Annual Christmas Party

It is already time for my annual Christmas Party.

I have been throwing these parties since 2003 (before I even had a digital camera)

Every guest buys a unisex present (the price varies. It began at R10) This year the gift had to be a R30 food/drink related gift.

We then play a present swapping game where you get to steal a present from a person should you so wish!

In all the years, we have never had 2 gifts the same - I love the originality that crops up every year.

The very first year, I cooked for everybody, but since moving into smaller places over the years, we began meeting at a restaurant. I usually bring my own Christmas decorations and take over.

I usually go very traditional but this year I decided on a more contemporary theme and veered away from the Father Christmas related decor.

Our venue this year was the Protea Hotel Fire & Ice in Melrose Arch. The dress code was a Fire & Ice theme for obvious reasons. Black/Red for Fire - Blue/White for Ice.

I wore my grey top with black leggings and my awesome red Iron Fist shoes.

Tee looked gorgeous in her red dress and I curled her hair (she woke up the next day and her curls were STILL in place)

Non traditional name tags

The restaurant has amazing thrones chairs and I had to take the opportunity to mess around for a photo wearing the Xmas tree and a scarf (and I only had 2 glasses of wine!)

The food was impeccable and I wish I had space for their famous milkshakes, but I was too full!

On a side-note: If you are invited to a party here are a few rules (they sound like common sense, but 2 invited guests proved that they may be adults, but that does not mean that intelligent people have any party etiquette)

1. Read the invitation you are sent - it has some very handy information on it.
2. Arrive on time
3. If you are running late, inform the host/hostess. It is not right that the hostess has to keep following up with you. Your tardiness is indirectly rude to the guests who arrived on time and are now waiting to order their meal.
4. If you are requested to bring a gift, ensure it is wrapped (unless specifically stated) Wrapping it in a table napkin may get you some laughs on the outside, but in reality it shows bad planning and no class. There is a clever invention called a Gift-Bag. Pop your present in and Ta-Da. Takes 3 seconds.
5. If you RSVP yes to a party - it is very rude to arrive, eat and leave immediately afterwards. In future (for 1 of my parties) don't bother coming.