One of my best friends and sorority sister, Audree Lopez, writes the fashion blog Simply Audree Kate. She’s got sassy style (check out her Instagram) and is a killer bargain shopper. We teamed up to put on an Ugly Sweater party with my roommates and invited our closest friends to kick off the holiday season.

Appetizers, desserts and cocktails were essential to set this gathering apart from the typical college parties. You can find the recipes and inspiration on our Pinterest board. These Spinach Puff Pastry Bites were fluffy, flaky, creamy and cheesy. Mmmm.

For a little more substance, we rolled up these wraps with cream cheese, dried cranberries, turkey/ham, spinach and feta. Cut into finger food size, they were easy to snack on throughout the night and can be made ahead of time.

We chose two main cocktails to serve: Spiked Apple Cider and White Christmas Sangria. the Spiked Apple Cider was so easy and made the house smell so fragrant! Simply simmer store-bought apple cider with a sliced apple, orange and 3 cinnamon sticks. Then add in two cups of rum and ladle into glasses.

The White Christmas Sangria went fast. Combine two bottles of Pinot Grigio, two diced apples, a cup of fresh cranberries, two sprigs of rosemary and a 1/2 cup sugar into a pitcher or bowl and let sit for 24 hours. Then add two cups of sparkling water and serve!

Homemade Peppermint Bark was my favorite item. It was so easy to whip up and can be stored to nibble on until Christmas. Puppy Chow, Snickerdoodles and Mexican Hot Chocolate cookies completed the dessert section.

For decorations, we hung gold spray painted pinecones and glittered ornaments from the ceiling with fishing wire to make the kitchen feel more festive. A roll of wrapping paper, a Christmas banner and props made an ordinary wall turn into a photo booth…definitely the highlight of the party. Don’t forget lights and a Christmas tree!

We had such a fun time and are so blessed with amazing friends! Grab your Ugly Sweater (or vest), invite a few friends over and kick off Christmastime. Learn how to DIY your own Ugly Sweater on Simply Audree Kate today. Happy Holidays!

Love food. Love self. Love life.
Gabriela