How to host a Christmas party alone

This is the first Christmas in our new place and I had to host my first Xmas party at home even if it meant that I had to cook EVERYTHING myself! You see, the hubs was traveling. Again. The plan was for him to be around to help with the kids and the dishes, but surprise! His trip had to coincide with my party. Nothing new.

This round was with a bunch of girls whom I've known for eons. They haven't seem to change a bit since our Primary school days. Was extremely happy that two friends are pregnant and since one was craving for home cooked food, I couldn't disappoint. 

I was a little apprehensive honestly as it was a luncheon. I officially got out of bed at 10am and lunch was due to start at 1230! Horrors! Thanks to great planning and corporative kids, I managed to pull through. Here's what I managed to whip up!

Cabonara made from scratch

Enoki mushroom wrapped bacon

The crowd's favourite: Honey Garlic Salmon

Steamed seafood cake

Another crowd pleaser: Salted egg prawns

I needed veg but I really didn't have time for any elaborate stuff hence broiled broccoli with mayonnaise. My kids' fav!

Ok, I wouldn't take credit for this. Beef ribs from Cedele, bought by one of my gfs.

Another crowd favourite! Baked black pepper wings

A lovely gf got her little one to present me with this bouquet of flowers. Such a surprise! I haven't received flowers in a long long time. The hubs isn't quite a romantic person. Honestly, I think flowers are pretty expensive too. However, it is still nice to receive once in a while *hint

I wanted to catch up with the bunch but was a little worried that the kids wouldn't allow me to and with the hubs not at home, it was going to be tough. Hence, I prepared an #invitationtoplay! Decorating cardboard gingerbread house! The kids had loads of fun and I was able to catch up with the girls in peace!

Cheers to many more years of friendship!

Xmas DIY:: Do you wana build a snowman?

I know that Christmas is over but I have been mad tired and busy that I haven't had the time to pen stuff down. This is so not good! This Christmas has been the most fulfilling one in terms of family bonding as well as home learning and crafting.

I didn't want a Christmas tree this year after throwing away my tree of over 20 years. It was turning yellow and shedding and hence was high time I dumped it. Yes, I am a sentimental person though i didn't even like the person who gave it to me! haha.

We have shifted to our new place for approximately 6 months now and it was great decluttering. I was determined not to get a tree and hoard again. Sooo, lo and behold, i built a snowman!

Do you wana build a snowman?

I saw this over the Internet and was determined to get it done. So many trips to DAISO was made as i couldn't anticipate the number of cups needed. I must have used over 200 cups! To add to the hassle, not all Daiso sells the same things hence to hunt down the size of cup i needed was a bit of trouble. 

This is essentially a very easy task. Just staple one cup to the next. It will naturally form a circular shape. Only the head will be a full sphere whilst the rest are slightly bigger than a hemisphere so as to hold each layer up. The project took me only a few days and Big K helped in stapling. Great motor skill practice. Both kiddos helped in dressing up the snowman whom they now named as 'Rusty'. 

But merely having a snowman didnt seem enough hence i made some subtle decorations to the home. Am so loving this minimalistic look!

Here's sharing how we decorated our place: 

Here's wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year!