recipe for a sweet dessert party

Over Winter break, Dan and I came to the realization that the state in which we live is quickly changing. Namely, we will probably never live within a mile of 80% of our friends again in our lives. As we realized that, we knew we wanted to take full advantage of it – so Dan officially gave me permission to let my inner hostess’ hair down. Desperate times called for making cute center pieces, baking an array of yummies, and having a bunch of people over. I was down right giddy with the thought of it. Jumping to the end of the story, on Friday, we had about 20 people over for a dessert party filled with chocolate fountains, yummy punch and baked goods, and a cupcake decorating competition (that’s right – with door prizes).We had such a wonderful time that we’ve already decided to replicate the party after we’ve lived in Minnesota for a while – except, part of me feels like throwing the same party for two different groups of friends is like wearing the same outfit two days in a row, knowing you won’t run into any of the same people. But hey: I’ve done it.That being said, I wanted to document just what it was that went down at the dessert party to make it such a good time. You know, just in case I need to go back and look at my notes before I throw it again next year.Recipe for a Sweet Dessert Party1. design adorable invitations2. mix groups of friends that you know from different places and activities3. melt chocolate chips and set up a chocolate fountain for dipping4. thaw previously prepared and purchased sweets (creme puffs, peanut butter balls etc.) and arrange them on platters5. light approximately a dozen candles around the house6. simmer some music in the background7. bake 2 dozen cupcakes – chocolate and vanilla – for decorating8. blend 4 to 5 different colors of frosting for use in cupcake decorating9. arrange bowls of candies around the room10. pick the best decorated cupcake via voting by guests. This year’s 1st place winner:Jon’s “King of the Jungle” cupcake!11. squeeze 22 people into a 500 square foot space12. chill with some of the best friends a person could have!