Sweatermas Soiree

Sunday, December 5th, 2010

Sweatermas Party Style…oh where to even begin? It was a funny, flashback, ugly Christmas sweater fever all night long.

I had so much fun designing the throw back menu. Books, blogs, websites, friends and family were consulted. Kendra Higgins Adams won first place for the most amazing 50′s housewife ideas…as usual.

As you can see almost everything consisted of cheese. There were so many forms…it was quite astonishing.

Beth Elder’s Blue Cheese Ball was the big hit, truth be told.

Mozzarella Tomato Canapes were almost too pretty for the theme…but I guess one does need a few fiber rich vegetables even on ugly sweater buffets.

People’s “retro dishes” were hysterical. This was a favorite, and let me tell you, quite popular for early, mid and late night snacking.

This one took me back. So many high school parties, so many loads of Dean’s French Onion with Ruffles.

It’s not a flashback party without the Cheez Wiz. Thank you Liz Downey for remembering this divine delicacy.

It got a lot of photo booth play…the star of the Sweatermas show.

Vintage Elfin Cake Topper, anyone?

These were my big favorite that night. I wouldn’t have believed you if you promised me they were decadent. But they really are!

The centerpieces skewed elegant – I know. I did adorn tabletops and cakes with Elf and Santa Snowglobes, Diormas, etc. But I draw the line at tacky flowers. The best part about these is they became gorgeous holiday wreaths on doorways the very next morning – parties should always repurpose anything and everything.

The Ho Ho Ho-liday Tini was the big hit. I think it beat out the Champagne Cocktail 2 to 1.

Ho Ho Ho-liday Tini includes: 2 bottles Cherry Limeade, 2 bottles Watermelon Juice (both in grocery juice aisle), 1 bottle Grey Goose Citron Vodka, 2 sliced limes, 1 bunch fresh Rosemary.

Champagne Cocktail includes: 2 bottles Pomegranate Blueberry Juice, 2 bottles Champagne, 2 sliced Clementines, 2 bunches fresh Mint.

But the real stars of the Sweatermas show were of course, the sweaters themselves. Let’s admit, none of us wanted to beg, borrow or buy these uglies, and noone felt gorgeous rockin’ these heavy, shapeless designs, but they sure made the night incredibly funny and memorable. And may I say HOT? I forgot how hot these babies are. We opened the doors and turned the heat off at one point, and it was 28 degrees outside.

A photo booth is always, always, always a huge party hit. Not only is it fun to see everyone, and send the photos out to all guests after the party, but it captured the theme of the ugly sweaters so perfectly for us all to remember in vivid, colorful, glittery detail evermore.

I love to have each group do a series of four poses, so you can have the true photo booth feel, even if you are standing up instead of sitting down. You can make digital flip books and videos and fun old fashioned films…look for that next.

You get to vote – what is your favorite ugly Christmas sweater from the party? So many to choose from, I know. Sindi and Don wore a father/son matching set, which won “most creative” honors in my book.

Mr. and Mrs. Reindeer Sweaters. Maybe it was the aqua wide wale cord/wool sweater combo that had me in heatstroke?

Jay won best Santa Claus tie. It was a tight race…

Wendy won best sparkly sweatshirt.

Chloe, always a winner at any party, won the sparkliest skirt award.

Hands down – by democratic process of course- he won best men’s sweater.

Well…”men’s” being an operative word for the sweater. The candy and the dozens of ribbon bows were just too sticky sweet.

Suzy won first place women’s sweater – she KNIT this Christmas sweatervest in two day time just for the party! Eegads. Superwoman.

Mike won the best Christmas pants award. The very best part of these pants, is their history. These were his lovely wife Amy’s father’s Christmas pants, enchanting the kids every holiday season. Now handed down, they charm an entire new generation of children at Christmas. (and adults over cocktails and cheese at Sweatermas!)