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Dukes and Duchesses

Dallas Fort Worth Creative Lifestyle Blogger

Christmas in the kitchen parties/entertaining · Written by Randi Dukes

A Christmas Party {and a Mulled Wine Recipe}

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 This weekend we hosted an open house with friends and family.  I treasured seeing the faces of loved ones and I was so thankful that we had the opportunity to gather around and enjoy each other.  And I served a mulled wine recipe that was a big hit and a new favorite for us!

mulled wine recipe

 I stuck with my mantra that entertaining doesn’t have to be elaborate and kept it simple.  Simple food, simple decor.  I used paper plates bought in Canton …

a simple Christmas party

… and hung my glittery garland.

a simple Christmas party

I laid my ribbon-edged burlap runner over a striped tablecloth …

a simple Christmas party

… and served a simple spread of sweet and savory snacks.

A few of the snacks had a Christmas touch, including an olive wreath {embellished with cranberries} …

a simple Christmas party

… and a cheese dip {inspiration and recipe found here}.

a simple Christmas party

I served cold cranberry punch and hot mulled wine cider.

a simple Christmas party

The mulled cider was delicious and I’ve decided no future Christmas parties will be held without it {wink}.

a simple Christmas party

 Mulled Wine

6 cups apple cider

4 cups dry red wine

1 cup pure maple syrup

2 teaspoons whole black peppercorns

1 sliced orange

1 sliced apple

Place all ingredients in a slow cooker.  Heat on High until hot.  Serve with a ladle and enjoy!

Are you doing any holiday entertaining?

More posts like this

For more delicious hot drinks {that can be spiked as desired}, be sure to check out this cranberry cider recipe …

hot cranberry cider recipe

… a fun idea for an adults-only hot cocoa bar {perfect for a winter evening with friends} …

adults only hot cocoa bar

… and hot citrus cider, a fun twist on regular hot apple cider!

hot citrus cider recipe


5 Comments

About Randi Dukes

I’m Randi, a Dallas-based mom of five kids, ranging from third grade to college and including a set of twins. I love strong coffee, craft and DIY projects, my planner, and my big ol’ family. When I’m not creating something for my blog, I can be found in the car, running kids from one place to another. I’m the one knitting at the red light. Connect with me on google+ | twitter | facebook

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Comments

  1. Alexis says

    December 17, 2012 at 3:05 pm

    How fun…love that olive wreath!

    Reply
  2. Tonia L says

    December 17, 2012 at 7:22 pm

    Looks like you had some great party food and I love your mantra! We had a Christmas party yesterday for a little over 40 people. It was crazy but very fun!!

    Reply
  3. Rachel O. says

    December 17, 2012 at 8:39 pm

    Looks like your party was tons of fun! I’m going to have to save that cheese spread recipe – it looks delicious! And thank you for your kind words about Connecticut. I think a lot of us need soothing words as we reach out to help those affected.

    Reply
  4. Melissa K. says

    December 18, 2012 at 2:08 am

    Thank you for the escapism. Looks like a nice, simple party. 🙂

    Reply
  5. ~Lindsey says

    December 18, 2012 at 7:59 pm

    Cute party, love your table runner. I’m your newest follower:)

    Reply

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Welcome to Dukes & Duchesses!

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I’m Randi, a mom of five living in Dallas. I love strong coffee, long lists, bright colors, thrift stores, repurposed junk, and power tools.

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