Saturday, January 1, 2011

Happy New Year [Party that is]

Alright, as per request of my dear friend Sarah, here's pictures of my New Year celebrations. Last night Jon and I hosted a New Year's Eve party. Our first real one really. I spent two days cleaning and reorganizing the house and Jon ran all over Tulsa getting the proper food and party stuff and wines. I was nervous and stressed as I wanted the food to be great and for people to have a great time, but, it didn't take long to forgot about that as people poured on in.
Technically the first course was baked brie, but, that was annihilated fast and I didn't whip out the camera fast enough. At least the fondue course lasted a bit so I was able to sneak in shots between eating, drinking, hosting and managing dogs.

This distraction only lasted a few minutes I'm afraid.

Semi-food/cheese induced comas didn't stop anyone from eating.

The raclette grill in action during course three. Jon's gift to me for Christmas. This was the first time I've ever used one, and let me tell you it will be used again and again. The handles below are to 'shovels' that hold cheese under the heating coils. Obviously, the coils heat the stone on top and you can cook whatever you want on that. Once the cheese obtains the desired gooeyness you pour it over cooked veggies, meat, charcuterie, potatoes, bread, etc. It is simple and sinful and delicious. How this hasn't caught on in America bewilders me.

A great, albeit dark, picture of how the evening went. People were just happy. We ate, drank, talked, laughed, for hours. No one was in a rush we just enjoyed one another's company and the food.

Of course we had dessert and that was a complete success as well. Yum, yum, and yum. We broke out the champagne soon after this as it was getting close to midnight.
Leo hanging out watching us countdown the last seconds of 2010.

Happy New Year indeed!! The party lasted past two (am) when we all simply couldn't take it anymore. We had been pushed to our limits! But, in such a good way! This is probably going to go down as one the best New Year's Eve parties I've ever attended. Okay, yes, I did help to host it. That said, it was just a wonderful evening filled with loads of good food, drink, and even better great friends who made every bit of sweat and worry poured into this night worth it.



10 comments:

The Pliers said...

Habebi,

How lovely of you to share your, obviously, warm, convivial, delicious, and well-attended New Year's party with your friends and well-wishers! I'm delighted to have been able to attend, even late and vicariously!

And, "Way to go, John!" on the raclette creation tool!

Habebi said...

Pliers- Thank you! When I have those good moments that are filled with the wonderful things that you mentioned, I can't help it! Glad you enjoyed your time.

Sarah said...

Yay for awesomeness! It looks like a fantastic party! Incredibly intrigued by the raclette. Happy New Year!

Habebi said...

Sarah- Thank you! The raclette is intriguing, I actually had to look at the grill to finall figure out how everything goes down. I should bring it over sometime that way you can get the full experience!

Sara Louise said...

AWESOME NYE party!! I'm so happy you had the raclette! xo

Anonymous said...

Looks like a great party. I have one of those raclette/stone machines too. But of course, raclette is super popular here. Keep on trying to start fun trends over there.
Just wanted to drop by and wish you a wonderful 2011. May you have health and happiness all through the year.
Bonne Année et meilleurs voeux.

Habebi said...

Sara Louise- Thank you!! I'm so glad I was inspired by you to mention it enough for Jon to get it. That awesome party wouldn't have happened without you!

I hope you and your husband had a fantastic, smashing NYE party, or at least small celebration!! Can't wait to hear from you again. Bisous!

Habebi said...

Dedene- I will do what I can to spread the word of the great raclette. ;-)

Thank you for the wishes! I send the same for your 2011!! Bonne annee et meilleurs voeux a toi!!

Caitie said...

Any party that involves a chocolate fondue is guaranteed to be a success. Well done you!

Jessica said...

I know I'm chiming in late - forgive me - but I love it that you had a raclette and fondue party... you're so Swiss Miss. I love it! ;)