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Favorite things Party!!!

January 17, 2019 // By: Jeanne
Posted In: Bullet Journal, Musings // Leave a comment... Be the first!

 

 

 

 

 

I love hosting! And parties!! GNOMES and CHAMPAGNE!!! Tis’ the Season for parties! On top of all that, I do love, Love, LOVE a good theme party! I absolutely LOVE all the stages that goes into it!  The planning, decorating, choosing a menu, cooking and presenting! But the icing on the cake is being surrounded by the people I love. And this is a way for me to let them know that I love them and love having them in my life! Also, it’s a solid way for me to keep up on cleaning the house and keeping it organized! Haha

Now that I am coming out of a fog I have been in for the last 1 1/2 – 2 years. I am focusing on how blessed I am. I am truly blessed and deeply grateful. I am a woman that likes to wear many hats. I really have to reign that in. Currently, I am NOT doing a fabulous job at it! And like everyone, I’m sure, I get caught up in the day to day hustle. How is it going to be 2019?! Really?? My first born graduated high school this past June. My middle little, promoted to high school. And our ever precious chunkcake is 2! (moment of silence… I don’t know how any of that happened) So the hustle and bustle, the fog in my brain from sleep deprivation and starting over, to well, just life! Brought me to really want to relish in the holiday season. Which is my favorite time of year! And to be honest, I DO relish in the holidays. I keep a pretty full schedule from Thanksgiving to New Years! And what better way to add to the festivities than to throw a “these are a few of my favorite things” (I hope you sang that, I did) party!! I am pretty excited!!

Alright, let’s get started!

Invitation: I’m hosting this during the Christmas Season. But really, this is a party you can host anytime of year!! I love sending invites through the mail, but there is something to be said about a good ol’ Evite. I feel I have too much on my plate at the moment. So Evite to save the day! Super easy! Pick your theme and get to creating the invitation. I used this free “Bright Spirits” Christmas theme.

Favorite Things Party | Evite

Party Details: The where, what time and details of the party. Are you serving dinner? Sunday brunch? Drinks and dessert? Would like your guest to bring a “Favorite” dessert or drink? This can be a lot of work or a little. I always go to the side of A LOT. Haha, but again, I LOVE hosting!!

My party is starting at 6:00 pm. So I am serving dinner, light desserts and of course, the gift exchange (optional but the best part!) that goes along with “Favorite Things” party. I love giving gifts! Receiving isn’t so bad either 😉 The gift exchange can be easily misunderstood, but it all works out regardless. If you’re doing the gift exchange, which I HIGHLY recommend! This is what it is:

Favorite Things Gift Exchange: Each guest brings 3 wrapped gifts, valued at $10 each. (You set the price point) You pick your “Favorite” theme and buy 3 gifts in that theme ($10 each) The gifts can be 3 of the same things or 3 of the same “favorite” theme. (ex. You love scarves. So you buy 3 scarves that are exactly the same or 3 different patterned scarves. OR you love lipgloss so you buy your favorite lipgloss, or a chapstick, lipgloss and lip stain) Bring them wrapped, not addressed to anyone. I like to wrap them in identical bags or same paper. That way its easy to identify your gifts when they are in a pile of gifts.

Guest: After you’ve entered all your party details, send it out! Who are you inviting? I did a Ladies Night. Easily be a couples party or just a group of friends. At first I was keeping this small. Until I had my email list in front of me. Then I just started clicking away. So this party is now MUCH larger than I had originally planned. The more the merrier, right!!

Now that you have your Invitations sent out. Lets get to the details!!

Theme: What are YOUR Favorite things!! I love Christmas, so the season works out perfectly. And with that, I love Champagne, Gnomes, and all things that sparkle!! Gnomes have become more popular lately, so I don’t have any trouble decorating for this!! My house is already decorated for Christmas and I have plenty of gnomes hanging around (Even when it is not Christmas) Just added some Glitter and Champagne!!

Appetizers

 

Food: I am a huge fan of Charcuterie plates! Crackers, cheese and meats… oh my!! So that is a staple in my house, entertaining or not. (It’s actually my typical lunch) And you have to check out Good Obsessions laser cut Cheese Picks. I LOVE them! Back to food…. I made Pasta Fagioli. (Super easy) Avocado and Pepper Jack Cheese bites, and a few simple desserts! Keeping it easy! My mom brought the veggie tray and my mother-in-law brought the cranberry and brie puff pastry appetizer! YUM! Working on getting that recipe!

 

 

 

Favorite Things Party | HostingDrinks: Sip, Sip, Hooray!! Champagne, Holiday Sangria, Wine and good old H20 (With fresh mint and pomegranate seed to keep it festive) . Oh, and because I love giving gifts and stemless wine glasses. Everyone who came got to pick their own Christmas glass to use for the night, and it was theirs to take home. This was a big hit!

