beginning new traditions

The countdown is on to the BIG day! Only five shopping days left...are YOU ready? I have one more gift to buy and then am left with lots of wrapping to do.

Walt and I are beginning a new tradition this year by hosting a Christmas Eve Cocktail Party for family and friends. Hopefully it will be the first of many! I just love entertaining and it will be the first time most of our guests have seen our new home. We have our tree up and lookin' all fancy! Decorations are in place and now all that's left is preparing all the grub and cocktails. I've decided to make eggnog for the first time...well, the store-bought alcohol version anyway. Here is the recipe I am trying:

Store-bought Eggnog

2 (1-quart) containers store bought eggnog
2 cups dark rum
2 cups white chocolate liqueur
Pumpkin pie spice, garnish (I am going to substitute this for cinnamon since I already have that in my cabinet...)

I also tried a new recipe for Cheese Balls this past weekend that went over as a big success. It was very easy and took no time to prepare:

Mini Cheese Balls

Prep Time: 10 min
Total Time: 2 hr 10 min
Makes: 18 servings, 3 cheese balls each

1 tub (8 oz.) PHILADELPHIA Chive & Onion Cream Cheese Spread
1 pkg. (8 oz.) KRAFT Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
4 slices OSCAR MAYER Bacon, cooked, finely chopped
1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 cup toasted PLANTERS Walnuts, ground

MIX cream cheese spread and mozzarella cheese until well blended. Stir in chopped bacon and seasonings.

SHAPE mixture into 54 balls, 1 level tsp. each. Roll in walnuts. Cover with plastic wrap.

REFRIGERATE at least 2 hours.

We have also dared to host a New Years Eve Party as well...I know, I know. I told you we just LOVE to entertain! But this party should be a little easier on us because we are asking everyone to bring their beverage of choice OR an appetizer/dessert. This will help keep our out-of-pocket costs down a bit...at the same time making it much cheaper for everyone than heading out to the bar scene that night. Maybe this will be the start of another new tradition...

Happy Last Minute Shopping!