Wish me luck!!

[Erinesque]

On Sunday, I’m doing something unprecedented for me. I’m hosting a Christmas part for a few friends. I’d love your take on what I’ve got planned, and any suggestions to make it better.

First, I created formal invitations, complete with a real wax seal. I’ve purchased a gift for each of my guests, and for their children.

Secondly, I’m serving some food that none of them have likely ever had before, with the exception of rum fruitcake. I am currently making Battenberg cake, with homemade marzipan, there will also be cucumber sandwiches and tourtiere pies (miniature), served with apple sauce.

Thirdly, I’ve got a board game to play, and have some blank ornaments that they will be able to paint and customize as a souvenir.


After that, I’m stuck.

[Mental_Mouse]

Caroling... or karaoke, depending on the crowd. ;-)

Have you picked your alcoholic offerings? (Eggnog from scratch is classy....)

A couple of packs of cards can be turned to multiple uses.

[Kit-Ginevra]

These people have never had Battenberg...or cucumber sandwiches...tut tut...
I'm impressed that you've managed to create a real wax seal. ...
Something like this I'd imagine...

[Erinesque]

Alas, my wax seal was less seal-like. I shall try harder in the future.


And no, my friends have never even seen a Battenberg cake, nor have ever heard of cucumber sandwiches! So this will be an experience for them!

As for the alcoholic drinks, I think eggnog would be a great thing to try; I’ve njg made that from scratch as yet. The fruitcake as well, is currently basting in rum.

[Food Lady]

I'll take the rum fruitcake. My only suggestion menu-wise is another savory. The cucumber sandwiches are nice but if you are able, some kind of hot hors d'oeuvre that's not sweet? Also, another game: Snapdragon. I have this book and another owner uploaded a picture of the page:



Bear in mind that the book was written in the 1960s so I don't know where all the platters have gone. I want one.

[Mental_Mouse]

I'll take the rum fruitcake. My only suggestion menu-wise is another savory. The cucumber sandwiches are nice but if you are able, some kind of hot hors d'oeuvre that's not sweet? Also, another game: Snapdragon. I have this book and another owner uploaded a picture of the page:



Bear in mind that the book was written in the 1960s so I don't know where all the platters have gone. I want one.

I'm pretty sure that game dates from a century or more before the 1960s: It looks like a mild (!) version of some Victorian or earlier (i.e. medieval) holiday games I've seen. Those tend to be yuks all around, especially when somebody gets burned, loses an eye, breaks a leg, etc.

[Erinesque]

I’ve heard of this game, and have wanted to try it! I might just do so!

[Ironclad Alibi]

According to Wikipedia the game dates from the 16th century.

[Erinesque]

Well the party was pretty awesome! I gave each of my guests a gift, had them use Christmas crackers, which only one had seen before, and we each made an ornament. The Battenberg cake turned out great, as did the tortiere pies and the cucumber sandwiches. And to top it off, we watched Scrooge, the one with Albert Finney.

All in all, it was a very successful party.

[Mental_Mouse]

Cool! I take it you decided your insurance wasn't up for Snapdragon?

[Erinesque]

No, I decided to save that for a different, more adventurous day.