A Perfectly Nostalgic Festive Season Soirée - Charming Gingerbread Houses & Decadent Hot Cocoa
‘Tis the season of hosting and merriment and sweet sugar plum memories. We are in a mad little pocket of time where the need for cozy hibernation is mixed with the whirlwind of socializing and fancy affairs. It is a time for curling up with a cup of hot chocolate by a twinkling tree, a time for sipping champagne in your holiday finest and a time for sharing traditions and joy and endless laughter. It is truly a wild and wondrous season.
There has been lot of personal reflection over the years as to what Christmas means to me and how I hope to see it take shape each and every year. At the root of all my Christmasy dreams there is the sense of wonder, a desire to experience festive season through the heart of a child, and this sensation has been the unwavering heartstring for all of my hosting and solo merrymaking. That simple hope of seeing Santa’s sleigh in the sky on Christmas Eve, the magical glow of the lights on a just decorated tree, the rich and nourishing Christmas dinner that has been exactly the same for as long as I can remember. This is what I aspire to capture and illuminate each year - The simple joys, the easy laughter and the promise of togetherness.
I have always endeavored to keep the childlike magic of the season alive for there is no better way for Christmas to exist.
As I set out to design my Christmas soirée this year, I knew I wanted create a bit of girlish magic for myself and for my loved ones. When I closed my eyes and pictured a celebration scene, there was no doubt that it was full of bright colors and whimsy and nostalgia. There would be my traditional retro themed tree with tinsel and colored lights and swags of vintage cat cutouts and popcorn strands and garlands with sparkles and bells and cups of steaming hot cocoa and of course, gingerbread houses. Little homemade cookie cottages ready for a grown up version of a gingerbread house decorating party with frivolity and champagne and a wonderfully sticky mess.
As we get older and the pressures of the season overwhelms, it is easy to lose sight of the wonder and merriment that this time of year can hold. To sit down with friends, Charlie Brown Christmas record playing in the background and little candies spread all around, it is impossible to not get lost in the colorful magic that is in front of you. A night of endless joy constructed out of sugar and flour… proof that it really is the little things that make up the magic of the season.
Once our little houses were properly coated in royal icing and candies and the champagne was finished, the night eventually transitioned to my cozy living room where we gathered around a hot cocoa platter of treats and accoutrements for our Le Chocolat Chaud nightcaps. Served in artisan mugs by friend and collaborator, Connor McGinn, decadent hot chocolate was topped with clouds of whipped cream and peppermint candies and freshly torched marshmallows… and with that, the night was complete. It was a holiday evening straight out of my merriest imagination and one that I will forever hold close to my heart! Xx
Le Chocolat Chaud featured in this jolly holiday scene comes from my sweet little business endeavor - Odella Bakes. And the stunning artisan mugs are by my dear friend, Connor McGinn. With the spirit of the holidays in full swing, now is the perfect time to create a new tradition with friends and family or to curl up with a cup of velvety love after the madness of the holidays have come to a close. Treat the hostess, share with friends, build a petite family tradition or enjoy a little aprés ski goodie in the new year. Mugs and hot cocoa, the gift that you will always want more of! x
Homemade gluten free gingerbread houses
Assorted sprinkles and candies for decorating
Le Chocolat Chaud - Parisian style hot chocolate by Odella Bakes
Artisan mugs by Connor McGinn
Homemade whipped cream
Assorted macarons
Handmade candy canes and candy pillows from Logan’s Candies
Gourmet marshmallows
Homemade Chex party mix
Camille’s Famous Gluten Free Chex Party Mix
1 box rice Chex
1 box corn Chex
2 cups cashews
1 14oz bag gluten free pretzels
12 tablespoons unsalted butter
3/4 cups Worcestershire sauce
3 tablespoons garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powered
3 teaspoons Espelette pepper powder
Pre heat oven to 220°F
Add all dry ingredients to a large roasting pan
Melt butter and add in Worcestershire sauce
Pour butter/Worcestershire sauce over the dry ingredients in the roasting pan and mix well with a spatula
In a small bowl combine all spices and sprinkle one tablespoon at a time over Chex mix mixing well between additions
Roast for about 2 hours mixing the Chex mix every 20 minutes until toasty and a deep golden brown.
