Purchase or borrow unwanted tacky holiday sweater, wear it with pride, and gather in room of like-dressed people. Twelve months later, do it all again with a new/old (new for you), recycled, or swapped-with-a-friend sweater. Repeat for five years and here you are, at the 5th Annual Tacky Christmas Sweater Party.

Charlie and I live for this day every year. We have cupboards full of martini glasses just for the occasion, a candy-cane Santa Claus who has supported us every year, and a box (a really big box) of tacky Christmas sweaters. We lay them all out in the guest bedroom and if for some reason you show up tacky sweater-less, you will be required to wear one from the stack. Hey, if I am going to look silly, everyone should look silly.

This year, we found matching wool vests with embroidered snowflakes to wear. Mine was pink, and Charlie’s black. I was accused of being a stylish soccer mom; which isn’t always a compliment at the sweater party. It meant I was not quite tacky enough. I did, however, sport a sparkly Christmas apron for half of the evening.

I wore the apron proudly as I made the requested basil walnut spread and roasted the pink salmon from the Loki Fish Company.

I baked cinnamon sugar cookies frosted with a homemade icing and sprinkled with red sugar crystals.

Friends brought a smoked salmon dip, a sun dried tomato and pesto spread, and cheese and crackers.

Our friends, Natt and Jessica, provided the music with their keyboard and bass. I stepped in for a few Christmas carols while Randolph the Reindeer mingled his way through the party.

Charlie took on the role of bartender as he does every year, and together we create a martini menu from which our guests can choose their cocktails. From Candy Cane to Pomegranate and Merry Berry Christmas to Eggnog, the drinks are a true reflection of the season.

The food and libations were delightful, and the company was festively, yet ridiculously, dressed. Twelve months from now, we’ll do it all again with a new, recycled, or swapped-with-a-friend sweater for the 6th Annual Tacky Christmas Sweater Party.