happy hour: christmas cheers

our little sock monkey ornament

well, can you believe it?  christmas is just 2 days away!  every year it surprises me just how quickly the holiday season goes...and it always goes faster than i remember or expect.  in honor of this very special time of year, i've collected a few recipes to "cheers" over just in time for christmas.

peppermint hot chocolate (picture credit here)

i found this awesome recipe on two tarts for peppermint hot chocolate.  it's the perfect wintry treat to warm up with on a snowy morning : )

me & olive on the tree farm
mulled wine (picture credit here)

mulled wine is easy to make and tastes like christmas-in-a-glass.  check out this super simple recipe {here} that will delight all your holiday guests.

our tree : )
christmas cocktail (picture credit here)

and, if you're really looking for some holiday cheer, check out the 12 cocktails of christmas - guaranteed to impress.

my mermaid ornament

wishing you a very merry christmas from our home to yours!

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happy hour: holiday punch

any holiday party you attend at my parents' house, you will undoubtedly find this holiday punch residing in the antique punch bowl that belonged to my maternal grandmother (she received it as a wedding present).  it's as simple as it is refreshing, and your guests will love the thoughtful, festive touch!

party punch - credit {here}

1 2-liter bottle of cranberry ginger ale
1 bottle of cranberry-apple juice
1 orange
small handful of whole cloves

1) pour ginger ale and juice into your punch bowl or a large pitcher.
2) slice the orange into coins and pierce with cloves to create decorative patterns on the slices.
3) float the orange slices with clove atop the punch!

looking for a punch with a kick?  chill a bottle of vodka or captain morgan's spiced rum and set it out alongside the punch so that guests can add a splash of their "punch" of choice to their glass.

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