 

The only things left to do is 1. Enjoy the party!! And 2. The doing the gift exchange! This is how it works.

Favorite Things GameHow to exchange Favorite Things: As everyone comes in, have a bowl or dish available, with a pen and 3 pieces of paper for everyone to write their name on. They write their name 3x. They brought 3 gifts. Put the names in the bowl/dish. Have a big area cleared for all the gifts. 3 each adds up! When its time to start the exchange, heard everyone in to designated gift opening area. Good luck, everyone has most likely been drinking, talking loudly and in deep conversation. It’s like herding cattle! Once you have everyone together, double check that EVERYONE wrote their name 3x on the little papers. The Host then starts the game.  You stand up and explains what your “Favorite Thing” is” and then draw 3 names and then gives those 3 people your “Favorite Things” gifts. If you draw the same name more than once, just put it back and draw again. Everyone gets their gifts and opens it. FUN! Continue this around the room. It really is a fun way to get to know people a little more. Now, I had my 2 girls join in the party and exchange. They are 18 & 14. So whoever drew their names, if it was wine or something they couldn’t have, they drew again. Or if it was at the end of the game and their name was the only one left, whelp momma got it! Haha.

A funny example of gifts was my oldest daughter, Alexis. She LOVES things being clean and tidy. So she picked “cleaning” as her “Favorite Thing” LOL (Lucky me, right!!!) So she bought 3 Meyer holiday hand soaps, and 3 Meyer brand peppermint candles. (Value came to $10) And that was her gift. Which was a big hit by the way!!

This party was SO much fun! Everyone LOVED the gift exchange part of it. The food was delicious, the gift exchange was a hoot but the company was the best. I have the most wonderful group of ladies in my life! I am blessed! We don’t see each often, but when we do, it is a BLAST!! We actually are thinking of doing a “Galentine’s” party to keep this going!! Any reason to get together and be ridiculous!

I really hope you throw one of these parties or get to go to one. Let me know if you have any questions or if you DO host or go to a party! I would LOVE to hear about it!

Happy Holidays ~Jeanne

 

About Jeanne

I’m Jeanne – cook, photographer, momma of 3, and lover of all things homemade, especially tacos! I started Passion & Poppies because I wanted a way to catalog my kitchen and life endeavors.
I love to stay connected to my readers! You can find me on Instagram, Pinterest or Facebook.

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My friend was at the beach a little while back, an
My friend was at the beach a little while back, and saw this set up. How awesome and sweet is this! 
♥️
Today, my hubby and I are celebrating our 5 year wedding anniversary. Our engagement wasn’t elaborate like this, but it was our own kind of magic, and maybe a little awkward. 😂 
For those of you who don’t know, I’ve known my husband since we were 8 years old. He was my first crush, one of my best friends growing up, and my favorite person. Life happens, different paths were taken, so on and so forth. But always remained a favorite person. He is genuinely and factually, one of the most amazing men on the planet. 
Long story short, he obviously came back into my life, lucky me, and we’ve been connected ever since. 
I tell you all of that, to help understand the awkward silence that came over me when he got down on one knee and said “will you marry me?” ..... I do not know how long I didn’t speak, move or anything. (I’m going to have to ask him) The only thing I know is that I’ve never had an out of body experience, until that day. I felt like I was floating, observing what was going on. The slight breeze, the water running under the bridge, and my most favorite person down on one knee asking someone... wait is that me?! Did he just ask me to marry him? Am I dreaming? I’m dreaming... awe... I love him... and then I hear, with a shaky voice “Babes, is that a yes?” 
Oh snap! This is real! And then I finally say “YES!!” Then I leaped at him, almost knocked him over and I’m sure at that point made him feel better. And hopefully every day since, he knows and feels like the center on my universe. 
♥️
Where do you get engaged? And what’s your love story? 
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#love #anniversary #engagement #wedding #lovestory #myfavorite #proposal

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One of the many things I love about staying at the Avila La Fonda, in Avila Beach. Waking up to fresh baked chocolate croissants. 🥐 
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Jarcuterie and Champagne make the perfect afternoo
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Thank you @mattkolo for your recipe! It’s bomb.com!! 
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The hubby and I have dialed in this recipe and I promise it doesn’t disappoint. Right down to the crispy bits that make this over the top!! 
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Recipe is on the blog, link in bio, search Carnitas Tacos or 
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Whelp, I can’t write straight. 😂
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I decided

