WHAT? YOU DIDN'T RECEIVE YOUR INVITATION?

Last night VPH and I hosted our first annual holiday cocktail party -- first annual because we enjoyed ourselves so much we have decided to make it a yearly happening.  I took a few minutes before our guests arrived to follow Chris's advice on how to take good photos in low light.  Tucking in my elbows and holding my breath definitely helped, but I still think I need a better camera to be able to take photos as incredible as hers.

The view from the front door last evening:

My favorites things about the above photo - the funky shade on the floor lamp on the right, the beautiful poinsettia, and the amaryllis trying valiantly to bloom in time for our company.  I must confess I photo-shopped out the names on the stockings (I'm really Heather, but VPH and the step-sons insist upon their privacy). 

Helpful hint for those of you with padded top ottomans - have a piece of plywood cut to 1/2 inch wider than the top of the ottoman.  Place it on top of the ottoman with a tablecloth over it and instant table.  Simply slide the plywood under the couch when not in use. 

Here's a similar shot using the flash:

The flash makes it look so flat and colorless.

The reverse of the door:

This is the first year that I've tried putting the cards up on the door.  I used 3-inch wide wired ribbon on the door and stapled all the cards to it.  I tacked the ribbon on the top and bottom of the door with thumbtacks.

Now, I'm a really tired puppy (the cold hit me hard on Tuesday - Thursday with a slight improvement on Friday in time for the party) and I'm going to spend the rest of the day relaxing on the couch.

Hope your holiday prep is going smoothly!

Comments

[Katie]

I love low light pictures - a tripod certainly helps things! Perhaps Santa will bring you one!

Glad your party went well. I'll look for my invite next year...

Katie atGardenPunks

[Mummer]

These pix make me feel so nostalgic! Looks like your amaryllis bloomed its heart out for your party after all - how neat!
Returned from the lush colors and textures of the Caribbean in very gradual stages this past week - Southwest Florida (and my beautiful bougainvillea)was warmly welcomimg, North central Florida more greenly cool, and NC downright COLD, GRAY,
and DRAB.
My house was chillier than the air outside, but when I opened the door to my Asian garden I was immediately calmed yet enchanted. The whole aspect of the area is
amazing serene. I'll do a post for you soon.
But, still, in some ways, I'll always miss New England.

[layanee]

Heather: That first picture is warm, inviting and enchanting! I can see why your party was a success. Glad you're feeling better. Have a lovely Christmas!

[Kim]

Merry Christmas, Heather! Sounds like your cocktail party was lovely--and I can see that the house was definitely warm and inviting. (I must say that I'm jealous of that beautiful, funky lampshade on your floor lamp, too!)

Hope you have a wonderful holiday...