Yokofest '12

The house is quiet so I thought I would do a little post of our annual Christmas party. 

It was a few weeks ago and it went really well. 

Way back when,  I remember watching an episode of the Wonder Years and it was about the neighbors who threw a Christmas party every year. 

I remembered thinking, "when I grow up, I want to be those neighbors". 

When we bought our current house, we kicked off our annual shindig tradition ("Yokofest" as it is known in the hipster circles of Browns Point).

This year it was legan (wait for it) dary.

We had over 50 folks so up and the house was FULL and buzzing with that good party vibe.  We have a pretty eclectic group of friends but it is usually the same crowd year after year. So despite the fact folks are from all over W. WA, they have gotten to know each other making mingling much easier. 

 

After 8 parties, I think my sister-in-law and I have found the secret.  We kept the food simple.  In years past we have found ourselves slaving away in the kitchen and not with our guests.  What's the point of having a party if you don't get to enjoy yourself??  This year, the goal was to have all the food done and out by 7:30-7:45.  The party starts at 7 but we know folks like to be fashionably late so this worked out perfectly. 

We pride ourselves on a good spread.  Good food and lots of it. We try and offer lots of options (nothing worse than going to a party and you don't like or can't eat any of the food)  It is a lot of work, but the end result is worth it. 

At the end of the night, the best part is always the people.  We are so blessed to have so many dear friends who make the pilgrimage every year to kick off the holidays in our home and I wouldn't have it any other way.