It’s a funny thing about the business I’m in: the holidays literally start in May, and by the time August rolls around, I might be found cooking a turkey for a Thanksgiving photo shoot or setting the table for Christmas feast inspiration. So when December actually hits and the rest of the country is entering the frenzy of holiday plans and shopping for gifts, I’m just ready to slow down a bit and celebrate the season, for real. This year for our CamilleStyles.com holiday party, I decided to invite everyone who’s played a significant role in making 2012 such an amazing year for our company, from contributors to designers to photographers & videographers to chefs. It was my turn to treat all of them to great food and pretty flowers. It was almost overwhelming to get everyone in one room, and made me feel incredibly thankful for the talented people I get to work with all the time. Definitely one of my favorite nights of the entire year. I’m so glad that She-n-He Photography was there to capture the details – I didn’t have a moment to pull out my camera even once! Keep reading for my favorite moments…
Adam and I put the finishing touches on our signature party punch made with gin, fresh citrus fruit, framboise, lemon juice, orgeat syrup and champagne. We made a ton…and the punch bowl was empty 2 hours into the party!
One of the best things about hosting a holiday party at my house? The decorations are already done! This year I decked the halls in magical, monochromatic white and silver.
A big punch bowl is a holiday party necessity. This one is modern, sleek and super affordable (from Target.)
Our invites from Minted hinted at the festivities to come…
I used a mix of new and vintage glassware, and labeled everything on the bar and buffet with these cute notecards from Austin Press.
Minted has all kinds of festive new party decor. This banner is hanging in our dining room through the entire season this year – it adds a pop of color against my boxwood garland and wreath. (and don’t forget that when you use the code WONDER15, you’ll receive 15% off and free shipping!)
I knew I wanted something big and dramatic for the dining room centerpiece, and when I laid eyes on these white poinsettia trees, I knew they were perfect. I wrapped burlap around the base and tied with a red ribbon – no floral arranging required!
Calligrapher Kathryn Murray made this festive “Pop Fizz Clink” sign for a photo shoot we’ve been working on, and it was way too cute not to re-use on the bubbly bar at our party
I made miniature versions of my butternut squash and blue cheese pizza, using a 3″ round cookie cutter. They disappeared fast.
I always try to make a few things, and supplement with a couple of catered or store-bought items. Word of Mouth made these delicious lamb sliders with feta and spinach.
As usual, the party moved outside to the terrace, which I’d decked out with red pillows and Christmas-y berries.
My mom made dessert – a riff off this cake, with peppermint extract and crushed peppermints added as a seasonal twist.
Cream puffs are one of my favorite party tricks. The kind that come in a box in the freezer section of the grocery store (I’m serious.) Just thaw in the fridge, pile high on a cakestand, and place a pitcher of hot fudge next to them for guests to drizzle over the top.
Bubbly to go! Mini bottles of Le Grand Courtâge served as the perfect parting gift. I’m always a big fan of drinkable favors.
Love getting to work with these girls every day – and it was so fun celebrating together! Cheers!