Whelp, I can’t write straight. 😂 
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I decided to hand letter on the wrapping paper for my hubby’s anniversary gift. As you can tell, it’s been a while since I’ve practiced writing.
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This place is awesome! I’m proud of my sister-in-law and the space she has worked so hard to create. The DIY Craft Bar is one of my favorite aspects of this place. Who doesn’t love painting and sipping!? Plus, all the handmade products from local makers, make some of the best gifts. 
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It’s 21 and over, which mean you can have a beverage! And it also means no kids, which in turn means freedom! 🙌🏼 Win, win. (Swipe to the last photo to see what she has on tap)
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She does however have “Take and Make” kits for kids and adults, which Logan loves.  I love them too, because gives me a little bit of silence at home. #winning (Swipe to see Logan’s fish tank) 
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If you haven’t been here, I highly recommend you check it out. The seasonal crafts and products don’t last long. Believe me, the gnomes go quickly! 
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Store hours are posted on the website or go to website to order online:
www.thecrafthouse805.com or check out @thecrafthouse805 
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#thecrafthouse805 #thecrafthouse #paintnsip #diy #craftbar  #beer #wine #champagne #makers #makersgonnamake

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The first time I made these, as you can tell, they look like little burgers. The heart sprinkles helped I think. ❤️🤍 
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I have the recipe up on the blog. Will be updating it with some tips and tricks that I’ve learned. Will keep you posted when those are up. But check it out and I hope let me know if you make them, or have made them. Tips always welcomed! 
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Link in bio, search French Macarons. Or 
www.passionandpoppies.com/French-Macarons 
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Recipe from Magnolia Journal. Thank you @joannagains 
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#frenchmacarons #macarons #pastries #dessert #homemade #magnoliajournal #joannagaines

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Hubby text me from Costco saying “this is all they have” with a photo of a microwaved corned beef. I didn’t respond fast enough, so it ended up in the cart. And well, we try really hard not to waste food. So yeah... we microwaved the shit out of it! Just kidding, it took like 7 minutes, and again, wasn’t bad. I am however looking forward to slow cooking the next one! 
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Do you like Corned Beef?
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#cornedbeef #costco #microwave #easydinner #dinnerideas

• Prosecco Cocktail with Berries and Lemon • C
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🍋 
This is topped with Prosecco, which if you know me, I love my bubbles. Do you have any recipes that go with bubbles? Please share! 
🍓
Recipe on blog, link in bio. Search: Prosecco Cocktail. 
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#prosecco #cocktail #lemon #berries #beverage #vodka #weekend #friday

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First off, cauliflower gnocchi has become a family favorite. Who would’ve thought?! 
Second, I tried to replicate a jar of artichoke pesto I had bought, and happy to say, we love this a lot too!! I used homegrown parsley instead of basil, so good! 
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Full recipe is on the blog, link in bio, search Lemon Artichoke Pesto or
www.passionandpoppies.com/lemon-artichoke-pesto
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🥓 
Regardless of the name, have you tried these? They are always a big hit when we host. Only 5 ingredients and easy to put together. We love to throw them on the smoker but in the oven works just as well. 
🌶 
Check out the recipe on the blog. Link in bio, search “jalapeño poppers” or
www.passionandpoppies.com/bacon-wrapped-jalapeño-poppers 
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So yeah, this coffee has my heart!
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Super easy to make. I have the recipe on the blog if you’d like to give it a whirl. 
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Link in bio, search “whipped coffee” or
www.passionandpoppies.com/whipped-coffee
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Doing a little work outside today with my little s
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Jen, @cacoffeerepublic your latte and latte art is on point 🤎☕️🤎
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Things don’t always seem to go accordingly. I knew I was going to be busy making Cocoa Bombs, and wasn’t going to make our own Valentine’s dessert. So I ordered these about a month in advance. 
And even thought I only gave the kids 3 small pieces of candy, we were lovingly gifted a ton of sweets. Plus Mikinzee decided she wanted to make a cake. Low and behold, these adorable cakes went uneaten, until today! After lunch treat!! And I really mean it when I say they are delicious! On top of the surprise Seafoam candy or honeycomb she sent me. Which is now my favorite candy. 😂 
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Check out @catscradle_creations for other delicious treats. You will NOT be disappointed!.
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#valentines #heartcake #treats #chocolate #cake

