Happy weekend, lovelies! Is anyone else in slight disbelief that we’re already well into December? Next week will cap off the final stops on my book tour (in 2014, at least), and while a part of me will be glad to take a break from all the traveling, these last couple months have really been one of the biggest adventures and best challenges ever. Every single city has been unforgettable, mainly because it’s meant getting to meet so many of you in person! If you’re in Atlanta or Dallas, I can’t wait to see you at our final parties next week — don’t forget to RSVP at the email addresses here! And today I wanted to share a few of my favorite snaps from the party in San Francisco, thrown by my friends at Minted and brimming with tons of inspiration for your upcoming holiday soirées. Click through for all the pretty captured by Kara Brodgesell.
The event was held at the beautifully light and airy Cookhouse, an event venue and culinary space in San Francisco. The simple decor and beautiful architecture created the perfect palette for our festive party details.
Sharpies ready, excited to meet our SF readers and catch up with my local friends!
Having my blogging besties Caitlin Flemming and Erin Hiemstra there to cohost the event with me made it extra special.
Beautiful blooms by Farmgirl Flowers.
Also from my book: champagne with sugared cranberries, my go-to Christmas cocktail! To make the cranberries, just boil equal parts sugar and water until sugar dissolves, remove from heat, & submerge cranberries. Use a slotted spoon to transfer to a cooling rack, allow to dry, then roll cranberries in a shallow bowl filled with sugar to coat.
The Minted team, along with help from baking extraordinaire Cathy from kneadtomake, created a dessert buffet inspired by a chapter from my book.
Guests sampled all my favorite cookies that I shared in the Cookie Swap party chapter, including these Mexican Wedding cookies…
… and everyone took home recipe cards so they could recreate them at home!
San Francisco brides: take my word for it and hire kneadtomake to create your wedding cake. Each one was a work of art, and once we cut into them, tasted even better.
Guests DIY’d ornaments from the Cookie Swap chapter of my book.
Love that these ornaments fill the entire room with the Christmas-y scents of cinnamon and other warming spices.
These two cute guests show off their creations!
Such a beautiful and organic take on the holiday centerpiece, by Farmgirl Flowers.
With my dear friend and director of PR and events for Minted, Natasha. Can’t thank her enough for all that she did to make this party unforgettable!
A holiday party must have? The festive, sparkly LBD, and this embellished dress from kate spade new york felt so special for the night.
Guests took home limited edition notecards featuring some of my favorite shots from the book and these adorable notebooks from Minted.
Cakes included a gingerbread cake, spice cake, and almond cake (with honey cranberry chutney & orange zest buttercream — YUM.)
A few of my favorite Minted pieces for the holidays, including the gold foil California map.
Zinnias, roses, & cabbage look like they were picked straight from a (very gorgeous) garden.
Having Minted as an event host = some pretty stunning party paper goods.
Prosecco with sugared cranberries awaits!
The prettiest signing station.
The laid-back vibe of the space really encouraged guests to grab a glass of bubbly and stay awhile… it was the perfect way to celebrate.
And of course, I always get a sense of delight to see guests walking out the door with their new copy of Camille Styles Entertaining tucked under their arm!
