Our first cocoa party of the season

While plotting our holiday decor, Sugarwings and I also daydreamed of our first cocoa party of the year. Traditionally, we wait til the tree is lit.

We really wanted a cup during Thanksgiving week, but we remembered our rally cry of "Respect the Turkey" and held off on our Christmas fun till after the bird was gone and that holiday was over.

This year, we had the added bonus of a great-grandmother guest.   Which made the party even more special.

The important part of the party isn't the cocoa, although that stuff is durn tasty.

It is the ceremony. And making it all very special by using good dishes (whether they match or not) and good manners. 

I found this glittered,snowflake chiffon to drape the grand fairies' chairs (Dewdrop will be back with us SOON), and we thought that added a nice touch to the festivities.

The lights are turned off, and we dine by the twinkling tree lights.  Warmed milk is served in a teapot, and silver tongs are used to pluck marshmallows from a rose patterned bowl.

A crystal dish holds a few Ghirardelli chocolate chips, and a sundae cup is just right for our candy canes that we use to stir the cocoa with.  

Sometimes we set a small table up in front of a Christmas special on TV, or by the girls' tiny, pink tree. We change out the goodies we serve, too. 

But the JOY never changes.  These are the moments that last forever.