Happy Valentine’s Day!! I posted about Shirley T
Happy Valentine’s Day!! I posted about Shirley Temple’s earlier in the week, and have now landed on an adult Shirley Temple, say hello to Chample! Champagne and grenadine! 
I got the recipe from my mother-in-law, who got it from @foodtalkdaily. She calls it the “Valentini” and serves it in a martini glass, which was super cute. I however just got rid of my martini glass, they were tacky, so this is my version. My daughter didn’t mind the marshmallow fluff and sprinkle rim, but I’ll either do the sugar rim or not. Either way, something fun for the holiday ❤️🍒
And any reason to have champagne! 🙌🏼
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• Cauliflower Tacos • Tacos are a food group, right? 
“Feed me tacos, and tell me I’m pretty” Yeah, sounds about right! 
🌮 
If you haven’t tried cauliflower tacos, go do it, now! Can be as easy as sprinkling taco seasoning on the cauliflower, or a few more ingredients and voilà, amazing cauliflower tacos! If you haven’t checked out my blog post for cauliflower tacos, I highly recommend. It will not disappoint! In there is also the recipe for Chipotle Crema, and Picked Cabbage, that goes brilliantly with the tacos. 
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Link in bio and search “cauliflower tacos” or
www.passionandpoppies.com/Cauliflower-tacos 
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#tacos #tacosarelife #cauliflower #foodie #easyrecipes #easydinner

Good Morning ☀️ and Happy Friday! Enjoying the
Good Morning ☀️ and Happy Friday! Enjoying the chilly morning, drinking tea and taking time to sit and be. Not something I do often. 
My mind landed on friends/family that I haven’t seen in a long while. Some due to distance, some due to hectic grind, but mostly due to Covid. 
Friendships are a huge part of making life go round. This post is for them, I might not see you or talk to you as often as I’d like, regardless, I still love and miss you! ❤️
Who do you wish you were having tea or coffee with right now?
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#friends #friendship #teatime #coffeetime #relax #goodmorning

• Homemade Booch • Kombucha, like or dislike?
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#booch #kombucha #fermentedfoods #raspberry #brewityourself

🎶Happy is as happy does, laugh and live with a
🎶Happy is as happy does, laugh and live with a half-full cup...🎶 - Kenny Chesney 
❤️
Two things:
1) If you ordered Cocoa Bombs from me, they are at the shop and ready for pick up, when ever you’re ready to get them. 
Check @thecrafthouse805 for store hours. 
Unless we’ve discussed other pick up arrangements.😘 
🤎
2) Leopard print makes me happy 😍
🖤
Happy almost weekend! ❤️
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#cocoabombs #chocolate #chocolatewasted #valentines #hotchocolatebombs #happy

• Spinach and Lemon Linguine • Made this for d
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Recipe up on the blog. Link in bio, search “linguine” or go to website:
www.passionandpoppies.com
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#linguine #pasta #lemon #spinach #easyrecipes #dinner #foodie

• Shirley Temple’s and Roy Roger’s • Bring
• Shirley Temple’s and Roy Roger’s • Brings back my childhood memories. I don’t know why, but whenever my parents would take us out for Mexican food, I would always order a Shirley Temple. So now the two go hand in hand. And now the girls do the same thing. 
We ordered lunch from our local Mexican restaurant and made our own Shirley Temple and Toy Rodger’s. 
Super simple! 7up/Coke, grenadine and cherries. 🍒 
When was the last time you had one of these?
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#shirleytemple #7up #coke #beverage #cherries #maraschino #memories

•Super Bowl Sunday • Who are you rooting for??
•Super Bowl Sunday • Who are you rooting for?? 
I’m rooting for champagne and food! Cheers to love and hearts!! ❤️ Go football! 🙌🏼
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What are you snacking on? 
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#superbowl #snacks #appetizers #caprese #valentines #hearts

Candles and Gnomes… These are a few of my favori
Candles and Gnomes... These are a few of my favorite things! 
7 day countdown to Valentine’s Day! Candles are at the shop and moving fast. Head over to the The Craft house and check out what prints there are and some other fun finds. Like the Valentine’s sign by @something.gray ❤️
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If you can’t make it into the shop, you can always message me if you’re interested. I also ship and can arrange porch pick ups. 
This photo also reminds me I need to make more gnomes.
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#candles #handpoured #soycandles #gnomes #maker #valentines #gifts

What’s your favorite fruit? I don’t think I co
What’s your favorite fruit? I don’t think I could pick one, but a ripe, locally or backyard grown strawberry is close to the top. 

We are lucky here in Ventura county to be surrounded by strawberry fields. So when strawberry season roll around, this Strawberry Sorbet is a must! It’s so delicious. 

Recipe is up on the blog when you’re ready to make it. I mean, why wait til strawberry season. We do have them in stores year around. 😘 And it will make a great Valentine’s dessert ❤️🤎

Link in Bio, just search strawberry sorbet on site. Or
www.passionandpoppies.com/strawberry-sorbet
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#sorbet #strawberry #icecream #homemade #dessert #valentines


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