One of my favorite things about the holiday season is all the visual eye candy; although most of my photography revolves around food, in December I wish I could just hang out in department stores and people’s homes, capturing all the glitter and lights.
I’m happy to share some shots from the Williams-Sonoma holiday party I attended last week at their test kitchen in San Francisco. It was an amazing chance to check out their kitchen space, make merry with some fellow bloggers, and indulge in the holiday spirit. Hope you enjoy!
Surprisingly, Williams Sonoma has not hosted many outside events in their space, so it was super exciting to be at this party. It was hard to imagine this as an everyday staff break space as it was completely made over for the party with Christmas trees, tinsel, and lots of holiday red.
The centerpiece of the party was this absolutely gorgeous croquemboche made by the elves in the test kitchen. Love the spun sugar garland!
Lots of Williams Sonoma holiday goodies on display, including this hot chocolate setup.
Have you seen their snowman cake mold? Frosty made an appearance at the party.
The baking display was also
There was a cookie decorating station for everyone to get creative.
I think I wanted this bundt cake pan the most.
I ran into Steph of Lick My Spoon – so lovely to see other blogger friends there!
Williams Sonoma seriously upped their peppermint game this year.
The highlight of the party – we got to see the new Williams-Sonoma test kitchen. Can you believe before these new digs, the staff were working in a tiny cramped space smaller than most home kitchens? The new space is a chef’s dream.
The head of the test kitchen, Amanda Haas, and her talented staff turned out a beautiful spread of appetizers and desserts. Here she is demonstrating a tuna tartare.
A better wide shot of the test kitchen space.
I seriously want to live in this kitchen.
Here’s the croquemboche broken down and plated. So good - serious kudos to the test kitchen team!
Fleur de sel caramels by the test kitchen – so much holiday sweetness.
I also got to meet Jenn, a fellow Tante Marie grad who now works for Williams Sonoma and whose Instagram I’ve been following. She is super sweet in person, fellow pastry fellow, and much taller than I realized! I’ve got height envy!
Merry Christmas to you all, hope your holidays are bright! I’ll be back next week for my last post of 2014!
Anita Chu, also known as pastrygirl, is a baker, writer, and photographer with a passion for pastry. She trained at Tante Marie's Cooking School and is the author of Field Guide to Cookies, Field Guide to Candy, and Lollipop Love. Anita lives in San Francisco with her husband, baby girl, and rescue cockapoo Snickerdoodle. 
Thanks for sharing!
Leave it to William Sonoma to throw a gorgeous Christmas party!
What a gorgeous holiday party! I bet it was a great time 🙂
What a fun event! I wanted to go but had a conflict, would have been lovely to see you. The kitchen looks like a dream!
My girlfriend and I used to take classes at Williams Sonoma. It was the best way to learn new tricks and tips.
Ooooh, so fun! Williams-Sonoma is great during the regular hours, so I cannot imagine the awesomeness that happened at a holiday party there!
Beautiful photos! I love William Sonoma! It always smells delightful!
Wow! I imagine a Williams Sonoma holiday party is just heavenly! 😉 Everything looks amazing!
Merry christmas to you too, It sounds like a great party. I feel like going around my friends house just to see what they cooking up for christmas
all those sweets look amazing!!
Lovely and interesting photos! William Sonoma seems to be and very exciting place for a celebration.
Oh my goodness. I’m so jealous you got to go to this – it looks amazing! That croquemboche is stunning, and that kitchen looks dreamy.
Man my mouth is just watering looking at all these treats you got to stare at/decorate/be around! LOL
I tried to make a croquembouche for my Dad one year and it was a complete fail! Your photos are so beautiful by the way!
Katie <3
THAT is food and festivity at its best! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Oh my gosh that snowman cake mold is so cute!! Beautiful photos, I want to eat it all!
I love W&S. I am envious of you – looks like so much fun!!
Great photos, everything looks so tasty. I love the snowman.
omg…how awesome…i absolutely love everything about WS!!!
Oh those plates on display… I bet they are still around at a discount. Looks like you scored with that invitation. Congratulations and thank you for sharing
This looks incredible! Their hot chocolate is my absolute favorite!
What a fun experience! Sounds like an awesome party! And that bundt cake is beautiful.
xo Caitlin
This looks like you had a marvelously festive time, Anita. Have a wonderful New Year’s!
I love all things Williams S0noma! xo
Looks like a ton of fun! I love Williams Sonoma!
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Hi there,
Thanks for visiting my blog! You are free to share links to your Facebook group, as long as you don’t repost content. Thanks so much!