Setting Up For Christmas Eve Cocktails

The week before Christmas is always the time where my holiday decorating and preparations kick in to high gear.  Certainly shopping for gifts, wrapping and the all around hustle and bustle of the season keeps me busy, but it’s the anticipation of entertaining family and friends and spending quality time with them on Christmas Eve and Day that brings me so much joy.  And, in my true fashion, every holiday revolves around food and drink.  Let’s prepare for Christmas Eve cocktails! Here are some ideas to bring Christmas in to your kitchen, where we all know guests always congregate.

I spent the day yesterday decorating the kitchen and getting everything ready to host friends and family that stop by during the day on Christmas Eve Day to share cheer.  With the thought in mind to have my guests receive a warm holiday welcome, I added two pine trees to either side of the prep table.  An expected decor on an unexpected table, my thoughts are – why not!  A little big in scale put fit perfectly flanked on either side of the prep table.  This idea would also work with poinsettias, too.

I warmed up the countertops with lights and greenery.  I actually saw this idea while watching Barefoot Contessa, and I saw her countertops decorated like this, and I was inspired to do the same to mine.  Easy peasy, laying a strand of lights in a zig zag on the countertops and then covering with greenery.

Bring on the cocktails! For me, Christmas Eve wouldn’t be Christmas Eve without a little eggnog.  Spiked eggnog, even better.  With the help of a milk crate, spirits and accompaniments can be grouped together in one festive cocktail station.  Fill the bottles with eggnog, cranberry juice and any other beverage you would like to include in your station.  Add the vodka and spiked rum or brandy and you’ve got yourself the perfect Christmas Eve cocktail station.

Are you planning on hosting friends and family for Christmas Eve and Day?  Start the prep work now so you can truly enjoy your company and the season of giving.