Monday, December 20, 2010

Day 113: The Holiday Party

Photo of the Day: A Classy Christmas Feast


Today was the New York office's holiday party, which was held at an elegant apartment at The Belnord on the Upper West Side. The sophisticated festivities were organized by Jacob, our rockstar Special Assistant to the President. He managed to secure the gorgeous venue from a few of his designer friends, who let us use their apartment while they were out of town on vacation, and he singlehandedly whipped up the tantalizing gourmet spread of homemade finger foods. Our dinner was composed entirely of a buffet of hors d'oeuvres, including asparagus quiche, bruschetta, roasted figs with blue cheese, walnut-stuffed dates, spinach and artichoke dip, roasted peppers with arugula and cheese, three types of hummus, chocolate-dipped apricots, coconut macaroons, and milk and mint white chocolate fudge. Every platter was filled with inventive and delicious creations, and despite the small serving sizes, I unabashedly stuffed myself silly.

After dinner, we played a few party games, including the ever-popular White Elephant. Not a lot of stealing went down, but there were a few amusing and useful gifts. I walked away with a bendable figurine that doubles as an office accessory to hold or organize your stuff. We also made some predictions for 2011, which we sealed in a "time capsule" to be read at next year's holiday party. It was a pleasant time, which only got better during the after-party. As some of the more senior staff members went home and the crowd dwindled to a more intimate size, the conversation turned to more relevant and juicy subjects, and I wound up staying until well past 10 p.m. That was unfortunate, because I have to catch a 7 a.m. flight out of Newark Liberty International Airport back to Texas tomorrow morning. I can't believe that the holiday break is already here; I feel I haven't even begun to scratch the surface of experiencing Christmas in New York, and my opportunity has now passed. Make no mistake: there's nowhere I'd rather spend the holidays than at home with my family, but I will miss the magical atmosphere that New York takes on for the season since it will be gone by the time I return.

On a that note, I will once again go on a hiatus during the duration of my holiday in Houston. I will be back in New York City on January 3 and will resume posting then. I wish my readers a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! I'll see you in 2011!

Endives with spread at the end of a splendid buffet of hors d'oeuvres.
Roasted peppers stuffed with arugula and cheese.
Bruschetta.
Apricots dipped in chocolate and pistachios.
Homemade wraps with salsa.
Mini asparagus quiches.
Figs and blue cheese.
Dates stuffed with walnuts and cheese.
Mint white chocolate and milk chocolate fudge.
Jacob gives guests a rundown of his amazing spread.
The beverage bar set up in the kitchen.
Diana kicks off the party by reading a tribute to Jacob, who recently announced his impending resignation.
Our president, his wife, and their two adorable kids steal the show.
Allie and Francesca laugh at the kids' antics.
Skip and Jacob enjoy some light conversation before the games begin.
Gathering in the living room.
Lindsay explains the games to party attendees.
Presents gathered in the center for the room for White Elephant.
The children score first on the drawing and get first dibs on the gifts.
Skip selects my gift of a cheese grater, Slap Chop cutting board, and bubbles.
Lindsay opens a gift wrapped up in a turnip tie.
Jacob opens a very special gift handmade by Aaron himself.
Simone is delighted with her gag gift notepad and photo snow globe.
Dupe gets a tub of specialty shower gel.
Francesca laughs at her clever gift: a one-can refrigerator powered through your computer's USB port.
Allie gets started building a monthly calendar out of Lego blocks.
End table decorations.
One of the many nativity scenes with a unique ethnic twist.
Another dainty tableside Nativity display.
Aaron's rendition of a Taproot in Lego.
The courtyard of The Belnord apartment complex.

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