New Years Eve 2012

Some of my best gal pals and I decided to throw a New Years Eve dinner party this year. Usually we just crash out on the couch by 10:30 so it was fun actually celebrating and staying up until midnight. We decided to have a fancy sit down dinner, dress up in heels (I actually wore glittery flats) and put the minions to bed so we could enjoy adult conversation. 

All good parties start with decor. I made some simple stuff out of tissue paper, scrapbook paper and burlap. I love me some crafting. 

Liz showed up first and helped set the table. We used her fancy fine china and Stephanie's chargers and gold silverware. Group effort is the way to go. 

Kristi. Me. Stephanie. Elizabeth. I have hot friends. 

 Girls take pictures. It's science. 

The handsome Men-folk.  

We made the kiddies little smokies and mac n' cheese and they dined on paper plates. They were pleased. 

I put out some treats for the kids. Again, they were pleased. 

  

We let the kids play and watch movies while we finished cleaning up their dinner and making ours. Some crashed out early, some went to bed. They surprisingly left us alone for the most part. 

We each made a dish to contribute to the feast. I made herb crusted pork tenderloin with an apricot balsamic glaze. Kristi brought a mixed greens salad with cranberries, walnuts, Gorgonzola and pear vinaigrette. Stephanie made mushroom leek risotto and Liz made Herb roasted root veggies and dessert. It was delish!

Liz made menus and place cards. Über fancy guys!

  

Dinner included great conversation and lots of silliness. Dan volunteered to sit in the high chair (I have seating issues). 

Liz made this salted caramel chocolate toffee trifle for dessert. 

After dinner we did some fun activities. Liz made New Years resolution cards that we filled out and read out loud. Stephanie brought wish papers that you write a wish on and then light up and watch burn, float to the ceiling and finally fall in a perfect ring of ashes that you catch in your hands. 

Some Mormon bubbly for the countdown. 

Man I love these guys!  Here's to a fabulous 2013!