Outfit details: Amy: sweater: J. Crew {sold out, found one here} // skirt: Ann Taylor {sold out, similar here and here and here} // cable bracelet: David Yurman // crystal bracelet: J. Crew {similar here} // gold link bracelet: Loren Hope {similar here} // watch: Daniel Wellington c/o {perfect for all you #navyornothing ladies + it’s limited edition! Use code AMYBELIEVES15 for 15% off} // headband: Francesca’s {sold out, similar here} // similar scarf linked here

Maddie: top: Mud Pie {similar here} // glasses: Francesca’s {similar + lots of other options here} // wine glass: Francesca’s {similar here} // similar scarf linked here

Décor details: bar cart: HomeGoods {similar here and here} // plates: Spode // small Christmas trees: HomeGoods // candle: Thymes

I’ve gone from one Christmas party to the next over break so far, and I’m not complaining. There’s something so incredibly festive and cozy about Christmas parties, that honestly no other parties hold a candle to. Hot cider, wreath-shaped rice krispie treats, chex-mix, and peppermint stick ice cream are just a few of our Christmas party staples! Not to mention getting all dolled up in gold and tartan and over-the-top Christmas accessories 😉

Here I’m setting up for an impromptu backyard get-together with one of my favorite girlfriends ever, Maddie! Every Christmas Eve after church my family goes to her family’s house for dinner, drinks, gift exchanges, and lots of laughter (our families have the same sense of humor and we’ve been friends since Maddie and I were three years old, so there’s lots to laugh about?). Growing up, all the kids in our neighborhood would come over and we would put on a “Christmas Spectacular” show for all of the parents. I was the self-appointed Director (honestly, Amy.), and we all put on multiple Acts of us singing Christmas classics and doing choreographed dances. And Maddie always played the guitar and sang beautifully. There was a printed program and everything… (I didn’t mess around. ha!).

Now that we’ve “grown up” we have more low-key Christmas Eve parties at their house (except for the fact that we can now legally drink, haha, and we still make Maddie play the guitar and sing ?) and it’s still one of my favorite traditions of the year. Christmas is like that– it finds a way to bring us all back home together to reconnect with those funny, amazing people who you grew up with and who made you who you are today. So cheers to Christmas parties!?

p.s. You can get 15% off my navy DW watch with the code  AMYBELIEVES15! If you purchase it by December 21st it will arrive in time for Christmas Day. I also have this black one which I LOVE.