Behind the Scenes of The Pioneer Woman's Cowboy Christmas
Kenneth M. Ruggiano, 2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.
Just in time for the holidays, Ree Drummond welcomed crowds of Oklahoma ranchers and their families for the ultimate seasonal extravaganza as she hosted her first-ever prime-time special, The Pioneer Woman's Cowboy Christmas. In true Drummond fashion, this seasonal bash included no shortage of hearty fare, like party-ready glazed ham, cheesy potatoes and spiced gingerbread cookies, plus down-home games and plenty of dancing. If you missed the special last weekend, there's still time to catch up: Watch the full episode on FoodNetwork.com now, and get all of Ree's comforting sweet and savory recipes featured on the show.
Food Network was on hand as Ree and her family hosted the local ranching community and captured behind-the-scenes snapshots as the celebrations unfolded. Read on below for an insider's look at the seasonal soiree, see Ree and Ladd strut their stuff on the dance floor, and check out the over-the-top spread of holiday dishes shining on the buffet.
Kenneth M. Ruggiano, 2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.
Surely every holiday party calls for cookies, and Ree and her daughters delivered with gingerbread cutouts in the shape of cowboy boots and hats.
Shane Bevel, 2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.
Before guests arrived, Ree put the finishing touches on the cookie-decorating table by filling jars with candy and sprinkles. Together with a fluffy frosting, these sweet finishes were all was needed for kids to create their ultimate DIY cookies.
Kenneth M. Ruggiano, 2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.
"I'm going to break out my '80s moves," Ree joked of taking the dance floor.
Kenneth M. Ruggiano, 2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.
To make sure the meat was served warm and juicy, Ladd grilled the beefy kebabs streetside next to the party. "The color of these things is kind of festive too," Ladd said of the skewers strung with red and green bell peppers.
Kenneth M. Ruggiano, 2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.
Ree joined the guys of The A Bar Bunkhouse Band for a quick moment on stage — but it wasn't to play the guitar. She welcomed the guests to the bash and thanked everyone for attending.
Shane Bevel, 2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.
Simplicity was the name of the game when it came to setting the table. Ree opted for seasonal and cowboy-themed decor by lining the tables with poinsettia-stuffed cowboy boots, jars of greens and flickering holiday lights.