MHA #2 | Friday Evening and probably onwards - the THIRD ANNUAL Christmas Rager!!

[defenderofdesmoines]

It was a Christmas miracle: an even tackier, way-too-early ugly sweater party.

With way, way too much alcohol, and a kinda ridiculous number of activities.

There were, of course, the ubiquitous plastic snowmen haunting (almost) every corner of the apartment, and one out on each of the Smokers' Balconies for good measure. There were strings of lights lining the ceiling, as well as tracing the edges of each window. There were cookies to decorate (and eat, because you definitely should eat, and there were moddable snacks aplenty as well.) While there was, of course, Christmas music playing, those with keen eyes (or at least, enough wherewithal to look around an apartment before you started potentially drinking heavily in it) might spot a karaoke machine that would come out later. One particularly tinsel-y corner had an abundance of Santa hats and reindeer antlers and wearable strings of lights to wear while taking photos, and in the guest room -- of course -- there was a much-fabled craft table, where you could make an ornament that didn't have to be in an immature shape, but definitely could be.

There was also, hovering slowly through the party, a drone with mistletoe dangling from it. A Mistle Drone, one might call it, even.

And, because this was the Christmas Rager, there was alcohol. There was so, so, so much alcohol. The kegs of Christmas ale had once been reordered, there was a Make Your Own hot chocolate and coffee bar, and while Annie would never argue that Summer's shot table wasn't the star of every party...this year was a little different. Mostly because of how they'd decided to serve Annie's punch: in a freestanding bathtub, just slightly off-center from the room.

Welcome to the third annual Christmas Rager. Hope you wore a sweater, because the hostesses both have glitter cannons in case you didn't show up festive enough!

[please hold for way too many threads and we're off! open to literally every single adult on the island -- students are welcome to attempt to crash, but they'll be busted.]

Comments

Arrive & Mingle | 12/2/22

[defenderofdesmoines]

Show off your ugly holiday sweater! Get glittered (or try to present a compelling case to the hostesses why you shouldn't) if you didn't show up in one!

Re: Arrive & Mingle | 12/2/22

[defenderofdesmoines]

Annie, of course, did not have to arrive; she already lived here. But she was kind of having fun with making her sweater light up. And of course she was also wearing her candy cane leggings for the third year in a row, along with those jingle bell earrings and reindeer antlers she always favored, too.

And of course she had her cannon, comfortably poised at one hip and ready to go should she need (or, let's be real, want) to fire upon someone who didn't dress up enough.

Re: Arrive & Mingle | 12/2/22

[shireisburning]

Eddie showed up without a sweater. In his defense, he didn't know Christmas sweaters were a cool ironic thing to do these days. If he had known, he would have tried to find a Krampus one or something.

"Holy shit." Christmas threw up allllllll over this apartment.

Re: Arrive & Mingle | 12/2/22

[somethingwithturquoise]

Duh, obviously Summer was here. Not only was she one half of the force behind this ridiculous party, but she'd practically been looking forward to it since January 1st of this year! The real trick was trying to actually pick out an outfit, and, since there was party spill-over into her apartment, it wouldn't be difficult to pull off a few costume changes like she did for Annie's wedding, but, if she tried, she was maybe going to make it to one other sweater before she was too drunk to remember to change into more.

Right now, though, she was, of course, rocking the pink Santa love, right down to her leggings, and antlers.

And, really, the glitter cannon on the ready definitely pulled the whole look together.

Re: Arrive & Mingle | 12/2/22

[anomaly_research_nerd]

Connor was here and honestly a bit nervous. He wasn't the usual one to go to big parties or when he did it usually went poorly for him. But being one of the new guys and the awkward one was the norm so he figured he would go and see how things went. And so, with an ugly sweater that was fitting for both him and the boyfriend/would be date/whatever Michael who he was pretty sure wouldn't be there tonight, Connor arrived and tried not to look totally out of place.

Re: Arrive & Mingle | 12/2/22

[special_rabbit]

Amaya's wardrobe had been expanding significantly these days, and that just so happened to involve sweater specifically for this event.

And it was punny! If anything, Amaya was sort of hoping it could be a good way to spark a conversation about how more people really should have axes, or other fine custom made weapons, and, wouldn't you know it, she knew just the place...

Re: Arrive & Mingle | 12/2/22

[sword_chocobro]

You know what? Gladio had actually vaguely remembered this party from all that time/just last year ago, especially once Summer poked at him (expectantly) to pull off bouncer duty to keep the students out. So he was actually kind of looking forward to it, because it was honestly things like this that made being stuck here really not all that bad.

