Cocoa Party 2013

POSTED BY: Stefanie LaSalle

I've mentioned that one of the reasons I love Christmas is that the Christmas season is long and it gives us a chance to settle into it and really enjoy ourselves. Thanks to our generous family and friends, our December is jam-packed with fun holiday-themed parties and get-togethers,.

Every year my parents host a Cocoa Party, a holiday potluck with our family and friends. Everyone makes delicious food, and we drink and laugh and have a great time.

I usually bring a dip, but this year my mom requested a chicken dish, so I made a chicken, broccoli, Alfredo spaghetti bake. It looked a little boring so I tried to make it fancy and festive with some red pepper rings.

We also brought a veggie platter with Rob's favorite dip - french onion. 

He was really looking forward to the veggies and french onion dip.

My dad decided to make a little change to the Christmas tree topper in honor of the Red Sox's victory this year.

I have absolutely no pictures of the food, because it was delicious and we ate it. Jalapeno poppers, French Meat pie, smoked wings, meatballs and sausage, assorted pasta salads, crab rangoon dip...so much food.

But the best part of the Cocoa party is seeing our family and friends!

Here is Mariel and Brian's son, Nolan. He is growing up so fast. Nothing makes you feel older than your childhood friend's kid transforming from a baby to a little man. 

We finished the night with a pie - Brian brought this amazing Bourbon Pecan Pie. It was a huge hit and WE ATE THE WHOLE THING.

And of course, there was cocoa, with our choice of marshmallows or fluff. It was a Cocoa Party after all.