I know. There are so many parties. Does it even make sense for you to throw your own? OF COURSE IT DOES! Do it. You know you want to. Especially when I say that you can still be in bed by 10PM watching Netflix! (This assumes you’re like me and want people out of your house by 9. Cool if you’re more of a partier than I am.)
Have an open house and call it NoggFest! People love this kind of thing. Friends can stop by this Saturday or Sunday afternoon, grab a snack and a cup of NOG and wish you the merry merry, happy happies that are so this season.
It’s all make ahead and easy. Make your own eggnog but stock up on extra boxed (we run out every time). Doctor the boxed with nutmeg and booze. Everybody loves Chex mix. Make a lot. Sausage stuffed mushrooms? Oh yeah. Lobster Chowder…I know it’s spendy but it’s the holidays and it’s a real treat. And it’s delicious (thank you Ina). The puff pastry can be assembled early and left in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it. Everything looks awesome in puff pastry (look at the pic). Kale salad. Well. Don’t you need something green other than your tree? And these cookies – they are the best ever. They smell like Christmas. Add a little ground clove and they are even better (yes, better than Martha’s original version). Throw it all on a table, mix up the nogg, throw open your doors and it’s HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
Tips and Notes
(P.S. this is also a great menu for 12/26, Boxing Day or maybe a New Year’s Day open house…)
You will not regret making your own eggnog…
Even better snack mix
Happiest mushrooms ever
Once again, Ina Garten kills it: Lobster Corn Chowder
This looks SO good: Puff Pastry Salami and Cheese
Come on, you know you feel like you need to make a salad
Add a half a teaspoon of ground clove to these and you will be so happy: Molasses Cookies
savegourmet.com 
This is just amazing! Love your ideas and how you write. I want to come to all your parties, dinners etc. carol