Big Daddy and I love nothing more that a house full of people, especially at Christmastime.
Well, a house and a table. Over the years, nearly 30 of them we have had countless dinner parties and it took us a while to figure out what works in terms for food , drink and table settings. Last night at our home we hosted some of my family and tonight it will be some of our good friends and neighbors who have become like family. This morning I would like to share a few of my favorite Christmas tablescape ideas and delicious, easy & economical recipes anyone can make.
First, that tablescape 🙂
By now it has been well established that I LOVE to bring fresh evergreens in to our home at this oh so festive time of the year. I am lucky enough to live in the woods so most of the pine, holly and magnolia are readily available to me.
I reused this footed fruit bowl full of red poinsettias ( from the grocery store) for the center of my table. I can’t believe I have actually been able to keep them alive and beautiful this long. Whatever gene you have to have to keep a houseplant alive I did not get.
On either side of the poinsettias I filled two white creamers with store bought red roses and fresh clippings from the yard. I used hemlock, cypress and holly. The red berries are just beautiful!
I left my dining room table bare.
The wood top is a perfect backdrop for collection of tableware.
I used antique tarnished silver platters as my chargers and my everyday collection of white dinner plates with red cloth napkins from Walmart. The candy cane striped salad plates belonged to my Mama and I love them. The Champagne glasses were given to me by my friend Donna. They held our first course, shrimp cocktail.
I found these white bisque trees at AC Moore for a buck.
They are a small and thoughtful touch for my guests. I place one at each place setting as a small gift for them to take home when the leave .
Simple easy stuff but when they are combined it makes for a nice evening with those you love.
Isn’t that what its all about anyway?
*****I have put together a menu for you. Except for desert this was our EXACT menu last night. Each of these recipes came from my Pinterest recipes board and are tried & true! Just click on the images to be taken to the original recipe.*****
The salad was a particularly BIG hit with my family!
In fact my Aunt Carolyn has asked me to make it again for our traditional Christmas Night dinner :)))
Menu
Classic Shrimp Cocktail
Green Salad with Oranges & Beets
Ham with Bourbon Peach Glaze
This glaze is absolutely foolproof.
We add a tablespoon of good bourbon to the mix!
Smoked Gouda Grits
Balsamic Brussels Sprouts
Mini No Bake Cheesecakes
Merry Christmas & enjoy!
Paige
