I grew up seeing my parents throw terrific parties, where there was a ton of great food, great conversation, and laughter. I am so happy that I was able to replicate that, in a small way, at Mom's 80th birthday party last night.
Most folks didn't even drink anything alcoholic, except perhaps a beer or a glass of wine. A lot of folks chose the punch option, because it's so tasty. At Mom's church in Augusta, St. Augustine's, they served a white grape juice + gingerale punch, and it's sooooo yummy. That's what I drank all night but I admit I did add a little champagne eventually. Not enough to get even remotely tipsy though.
It was also fun because I had so many family members and dear friends there. Usually, one has to attend a wedding or a funeral to see members from both sides of the family, but not so last night. I had 3 Hasty cousins [Norm, Frank, and Linda] and 2 Thompson cousins [Lesleigh and Tony].
Leslie helped me with last minute cleanup yesterday, so I could concentrate on the food. I am proud to say there were enough varying choices that a vegetarian could've eaten very well.
Lola, of course, was endlessly fascinated. I put the apples and veggies on the table ends, because I figured they wouldn't tempt her too much. The Tex Mex dip and Honeybaked Ham were well protected. Ditto for the cheeses.
My friend Kristy and her children came early, and visited. Kristy asked me as soon as she got there if she could help, and I handed her Lola's leash. That's a true friend! Eventually she was able to get some food though.
My favorite food on the table, I must admit, was a cheese mixture with cream cheese, herbs, butter and mayonnaise. I called it "Boursin" although it was my version of that. It was still really yummy.
My dear friend Kate and her hubby and son drove from Acworth. I cannot believe how big Tommy is now. When I met Kate he was about 3, and just SO cute. Now he is a huge 14 year old! He played ping pong out in the garage with Mike and Bart for a long time.
This is my cousin Norm Hasty and his wife Caroline, and my cousin Linda Hasty and her hubby, Bry - Linda brought the most delicious brownies - we laugh because we are unabashed chocoholics, both of us... Linda and Bry drove from Acworth too, bless them..
Bry was sweet and brought his ukelele and played it for us. He is SO talented, as is Linda. They have their own Parrot Island Band.
My friend Paul came and brought us a dozen fresh eggs from his chickens. I LOVE fresh eggs! Awesome gift. He and Les had a good visit.
Unfortunately didn't get a photo of my cousin Tony Thompson, I regret to say. He drove down all the way from Kentucky. I also failed to get any photos of the Redwine family, the Doolittles, or Kristy's hubby, but so be it. When I am having fun and forget to make pictures, that's a good thing...
Below is my fave photo, Mom and me and Linda [Mom's niece] and Frank Hasty [his dad and Miss Elva are first cousins, more like siblings]
Everyone was gone by about 9:45, and I was in bed with my feet propped up just after 10. Mike went over to a friend's house to watch fireworks but he was home before midnight, and we watched the ball drop on TV.
He told me that he ate the biggest portion of the apples and dip. He also informed me that the leftover Tex Mex dip will not be around a long time. Several people asked me for the apple dip recipe, so here it is:
Apple Dip
8 oz. Cream cheese
¾ cup light brown sugar
pineapple juice
½ pkg. Bits o’brickle toffee pieces
3-4 Granny Smith apples
Take out the cream cheese to soften. Wash and slice apples thinly without peeling. Set slices in pineapple juice and refrigerate. Mix together all other ingredients and put in a bowl. Just before the party, arrange the slices around the bowl of dip.
HAPPY NEW YEAR'S!!
Don't forget to eat plenty of greens for money and blackeyed peas for luck in the new year!
