules book up, so I sent mine out for the "2nd Annual Exchange" about eight weeks ahead.

I used this fun template from Evite.com

2. Tell guests how many cookies to make. Final numbers will be determined by RSVPs. I'd been to one cookie exchange where we had to make 10 cookies per person. That was too much. So for my parties I say 2-3 cookies per guest. So if there are 12 guests you'd be required to make 24-36 cookies each. That's much more doable.

3. Have guests print their cookie recipe for everyone. I didn't do this my first party but I think it's a really nice touch.

4. Here's the fun part!! Decorate and make appetizers!! Last year I made meatballs, crostini, a veggie tray and fried (baked) ravioli. We had hot chocolate, coffee, wine and a few sodas to drink.

The cookie exchange savory snack spread!

5. Set up one big table or several smaller tables for the cookies. Make sure there is room for guests to walk around in a circle and gather their cookies.

6. Have plenty of saran wrap, wax paper and some extra containers on hand. (Guests should be instructed to bring their own empty container, but it's always nice to have some on hand, just in case).

7. Entertain, mingle, take pictures, have fun!

8. When it's time for the formal exchange I really enjoy having each guest share which cookie they made and a little bit about the cookie--why they chose it, what's in it, how hard was it, etc.

9. Go around in a circle and have each guest take the given number from each container.

10. Mingle more, take more pictures and then sit back and soak up the success of your party.

Love these ladies!

I can't wait for this year's party. I've started a group Pinterest Board with cookie recipe ideas and I've got great plans for making the party even more fun.

Happy (early) Holidays!
Karli