Look at this charcuterie and appetizers!

Last week, after my encounter with a pack of coyotes, I had to get dressed up for a Christmas party. If you missed the coyote post, it’s HERE.

I was kind of worn out, stressed, and not feeling up to it. But we were driving another couple from our neighborhood, so there was no backing out.

It was a Christmas/Holiday party for my charitable group that raises funds for a residential facility that helps rescued sex-trafficked women return to a “normal” life. I’ve written about The Dream Center HERE.

One of our members opened her home for the party. It was catered and I have to share the beautiful display of hors d’oeuvres and her Christmas decorations.

Dessert.

This is the other side of the island with more delicious food and gorgeous decorations.

I wish I would have taken photos of her backyard. You can see the photo above, how the glass doors disappear into the wall. The hostess and her husband are Italian and their backyard looks like a Roman style garden. It was a beautiful evening with friends.

The hostess had a surprise for us:

The party put me in the holiday spirit. I’m so looking forward to Christmas this year with my children and daughter-in-law.

When have you not wanted to go somewhere and it turned out to be better than expected?

What puts you in a Christmas/Holiday spirit?