“A kiki is a party
For calming all your nerves
We’re spilling tea and dishing just desserts one may deserve
And though the sun is rising
Few may choose to leave
So shade that lid
And we’ll all bid
Adieu to your ennui”
– The Scissor Sisters “Let’s Have A Kiki”
It’s my thirty-fifth holiday season as a caterer.
WOW MOM!
I thought I’d drop a little advice on you, for making the most as a host in the upcoming months. Let’s turn every party into a “KiKi!”
I love Christmas, mostly because glitter, but everything else, too.
Our holidays over here on McCollum street are homegrown, and we sure have fun.
We have a Christmas Eve feast with our extended tribe and then go caroling in the streets of Echo Park.
We are phenomenal. We don’t look like this.
I mean, seriously.
That is an actual snap of carolers for hire in Los Angeles. They were singing at one of my parties. Have you ever seen me sing?
I’m on the right…in the middle row…honestly…
It’s frightening.
Tip #1: Somebody, quick, pass me a cranberry cocktail!
In order to make a fancy large ice cube, you gotta freeze the bottom layer first, to secure the fruit or whatevs at the top of the cube and allow two days for the entire process, and a proper freeze.
Do you see the secure cranberries?
Tip #2: Another way to entertain with food that people love… SOUPS!
You can make a pot of soup with some crusty bread, and then curate a potluck around it.
Always, always tell your friends what to bring exactly.
It’s not being bossy, it’s being smart, with attention on delicious.
This is my sunshine ginger soup from my cookbook, with a chubby crouton.
Tip #3: Here’s a good one – Twelve Days of Appetizers!
Get all your buddies to bring an appetizer, invite twelve people, set out the bar and pre-heat the oven.
Easy, peasy, lemon squeezy!
Or call us, we love appetizers…
Cranberry Wonton, Mac & Cheese Bites, Pigs, Empanadas!!
I’m not a fan of “Just Dessert” parties, because I eat myself into a coma. But I would love to give a shout out to my favorite autumnal delight.
Tip #4: Try Caramel apples.
I did these with the little local apples, so cute.
Tip #4(A): I also like chocolate covered strawberries! Easy to procure and they don’t melt in the winter!
Tip #5: Don’t underestimate an old fashioned cookie exchange… Martha can help with that.
Tip #6: For heaven’s sake, pull out all the sparkle! It’s the most
wonderful time of the year!
Here’s a snap from our party – I couldn’t do it without the help of all the kids, their mates and the hubs.
Our house is small but mighty when it comes to entertaining eighty people, we make it work! So sing a little song, drink a little drink and eat well this holiday season!
