Visions of peppermints dance in my head....

I love Christmas. For lots of reasons.

One of them is the fact that people get together and have fun parties during this time of year. The holidays are also full of lots and lots of delicious foods and treats. I have decided to capitalize on that, so I've asked all of my friends to bake me something. Just for me.

I'm kidding.

Instead, I'm having a Holiday Treats Exchange on Sunday. You've heard of a cookie exchange, same idea, just not limited to cookies. I like to keep my options open like that.

And I've decided that my 'theme' is peppermints and candy canes, with punches of the color green.



This is my cute invitation. Michelle at work helped me. She's fab.

I'll be serving on cute things like this...



(both Pier 1)


There will be plenty of candy canes on hand...




These are the types of desserts that got me inspired over the past few weeks. Every time I saw something I liked, I saved it to a file. It seems peppermints are everywhere this time of year!!



Chocolate Peppermint Cookies (via Martha Stewart)


Chocolate Cupcakes with Peppermint Frosting (found here- myrecipes.com)


Candy Cane Cake (view at myrecipes.com)


Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies (recipe here @ bonappetit.com)



(bakerella.com)
If anyone shows up with cupcakes that beautiful, they will be asked to leave. No perfection allowed! :) I mostly just want everyone to bring something that's easy and delicious.



I'm impressed by these Peppermint Topped Brownies (myrecipes.com)


While cute, I wouldn't take the time the decorate them! (bhg.com)


Peppermint Cream Bites (bhg.com) sure do look delicious!



Adorable hand-made trees. Idea from bhg.com



These Mini-Snowball Cakes from Better Homes & Gardens sure are festive.




Speaking of cupcakes, I hope there are some at the party...


Tree from wilton.com

Kristen said she might bring crackle cookies...

Mmm I'm already craving them!



I think I'll serve some hot cocoa on Sunday.



I'll also get into the theme by wearing this:

Umm, yeah, right! Hah!
I love themes, but not THAT much!


I'm still debating on the desserts that I'll be making, but this is what I'm almost certain I'll do:


Cocoa Tassies with Peppermint Frosting (BHG.com)

AND


Peppermint Bonbon Cookies (myrecipes.com)

I think I might also make TRUFFLES again and add crumbles of peppermint on top. They sure are easy and yummy!!

And no sweets party would be complete without some...


Ice cold milk. I plan to have it on hand.

Can't wait for Sunday! I'll be sure to post lots of pictures after of all the food, the girls, and the decor. Yay!