We had such a great time at our Pop Up Pop Art holiday party last year that we almost didn’t even try for a repeat. But we did, and I’m glad we did.
Enjoying the company of our friends and neighbors.
Our parties have almost always had a signature cocktail, ever since we found this recipe for Alberto No. 1 while reading the New York Times on a visit to Manhattan in 2000. In recent years, we’ve added a theme.
Last year’s Pop Art Pop Up Party theme fell into our laps when I was able to borrow about 20 pop art paintings from one of my favorite artists.
This year’s Simpsons Family Christmas theme was supposed to be subtle, yet ended up being anything but. We had Simpsons decorations (though oddly none on the tree), a Simpsons family photo shoot with wigs and face masks (pix shared via Shutterfly), and food from various Simpsons episodes.
There were several non-Simpsons elements, including the signature cocktails, a rosemary infused holiday cocktail from the Flair Exchange and a white Christmas sangria from Cooking Stoned. I also attempted a non-alcohol version for my prego and non-drinking friends. But I think that ended up a bit too sweet. I’ll need to do more testing next time around.
Here’s what we did:
Simpsons Family Photo Shoot: My Future Farmgirl and her dad painted the iconic Simpsons painting seen in 25+ years of Simpsons episodes. We added a camera set on a timer, tripod and wigs and masks we happened to have. The shoot was self service and I was thrilled by how many guests had fun with this.
Krusty Burgers also known as Steamed Hams
‘Eat My Shorts’ Ham Salad Sandwiches
Tower of MMMM Donuts
Nachos Flanders Style: This is a newfound favorite recipe from Mountain Mama Cooks for a simple, healthy cottage cheese dip. Just cottage cheese, prepared horseradish, lemon zest and dill. Served here plain-Jane Flanders style on cucumbers.
Food Labels: I’m definitely using this easy, attractive approach to labeling the finger food feast. It’s super simple to cut corks and slide in labels however fancy you choose to make them. Thanks to PopSugar for the idea.
Flaming Moes: This one I’m not too sad just didn’t work out. The iFarmer really wanted to offer Flaming Moes from the bar. But no dice. Also, even if the flame did more than flash, the drink is just gross. Seriously. Gross.
On the Way Out: For a party favor, I wanted to share the aromas of the season. So guests were given a mulling spice bag and a mini cookie cutter. I love mulling spices in water simmering on the stove or better yet in a batch of hot cider or mulled wine.
Virtual Farmgirl 