Thanks for all the feedback!! I host on a fairly regular basis and have things kind of down to a science. The main dishes are so easy cuz they go in the crockpots, I can make my potatoes and green beans the night before and my mom is making the potato salad.
For the apps, I spoke with some of the fam and they are really excited for the fondue. I host an all day thing, so it's not just dinner.. we are hanging out from like 11 am-9 pm, so I like to have a buffet out that things don't go bad by not being kept the right temp!
I am scratching the maybe apps and probably the asparagus in phyllo. We're italian, and as much as we love our bread, it's just a bit much with the fondue sides and the stuff for sandwiches.
For the desserts, my mom requested my red velvet cupcakes instead (I guess she doesn't want to return my bundt pan, lol). So pumpkin cheesecake, red velvet cupcakes, whatever cookies are left and maybe a fresh batch. I think I am gonna knix the oreo truffles.. too much prep.
Those "party drinks" were just something fun. We usually get homemade lemoncello for Christmas, but our friend didn't make it this year. I think I am going to do the grapes only and maybe do the caramel apple shots for my cookie exchange. I have a fully stocked bar, a 2nd fridge filled with beer and wine.. and I usually end up making hotty toddys and white russians for people who like something different.
Nope, not from PA - Chicago! So funny the similarities though!