Engagement Cocktails for Kim!

Our fabulous friend, Kim, recently got engaged, so our Junior League class wanted to get a few of us together to celebrate! We got together for some delicious snacks and drinks. There was lots of wine and champagne poured, plus Paige made her yummy pink cosmos. It was an easy night, but I definitely wanted to make sure it was special for Miss Kim. There are certain things to keep in mind when you are hosting an "easy" get together - we all know it isn't necessarily easy!

1. Don't save all the cleaning until the last minute, but if you can't help it, then just make sure your house is picked up. Clear the clutter (yes, you can hide it in an unused room or closet for that night) because that will make the house look much more put together. Cleaning the bathrooms is a must and it helps to light a good candle. I also like to stick a little paper doily in the bottom of the trash can to add an extra touch - learned that one from my mother!

2. Come up with easy to make appetizers, so you aren't stressing out about baking and burning something in your house before guests arrive. I picked up these great staples at The Plaid Giraffe day of the party:

Pour on top of regular cream cheese block

Mix with Daisy Light Sour Cream

3. Speaking of food, do not be afraid to take people up on their offer to bring something to the party, especially when it is just a fun girls night. You have enough on your plate, let others help! My friends brought amazing things like pumpkin crisp, pretty cheese and crackers, cupcakes and booze...thanks ladies!

4. Put your effort into making your table look cute if food and drinks will be a main focus. It doesn't have to be over the top, but pull out some of your favorite serving pieces and have some cute paper plates and napkins.

5. When your guests arrive, relax and let loose!

Here are some pictures from the night of the setup and of my beautiful friends:

Perfect napkins for celebrating the big engagement! 

Raspberry Preserves poured over cream cheese. Red color gives a holiday vibe!  Looked great on my Annie Glass tray!

Adding rhinestone stickers to plastic silverware gives it an extra touch.

Used mixed greens to make a holiday arrangement. 

Christmas M&Ms are so festive and were a hit! 

Pull out your fun glasses!

So excited for Kim & Nate! 

Kim (Bride-to-be!), Trish, Camille

Angela, Lora, Ashley, Alex, Ali, Anne 

Paige, Tiffany, Jen, Me, Amy

Full table once people started to arrive with their yummy treats!
Photos via me

Overall it was a great night and we had a blast catching up! It was all put together after I got off work, so next time you are in panic mode (I am quite often!) take a deep breath and pour yourself some wine!

Lots of Love,

Pssst....tomorrow I should have another office update! We've been working on framing & hanging pictures today!