Mixing instructions:

Place all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a chilled martini glass. Option: To garnish, float a few frozen cranberries after pouring.

CHRISTMAS PARTY IDEAS
1.Tacky Christmas sweater.
Pull out the one your aunt gave
you in the 80's and you haven't the heart to give it away.

2. Tree Decorating Party
This theme for a holiday party has worked great for years. Ask each person to bring two ornaments to share. You, as host or hostess, should have an ornament to share with each guest. Write the date on the back as a reminder of the occasion. Everyone puts one of their offerings on the tree and exchanges the other with another guest. Everyone goes home with two new ornaments, one from you and one exchanged. It's a great way to get the tree trimmed and add to your ornament collection. Great family idea?

3. Give to Others
Your job will be to get everything organized. You and your guests might make things, such as blankets, toys, or socks. Or collect things as admission to your party, like canned food items or toys to give to the needy or a food bank. Or do a craft project and share it with residents of a retirement home. Put together food baskets and distribute to a shelter for the homeless.

4. Shop 'Til You Drop Party & Wrap It Up with a glass of Vino.
Plan a "Girls' Day Out" for Christmas shopping. Locate some interesting places to shop for crafts, antiques, or specialty items. Get things ready for a light meal when you're "shopped out" or stop at a favorite lunch room mid-day. When you can't buy any more, get out all the wrapping paper, gift bags, ribbon, and tags, and compare your purchases before you wrap them. Shopping, lunch, wrapping, and fun, all at one time!

5. Drop-In Fun
Tell friends from work that you'll be home all evening and invite them to drop in. Offer simple steaming soup, cheese and crackers, meatballs, cheese fondue, or small sandwiches. After a long day of work, no one will want to stay long, but it will be a nice opportunity to visit and relax.