thursday's ten: our open house

i'm being totally lazy today.

here's 10 things we served at our open house on saturday

:-)

we have several gluten-free friends, a couple of vegan buddies, and at least one person who is both gluten free and dairy free.  since i wanted to have several options for each person attending, i had quite the challenge when it came to the menu.  but i finally found a good balance, i think.  not everything fit special dietary needs, but everyone had a few choices!

1. a veggie tray (in the shape of a Christmas tree.  kind of)

*both gf and vegan.  obviously.

2. deviled eggs
*gf and dairy free

3. my guacamole, salsa (herdez), and mexican spinach dip (his aunt's recipe)
*the guacamole and salsa were gf and vegan
the spinach dip is gf

4. fresh fruit (pineapple that i for real chopped up, blueberries, clementines and strawberries)
*gf and vegan
5. swedish meatballs (gluten free recipe found here)
*gf
6. pinwheels

7. stuffed mushrooms
*gf
8. mexican hot chocolate cookies (recipe soon)
*vegan
9. (vegan) ginger cookies (recipe soon)
*vegan

10. peppermint joe-joe truffles (omgosh, SO good.  will post recipe soon)


add to this holiday punch, hot chocolate and coffee and we were good to go for several hours :-)


and between antiques from my grandmother and new wedding gifts along with a few other pieces i've collected over the years, we had the perfect serving piece for each dish.


the table decoration was a simple runner from ikea with turqoise felt tree ornaments from target interspersed and taper candles throughout.  i didn't want it to be overwhelming amidst the food, but i wanted it to look *pretty*


unfortunately, i didn't get any pictures once the party started of our guest, or of the dessert bar or beverage station.  oh well.  there will be a next time.


we LOVE sharing and opening up our home to people, so there will be MANY next times :-)


have you had a party this season?  are you planning one?  what's your menu look like?