Thinking Xmas-y Thoughts

I don't really feel like whipping out a pen and paper and then I remember this blog! And how I've been awful at neglecting it. I go back and forth between pinterest and here and just writing things. I get overwhelmed with pinterest often and lose my place in my umpteen notebooks so this is perfect.

I know it's early but, I want to be super prepared with a detailed gameplan. I'm planning a Christmas soiree for all of our friends and hubby's coworkers so I definitely want to bring an A game. The way you do that? All in the details baby..

So here are my xmas-y thoughts for the day:

I want to put out some eggnog. Gotta have Nog dude. Only, what to put it in. Definitly don't want to just put it out in a bowl. Boring AND I can't stand to think of drinking lukewarm nog. I need a punch bowl anyway and this might be a great way to parlay a purchase of something heavy duty to use for years to come.

So I'm looking at this piece on Amazon - a double-walled hammered punch bowl (3 gal)

This is perfect for a number of reasons. Being doublewalled, it's got better insulating properties. It's metal so it can be chilled a head of time and will be able to hold that chill for awhile. It's also hammered, which is a metal-finish effect that I love that I also plan on purchasing more of so - when it's not in use for parties it can be put out for everyday display purposes. It's about $73 on amazon right now which isn't too bad considering many other places are asking $180 and up for the same product.

Second thought about nog, I know it's great with booze but not everyone is a fan. How to keep both the boozers and temperance-ists happy?

Put out a bottle of Jack with a pouring spout and don't forget to wrap the bottle with a festive bow!
Something like this

Last thought about the punchbowl - I'm gonna want to festive it up to the max and place a wreath at the base - kind of like this idea

And this.. I'm sure.. will be the centerpiece of my beverage table. I plan on offering hot spiced cider in the dining room with the chaffers and hot items and still need to come up with two more signature cocktails and one winter sangria (so far thinking definitely pomegranates and clementines). Alls I know so far is I need something with vodka and some kind of awesome margarita because we need a little tequila at christmas time to satisfy my Viejo.