The Christmas Exchange

Dress: TJ Maxx; Shoes: Steve Madden from 6pm

Last night we celebrated (and hosted) our second annual Christmas exchange with our close friends. Ben and I made a delicious slow-cooker pot roast, yams with butter and brown sugar, and a grape, walnut and feta salad, and served a champagne punch. Everything turned out surprisingly delicious and was ready on time, which was much more than I was expecting. The attire for the event was holiday cocktail and I took a quick trip to TJ Maxx before dinner after realizing I didn't have anything that fit the bill. This gold and black lace dress was perfect (and cheap!).

I love hosting at our apartment - the set up, cleaning, food prep, and welcoming everyone in, feels so fulfilling. And at the end of the night, when we're putting away left-overs and getting ready for the next day's hangover, it's nice to feel successful in entertaining. I'm enjoying leftovers and a headache today and the presents I received in the exchange (nail polishes, a bud vase, embellished bobby pins and a cute mini chalkboard, and a ceramic elephant creamer container). Hope you've all enjoyed a nice weekend as well!