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When Grunt Labor and I first got together, he always threw an annual Christmas party.
Y’all, I had struck gold.
Not only was he good lookin’, but he hosted a Christmas soiree each year.
#howdidigetsolucky
Now, there was one catch to this Christmas party – one could only attend if they brought a toy for a kid who might not otherwise get a Christmas gift.
I know – and he has a heart!
When you come through the door with that toy though, you are entitled to all the booze and food you can handle – or until we run out.
I was on board with this party faster than a hot knife through butter.
So that year and each year after, we hosted an annual Christmas party.
And then the Circus came.
And a circus + a Christmas party don’t always add up very well.
This year though, I really wanted to have one more Christmas party in the beloved foreclosure before we pack it up and move to the 70’s Landing Pad.
And so we did.
It was all decided less than two weeks before the party date, so it was nothing short of a miracle that more than one person showed up.
We set up a makeshift bar in the living room, just near the liquor cabinet for easy access.
We did some furniture swapping when we set-up and changed the location of the Christmas tree this year. We moved the console table downstairs and brought up the vintage radio cabinet – I’m so mad I didn’t think of doing this sooner. It’s like that piece was made for that spot. The radio made the perfect place to set up a bar area for people to mix up drinks.
The ice bucket is vintage, but the glasses and shaker are new from Crate & Barrel.
I was a little worried that the copper and gold tones wouldn’t mesh well together – but I think it works out just fine.
Gala Double Old-Fashioned Glasses
The glasses made quick friends with Jack – If you know what I mean. 😉 They have a great vintage look to them.
I put everything on top of a marble pastry slab to protect the surface of the radio. I’m a sucker for marble and I especially love how it paired perfectly with the blue on the radio.
To the side of the radio, I set up a “sweets” station.
Yes, I’m fully aware that I may be the only one in the world who loves chocolate with her beer and/or Jack.
Two Tier Marble Server / Nutcracker Appetizer Plate
I used a two-tiered marble server over here to pair well with the marble slab on the radio. I also picked up a set of four adorable nutcracker appetizer plates to use as small serving dishes. However, the Circus is trying to eat off the nutcracker plates as she has discovered what they are this holiday season. Go figure.
The best part of the party though?
Everyone came through the door with a toy.
Cheers, friends and happy holiday entertaining!
I just love it, Jenna!! What a sweet tradition… And that copper shaker is gorgeous!
Thanks, Rachel! It’s always a fun night. I love that shaker too – had to have it!
LOVE the idea that everyone needs to bring a toy! I think I might incorporate that into our Christmas party and I adore all those fantastic pieces from C&B!
It’s a great way to add a little bit of giving back to the party, Jen! And people usually love to bring them!
Gorgeous! I am loving those striped glasses and that marble stand is insane!!
Thanks, Sarah! Those glasses may just be my favorite!
That is so awesome! That grunt labor is a keeper for sure! Love your bar set up – that marble two tiered tray and the mixed metals you used. Love it!
Total keeper! 😉 Thanks – this was my first try at mixed metals and I am digging it!
THAT IS AN AWESOME IDEA FOR A CHRISTMAS PARTY – LOVE IT! THE COPPER SHAKER IS GORGEOUS- I THINK THE METAL TONES MIX AMAZINGLY WELL TOGETHER!
Thanks, Krista! It’s always fun to do! I am digging the mixed metals as well!
What a sweet tradition — you have a jewel there. By the way, are you of German descent? Apparently they like sweets and beer together. I know of several Germans who like doughnuts and beer. To each his own 🙂
hahahaha!! Really, Marisa?! I don’t think I have any German in my blood, but not 100% sure!
What a great idea to have everyone bring the a toy! I love that towel!
Isn’t that towel a hoot?
Your party sounded like so much fun & what a nice idea to bring a toy. Love your glasses. And chocolate goes with everything!!!!
Preach, sister! Chocolate SO goes with everything!!
I have a thing for cocktail shakers, and I’m in love with that copper one! Your party looks like so much fun, and what a great idea to have everyone bring a toy!
I love a good cocktail shaker too, Jane!! This copper one is my new fave!
Chocolate DOES go with anything….and so does Jack! :-)))) My BFF and I have wine and brownies every New Years Eve. Just an old tradition we choose to enjoy ~ LOL GREAT party!!
See – I knew I wasn’t alone in my love for chocolate and booze together! 🙂
Love the idea of having a cover charge of a toy – perfect way to put your party over the top! The mixed metals worked well together, the chocolates looked divine and that towel cracked me up!! Your serving dishes are fabulous too!
Isn’t that towel hilarious, Susan? And literally – I did have to get a cart at the liquor store for this party. But that’s a good thing because it meant there would be lots of toys for kids!
I love your style! Gorgeous!
Thanks, Malia!
I love that you mixed your metals!! What a great idea of asking everyone to bring a toy! You rock girl!!!
Thanks, Sara! Honestly, I had no idea whether or not the mixed metals would work!! Luckily, it did!
That copper shaker is amazing! Love the glasses too and your bar set up!! Cheers!! 🙂
Thanks, Heather! I’m crazy over that shaker!
Love this party! Where’s my invite?
Hugs, J
haha!! Move down this way and we’ll party every weekend! 😉