Dinner with Friends
Is there anything better (well other than anything that involves children and grandchildren)?
This years menu:
Appetizers
Spinach Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
Cardamom Spiced Pork Loin
Burgundy Cardamom sauce
Roasted Fingerling Potatoes with Green Beans and Shitake Mushrooms
Mocha Ice Cream pie
The place setting: Zrike
red charger, Lenox Holiday Tartan dinner plate, a vintage pressed glass salad plate in a glorious shade of red, gold flatware, red napkin from Pier One that is edged in gold ruffles, the usual crystal and a showy napkin ring.
I had seen this on the Frongate site. Loved it. Tried to capture the feeling of this. I am truly a Kim Seybert fan and although her designs are pricey, I figured I could recreate her gorgeous napkin rings. I think I succeeded.
Mikasa Parklane water and a yet unknown wine. Loved the gold rim, an ebay find.
Knowing that I was going to use the Frontgate picture as a theme, I added gold trees and candleholders to the Christmas warehouse (aka garage).
The floral centerpiece was a gift from one of the dinner guests.
Tulips and stock (the white stuff). It was perfect for the table.
Found the small red votives this year. Having candlelight on many levels adds to the ambiance of the evening. Do you see the beautiful pattern?
Simple decorations in the chandelier were just what the table needed. Bows, greenery and red glass ornaments.
Found these mercury glass trees at Dillard's last year. They are battery powered and light up, adding one more layer of light to the table.
I'm already planning next year's event. Collecting new pieces has begun and a theme has been set. This makes getting ready for the event so much easier!
I'm hoping that you had a wonderful Christmas surrounded by loved ones and that the year ahead is filled with many blessings, good health and much cheer.
