Thursday, January 1, 2015

A Winter Wonderland - Christmas continued

We were busy at our house this December, this time, hosting my son, John's friends from NIU - Northern Illinois University.  Now that they've all graduated, it gets harder and more complicated for this tight group to see each other, so Christmas break seemed to be the perfect time - the only time actually, in which this group could get together.

I needed to cleanse my tablescaping palate, after all the reds, greens and gold that we used earlier in the month (plus my cream-colored tablecloth was still at the cleaners), so we went with a silver and white color scheme . . . with a teensy bit of red thrown in . . .


It was so exciting to be able to go to my stash and pull out all the elements of this table without having to spend a cent!  I had all these things in my basement from previous Christmases.  What a delight to be able to use them again.


The snowflake napkin rings have been around forever.  I still have the original Marshall Field's box in which they came.  Now that Field's is gone, I can never get rid of the box!


Every guest received a box of Frango Candy Cane mints.  The boxes were so pretty I didn't feel they needed any additional wrapping.  I love the pop of red against all that white and silver.  What do you think? 


The menu:  Crab cake on a bed of arugula, served with lemon wedges and tartar sauce, chicken noodle soup, served with oyster crackers, filet of beef au jus, served with Roman potatoes.  There was no point in serving a green vegetable to this bunch, so I saved myself the trouble.  Dessert was Coconut Flan, Oreo mini-trifles, and a tray of cookies, including Pecan Butterballs, Potato Chip Munchies and Double Chocolate Chip Candy Cane cookies.  Then we served coffee, and, since I'm still on a Venetian high, I served shot glasses with limoncello.


And here's the Motley Crew, including my son David, who showed up at our house unexpectedly on Christmas morning, on a second short leave from the Army, giving us the best present we could have hoped for this holiday season!  I am so grateful to have had all these young adults around!  They are such genuinely nice people . . . and they keep me young!

Linking to Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday.  Don't miss the talented tablescapers who join this fabulous party!

9 comments:

Chubby Chieque said...

Isn't it fun? I love creeping up in the attic and gather those forgotten elements.

Your table is gorgeous. Winter Wonderland indeed.

Nice to visit your lovely home.

Greetings,
/CC

Lady of the Manor said...

You set beautiful tables during this holiday season!! The Silver and White table for the college buddies is stunning, as was your menu! I bet they thought they were at an expensive restaurant! Your Christmas table is gorgeous with those new Lenox dishes! Lucky lady!! Your family looks so happy to be together. We had a houseful, as well, I think 28 made it! Seating was creative and tablescaping a challenge but we did it and we all enjoyed the day so much. Thanks so much for your visit and Happy 2015!!

Anonymous said...

Your table is gorgeous and I do love the snowflake napkin rings. How wonderful to have kids and friends home!

FABBY'S LIVING said...

Stunning table Maria. I love the silver and the Lenox dishes are gorgeous. I like your napkin rings more than mine, lol!
What a great group and you were blessed your son even showed up!
We usually spend C'mas at my mom's and she had 15 of us. Wonderful too.
Les deceo muchas bendiciones este Nuevo año amiguita querida!
FABBY

Nicki said...

Your tables are never short of spectacular and what a wonderful gift to have your son home on a second leave. Family - the gift never to be taken for granted or under valued.

Happy New Year Maria.

Unknown said...

Beautiful table-very age and gender friendly! I know what you mean about Marshall Fields! I still have my credit card!!! Talk about sentimental. I can't throw that away either! We have Frangoes every year too. I still have a whole box in the pantry. I miss Field's and I miss Chicago since we have moved back to upstate NY where I grew up. Chicago remains my favorite city!!

Rettabug said...

Such a beautiful & calming palette, Maria...lovely combinations & soothing shade.
I laughed at your comment "no point in serving a green vegetable to this bunch"...so true when it comes to college aged boys!

Sending many blessings your way for a happy & HEALTHY 2015.

Zuni, Chickadee Home Nest said...

It's beautiful, Maria! I, too, love the pop of red, and I loved the reminder of Marshall Fields...I still miss that store! I'd save the box too LOL. Your menu sounds wonderful---wow! Filet au jus and coconut flan!! And here you'd told me how tired you are of cooking! You just outdid yourself! I'm anxious to hear about your Three Kings party. Wishing you and your family good things in 2015, Maria. ~Zuni

The Tablescaper said...

Just lovely.

Happy New Year!

- Alma, The Tablescaper