Thursday, December 27, 2012

Christmas Tables

Christmas is past but I wanted to share my Christmas table settings. Christmas Eve by candle light however our dinner was served around 2 ish the next day. I always think by candle light it is at it's most beautiful.


The Spode Christmas Tree pattern I use after Thanksgiving to Christmas day. The wine glasses are Waterford. Red clear glass chargers and my hotel silver flatware.

 
Most always on this table I use the gold Christmas tree napkin holders.




This year I made a new purchase, a plaid tablecloth with red and green. I have definitely been looking at too many blogs using all the plaids. I have always loved them but in my more formal dining room have never used them until this year. I LOVED the casual look with the more formal look of my dining room.



Daughter Nicole did our flower arrangement for the table. She is an interior decorator by education but works with a business that was named wedding flower arranger of the year in a national publication, they actually are awesome. This years arrangement was done in an antique porcelain pedestal piece edged in gold that was a recent buy for me, I loved this piece.





 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loved, loved, loved the casual elegance of the red tartan plaid with the elegance of this room. This is me stepping outside of the box and being influenced by some of my most favorite blogs.
 
 
We also had a children's table which Grand Dad and GiGi also always sit at and I try to make it special as well.
 
 
For the younger children they have their very own place settings.
 
 
 
This is always a special table for us and we enjoy having our Christmas dinner with all the grands. The grown kidlets enjoy their time together as well.
 
 
 
 
 
Our Menu
 
Smoked Turkey
Roasted Beef Tenderloin with Gorgonzola Sauce
Cornbread Dressing
Potato Gratin
Hericot Vert with Portobello Mushroom Casserole
Mustard Greens
Mixed Green Salad
 
Desserts
Cheesecake with Raspberry Sauce
Pecan Pie
 
A tradition in our home is serving Martha Stewart's Egg Nog. It is without a doubt a very stout egg nog but oh my so very good. I never got a photo of the egg nog but will share the recipe here if you don't have it.
 
 
 
Yield Serves 26 
          
 12 eggs, separated                                      
 1 1/2 cups superfine sugar                                      
 1 quart whole milk
 1 1/2 quarts heavy                                        
 3 cups bourbon, (I use Maker Mark)                                      
1/2 cup dark rum
  2 cups cognac
Freshly grated nutmeg (very important to use fresh nutmeg)                               
 
 In a very large bowl, beat egg yolks until thick and pale yellow. Gradually add sugar to yolks. With a wire whisk, beat in milk and 1 quart cream. Add bourbon, rum, and cognac, stirring constantly.
 
 Just before serving, beat egg whites until stiff. Fold into mixture. Whip remaining 1/2 quart heavy cream until stiff, and fold in. Sprinkle with nutmeg.
 
My Note: This is the most amazing Egg Nog you will ever have.
 
 
 
I am linking this post to Tablescape Thursday and also Foodie Friday.
 
 
 


11 comments:

  1. Beautiful, love the plaid tablecloth. So festive and ready for a party.

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  2. Oh, for heaven's sake...that MUST BE a stout eggnog!!! Geez Louise!!! That would be quite an enjoyable after dinner treat! Aw, who am I kidding? I would be sipping that stuff all throughout the day! :-) It has been a long time since I made eggnog from scratch, so I think I'll try this one for this weekend. Beautiful table with the plaid tablecloth! I think plaid has a way of running the gamut from casual to formal with such great ease. I love it, especially this time of year! It used to remind me too much of our school uniforms, but at age 54 I think I'm over that now! :-) Your daughter did a wonderful job with the floral arrangement, too! It's so sweet that you take as much time and care with the children's table as with the adult one. Things like that stick in little kids' minds even though we sometimes think they don't notice! Beautiful Christmas celebration! Have a safe and Happy New Year!

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  3. I am so impressed -- I haven't done this in so long! Can anyone still walk after a good serving of this stuff? LOL

    I am lazy -- I spike the dairy stuff and fold in cool whip! Lazy me...

    Enjoyed your post!

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  4. I enjoyed this so much. I LOVE your red crystal goblets--and your menu sounds scrumptious! I'm going to add Miss Martha's eggnog next year (looks heavenly). I hope you have a happy New Year!

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  5. Hey I'm newest follower and I put your blog on my sidebar so as not to miss any of your post.I'm visiting from Rattlebridge Farm.

    Love your tablescape!!
    pop over and follow back if ya can
    ~Jo @ LoblollyLane

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  6. love this post in fact you are inspiring me with ideas for next year
    come see me at http://shopannies.blogspot.com

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  7. Of course, my eyes immediately locked onto the glorious Waterford Clarendon Hocks. Such magnificent goblets. They were perfectly highlighted on your gorgeous Christmas tables cape. I love running the gamut from casual to formal when designing tables for my dining room. I love what you did here! I look forward to trying the eggnog. I've never been a big eggnog fan, but this one looks worth a try. Thanks for inviting us for a peak. Happy New Year! Cherry Kay

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  8. Oh my goodness, your table is gorgeous! I love the plaid against the color of your dining room walls.

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  9. Lovely tables. Great new plaid cloth. Isn't it fun to add something new to the mix.

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  10. Congratulation! Ein wunderbarer Tisch! Ganz besonders gefällt mir das sanfte Licht, das allem einen wunderbaren Glanz verleiht! Well done!
    Cornelia

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  11. Beautiful! No doubt your Christmas was awesome. The centerpiece that Nicole made was stunning.

    Fresh eggnog is wonderful. Since making it a few times from scratch the store bought cannot compare.

    Happy New Year!

    Velva

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