Monday, December 22, 2008

Holiday Coffee and Dessert Get Together





















Thinking about hosting a holiday party? You still have time. Should it be a cocktail party, brunch, lunch or maybe dinner? So many choices, everyone is so busy these days, not to mention the cost of hosting a holiday party.

Here's an idea....a holiday coffee and dessert get together. Coffee and dessert you say...who does that anymore? You're right, but think about it. That is why it would be fun and different, nobody does that anymore.

When I was growing up it wasn't uncommon for friends and family and stop over after dinner for coffee and dessert. It wasn't necessarily planned, as a matter of fact we always had a Sara Lee dessert in the freezer or a box of cookies in the house to serve with coffee. It didn't have to be extravagant, it was a spur of the moment thing.

I wanted to plan a get together with a few of my close neighbors, but when I realized that I didn't have much time before Christmas, I remembered back to the days when I was a kid and coffee and dessert was served. So, you guessed it. I called each of my neighbors and invited them over for coffee and dessert if they were free on a particular night.

The house looked so festive with the Christmas decorations up, that I decided to use my Mother's good china to make it even more special. I had already made Christmas cookies and fudge that I would serve. A chocolate cake with white cream cheese frosting(my favorite) and cheesecake with raspberry sauce(my husband's favorite) would complete the table. Coffee(regular and decaf), tea and oh yeah, after dinner drinks. My favorites, baileys Irish cream(it's great in your coffee), amaretto and brandy.

Let me tell you. It was the most enjoyable evening I have had in a long time. It was so nice just being able to chat with our neighbors. There was no stress, no running around making sure everyone had a drink or if they wanted more to eat. I served everyone when they sat down and asked that they please help themselves to more coffee, dessert and after dinner drinks when they were ready.

So, if you want to have a get together for the holidays or anytime of year. Think about a coffee and dessert get together. I think you will enjoy it as much as we did. Happy Holidays!