It helped, too, that he had absolutely no problem finding a sweater...

...even if that sweater did just kind of make him hungry.

Re: Arrive & Mingle | 12/2/22

[hashtag_chocobro]

Prompto knew for a fact that he and his pregnant were not going to stay here at the party for long, and he definitely wasn't even planning on drinking all that much (which was the whole point of the party, right? Well, besides the sweaters?), but he did want to at least make an appearance, maybe talk to and catch up with a few people. Especially since the sweater he wore last year had still been in the closet, and still fit nicely (although, he was very pleased to see, it did fit just a little tighter across his shoulders and chest from those sweet apocalypse daemon hunting gains).

Re: Arrive & Mingle | 12/2/22

[alwaysonguard]

Dwight was here. And would likely be doing his normal shift, standing in the corner or along the wall and trying to keep out of anyone's way. But he had to get into the party first, which meant getting the approval of the hostess.

"Annie," he said with a small still somewhat awkward smile and a nod. "How are you this evening?" Yes, he was as Christmased as he would get. The only reason he was wearing the sweater at all was because he thought Lizzie would have gotten a kick out of it."

Re: Arrive & Mingle | 12/2/22

[begmetwice]

Last year, Irene had shown up in red and tried to call it a day, and had been thoroughly told that that was not enough.

So this year was different.

It was not her usual taste, no, but in sleek dark jeans and with her hair down, she at least thought she looked...nice, if also somehow outrageously awful.

Re: Arrive & Mingle | 12/2/22

[dishesonthetoprack]

Scott was never one to turn down a party invitation -- much less one where he got to wear an ugly shirt that might make people laugh.

...and like. Holy shit. This was like an entire city's worth of decorations in one apartment.

Re: Arrive & Mingle | 12/2/22

[stykera]

Stark was there, wearing not a sweater but a t-shirt in ugly sweater style that had been left at his apartment with instructions to wear it, with his leather pants, least he be subjected to unspeakable jello horrors in the future.

Re: Arrive & Mingle | 12/2/22

[sake_shinigami]

Shunsui didn't do ugly Christmas sweaters. He didn't really do modern clothing at all (albeit with a few rare exceptions). But he did do ugly Christmas kimono in place of his usual haori draped over his shoulders, because some styles just shouldn't be meddled with.

And, of course, he'd also brought sake, in case anyone was worried that there might be a shortage on booze at this little soiree.

Re: Arrive & Mingle | 12/2/22

[died8yearsago]

Rosa's sweater was absolutely a direct response to Summer asking her to be a bit of a bouncer at this party to help keep the students out, but also, she did actually kind of like it, and it's not like she'd ever have an issue with having a good excuse to throw a few kids around out on their asses into a pile of tinsel or whatever.

Re: Arrive & Mingle | 12/2/22

[in_sidon_we_trust]

The only thing more impressive than the amount of shark-related Christmas sweaters out there was the fact that Sidon was also able to find one in his size!

So look at him! Actually wearing clothes and trying not to think too much on how his neck was going to be killing him over the next few days from stooping a little from being indoors, doubtlessly scraping more tinsel onto his headfins and trying to avoid getting a Mistle-Drone in the face.

Generally, Sidon wasn't a fan of sitting if he could help it, but he might make an exception in this case if any of Annie and Diego's furniture looked sufficiently sturdy enough.

Re: Arrive & Mingle | 12/2/22

[lilac_eyed_lieutenant]

Tisarwat really needed to get out more, and Summer was a friend, even if they hadn't been hanging out as much anymore ever since she and Lucille moved in together and Seivarden ran off with Breq, subsequently abandoning her here. And this party always was good for just getting completely wasted, which Tisarwat also hadn't done in far too long, either. So she hoped an ugly jacket would suffice in lieu of a sweater, especially since she paired it with some horrendous gloves.

Kitchen/Bar Area | 12/2/22

[defenderofdesmoines]

Get some of that famous bathtub punch! Make yourself a boozy coffee or hot chocolate! Make a mixed drink! Get a beer! Do a keg stand! Have a snack!

You know, kitchen-y stuff.

Re: Kitchen/Bar Area | 12/2/22

[knife_bender]

Diego was here, well, because he was married to one of the hostesses and he lived in this apartment. Annie had chosen the holiday sweater for him well this year, however, because he already had a beer in the little pocket.

