Christmas Survey :)

 I do like a good survey every now and then...so, here goes! :)

25 Questions: Holiday Style

• Eggnog or hot chocolate?

Hot chocolate for sure...no eggnog for this girl.

• Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree?

No wrapping, come on! He sets them up just like they came out of the little elves workshop :)

• Colored lights on tree/house or white?

I'm an all white girl!

• Do you hang mistletoe?

Nope. I guess we never have...but we should!

• When do you hang your decorations up?

Usually right after Thanksgiving. They don't start selling real trees until black Friday around here.

• What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)?

Since I've been in Austin's family...crab dip casserole on Christmas eve! mmmmm!

• Favorite holiday memory as a child?

Always begging my parents to please let me open just one gift on Christmas Eve. They always gave in. ;)

• What is on your Christmas wish list?

Nothing too exciting, clothes, boots, jewels, things for the house...

• Do you open gifts on Christmas or Christmas Eve?

Always on Christmas day, until this year! This year we get both...Christmas eve presents with my family and Christmas day presents with Austin's family. I am feeling very fortunate at how it all worked out this year. Oh, and the fact that I don't have to spend Christmas in a hospital...that is exciting this year too!

• How do you decorate your Christmas tree?

This year we did white lights and lots of red/green/silver/gold balls tied in a trio of 3, then glittery and whimsical ornaments of the same colors. We throw a few of our childhood ornaments and sentimental ones in there too...and a really big bow to top!

• Snow? Love it or dread it?

Dread it, pretty much from the get-go. I guess living in Nebraska all those years really made me hate snow. I do get kind of excited for the hubs sake, because he absolutely adores it!

• Real tree or fake tree?

Real...Austin won this battle 3 years in a row, and I guess I'm kind of glad. :)

• Do you remember your favorite gift?

Ever? This is kind of a hard question...

• What’s the most important thing about Christmas for you?

Being with our families, of course. I can't wait to start our own little family and traditions. Exciting!!

• What is your favorite holiday dessert?

Man, I do love it all. I just love cakes, pretty much any cake. And cookies, good ol' chocolate chip. I am a huge fan of these new cake balls my sister-in-law introduced me too, and Oreo balls...

• What is your favorite tradition?

I guess we don't follow many traditions anymore...so I am exciting to start our own. It's hard because we are always switching  between families, plus for the past several years I've been working on Christmas. (gag)

• What tops your tree?

A big bow made by yours truly!

• Do you prefer giving or receiving?

Both :) Well, maybe giving. I definitely get more excitment out of watching people open the gifts we give them rather than opening my own. I get ridiculously excited to give Austin his gifts each year!! Maybe it's because I'm such an amazing gift giver and I can't wait to see his happy face?! haha, I kid, I kid.

• What is your favorite Christmas song?

Rudolph the red nosed reindeer!!

• Candy canes, yuck or yum?

I could live with or without them...

• Favorite Christmas movie?

Christmas Vacation...forever and always!

• What do you leave for Santa?

Nothing anymore...but soon we will be again!!

• Do you prefer to shop on-line or at the mall?

on-line! hello, cyder Monday. I'd say I do about 75% online and the other in the stores...

• Christmas letter or Christmas card?

We send Christmas cards but I love to read Christmas letters. I think one of the most fun things about December is receiving Christmas cards!

Christmas Party...part 2

A few more pictures from the Christmas party...

My awesome sis-in-law, Leila!

Blair and me

Leila and her boyfriend Jeremy

wow, so there is a bit of a different in the iPhone camera and the 5D...

Love this man right here!!!

When Austin first saw this picture he said "WHOA! I thought Frannie was only wearing a graduation cap and gown here. It took me a minute to realize that was a pillow." haha. I'm feelin' it.

Love this girl, little Fran + baby on the way!

A little beer pong in the garage...

Christmas Party 2011...the details!

Our 2011 Christmas Party was a huge success! This was actually our 5th time hosting a Christmas party, but the first time in our home and post college.  Austin and I were so worried about having 30 (or so) people in our house at the same time but it worked out great.  We set up the fire pit in the backyard so there was always a crowd out there. We cleared out a bit of furniture in the den and kitchen so we had lots of space between the two. Next year we are ready for more!! :)

Our house during the day...

Stars hanging under the porch...loved them! 

The buffet in our entryway. 

I made these candles...so easy...white candles + glitter ribbon + elmer's glue! 

A special decoration given to me from my mama. They were her little Santa's when she was a little girl. :)

I made this to hang from the ceiling fan - silver balls strung on 4 pieces of ribbon (4 different cascading sized balls) and hung all together with fishing wire. 

Our den 

I got our stockings this year at Ballard Designs LOVE them. 

He loves to hang ornaments...and pull them down.  

A few essentials...

One of my favorite decorations this year...this idea came straight from pinterest. (and yes, I unwrapped each peppermint.) 

The dining room table with most of the food...

Pretzel rods dipped in Chocolate and covered with m&ms, sprinkles and crushed Andes' peppermints. 

Loved the punch this year....pineapple and orange juice, ginger ale, champagne and vodka - delish! 

More people pictures coming soon....stay tuned! :) 

A special thanks to my mama for helping with all the beautiful decorations and Leila and Jeremy for helping us all day Saturday to create this delicious food! Christmas party 2011...check!