I love the holidays because I love getting together with friends and family. Plus I do love decorating and love setting a beautiful table. I am an avid cookbook collector so love to get creative ideas from them. I have wonderful friends who are creative chefs and I love borrowing ideas they have used. Make the day, the decorations and the meal all yours and tie in the flavors of the season. If you aren’t into big decorations, you can decorate on a smaller level that has the same impact. For example, depending on the season, tie the napkins with twine, ribbon or raffia with a stem, sprig or something fun like a lollipop. Using a color tablecloth over another tablecloth adds drama and festive colors. Decorate the table with colorful napkins, plates and silverware. My everyday china is white but I use fun chargers in metallic gold, silver and red to add a festive touch. Placing a white plate on the charger with a fun decorative plate that can be used for salad or dessert, adds beauty and depth. Flowers, candles and tea lights add so much to a night spent with friends and family.
Deciding what to serve can be challenging. Sometimes it is fun to just serve hors d’oeuvres and champagne to just a dessert party with champagne and port. Full meals can be daunting so choose the parts of the meal you want to make and asks your guests to help contribute. People love getting together so let the meal be fun and relaxed so you can enjoy the evening as well. We hosted a dessert, champagne and port get together and started a little later. It was a fun night had be all and also something different. We kept it simple: fancy chocolates, a few ice creams, tiny homemade cookies, and simple decorations. We served champagne, port and whiskey. Even coffee and tea. It was a wonderful evening and perfect for a cold evening.
Simplicity is key. Enjoy and plan and have your guests contribute. Don’t get frazzled, you can do it. Have fun and cheers.
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