He took his usual spot in the kitchen where he could say he was being sociable without being, you know, in the midst of everything.

Summer's Shot Table | 12/2/22

[defenderofdesmoines]

There's literally a spotlight shining on it -- as though you'd be able to miss that much talent in one spot, though.

[naturally please wait for the lady herself to ping in!]

Re: Summer's Shot Table | 12/2/22

[somethingwithturquoise]

To be fair, the spotlight might actually be needed this year, what with a bathtub full of punch to contend with!

But she was determined, of course, to put out a good set, and anyone coming by the spotlighted table of themed jello shots could help themselves to a wide array of expertly crafted little boozy treats. Each one was also displayed with a little placard with the name and the description of flavor and ingredients, as well as several that had a little asterisk by them to denote that they were vegan-friendly ones despite what the linked recipe may say!. And so, behold, your 2022 Christmas Rager Jello included:

Holly Jolly Stackers
Candy Canes and Candy Cane Martinis
Christmas Stars* and Hanukkah Stars*
Santa Hats
Mistletoe
Fruitcake*
Manischewitz*
and, Summer's personal favorite this year:
Piña Colada Snowmen

Enjoy! Don't let all these beautiful shots go to waste! There aren't even any sneaky gross ones! Not even the fruitcake!

Karaoke | 12/2/22

[defenderofdesmoines]

Don't pretend you haven't been waiting for the chance to listen to your friends tunelessly belt Christmas standards all year.

Re: Karaoke | 12/2/22

[defenderofdesmoines]

While Annie was in possession of a great belt, she could not quite whistle-tone like Mariah, and decided to tone things down a little this year and focus not so much on how loudly she could sing, but how well she could.

So -- the Christmas Waltz was pretty low-key, but at least she was confident that she'd absolutely nailed every lingering note, in three-quarter time.

Photos | 12/2/22

[defenderofdesmoines]

There's a whole bunch of so freakin' moddable props and holiday-y costume pieces near a festive backdrop, with a couple of selfie sticks nearby as well. Kind of a DIY photo booth, for those inclined!

Re: Photos | 12/2/22

[hasaknightjob]

Steven came over with Llewellyn and looked at the prop options. "Something snow themed, maybe?"

Arts & Crafts | 12/2/22

[defenderofdesmoines]

A table has been set up in the guest room with plenty of supplies for arts and crafts.

Annie has helpfully provided a snowflake ornament made of felt, and a little squirrel made of a pinecone as examples. (Examples not shaped like filthy things omg!!!!! But you know, go where your art leads you.)

Re: Arts & Crafts | 12/2/22

[hasaknightjob]

Steven and Llewellyn came in after taking some photos. He had to smile when he saw the arrangement. "What do you think? We turn Marc's room into a craft space? He'd love that, yeah?"

Dark Corners | 12/2/22

[defenderofdesmoines]

Are you not much of a...party person? Maybe a dark corner in which to lurk is more your speed?

Cool, Annie and Summer left one gloomy corner for you! Crowd on into it, wallflowers!

Re: Dark Corners | 12/2/22

[okteiviakom]

Who better to lurk in a gloomy corner than someone actually wearing a black Christmas sweater? Yeah, Octavia had spent far too long in the walk-in at the mansion, trying and failing because the Amazon link had died to find the sweater Lucifer had been wearing to that one party long ago, and this was the closest she'd gotten to recreating it after that endeavor hadn't gone anywhere.

She had a drink in hand, and a decent spot for people-watching. Who knows, maybe a little later she would even voluntarily mingle.

Outside Spaces | 12/2/22

[defenderofdesmoines]

There's two balconies -- or, well, whatever you call a balcony on the first floor. Enclosed patio? There's two of those! Go hang out with the snowmen and enjoy the night air.

Drinking Games | 12/2/22

[defenderofdesmoines]

Where we will maybe be playing an inventive Christmas drinking game, or possibly just defaulting to I Never as we always do.

If you want to start a drinking game, feel free -- make a new thread under this one with the title of said game, please, for relative organization!

I Never....

[somethingwithturquoise]

There would always be defaulting to I Never, dammit, as Summer made evidently clear when she hopped up onto the couch, holding a bottle of Rumchata and declaring that e everyone gather 'round so they could get a game started.

OOC | 12/2/22

[defenderofdesmoines]

WHOOOOOO CHRISTMAS RAGER!!!!!

Importantly -- credit for the bathtub punch goes entirely to pocketpretzels, who sent me that link in August.

Let me know if I forgot anything!