A Very Grinch-y Christmas Eve

The prospect of my great-nephew, Oliver, coming to our home on Christmas Eve made me giddy with excitement.  I enjoy my family and love to be surrounded by them, not only during the holidays, but all throughout the year.  However, having a child in the house at Christmas, well, that's just too special, and I was not about to let this opportunity to play slip through my fingers!

The plans began to take shape when, on a very ordinary trip to Costco, I found the ribbon that became the inspiration for the table.  Glittery polka dots in red and green made me think of Dr. Seuss and The Grinch.  The very stories that were beginning to interest Oliver!

Did you know that the animated version of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year?  I did not know this at first, but I wonder if subliminal messages from marketers and the media didn't work their way into my subconscious as I made my plans.  Maybe my finding that ribbon at Costco wasn't coincidental at all!

Regardless, it was a jolly theme, and so . . . a tablescape was born!

But first, the house had to be Grinch-ified.  The kitchen . . .

Then, the Dining Room . . .

The stairs . . .

And, yes, the mantle, too . . .  

Even the tree received a dose of Grinch-iness!

With lots of green and red sparkle, and tings, and glittery ornaments!

The door was made merry . . .

And, although not particularly Grinchy, tartan was deployed throughout the house, because . . . it just isn't Christmas without it!

Cozy pillows, too . . .

There's nothing more soothing than a white tablecloth to anchor a great table setting and to let other colors take center stage, so that became the starting point. 

A dear friend designed the menu cards in the round, then I had them printed and cut by a local printer.

Who would have imagined that pink would work so well at Christmas?  It was an unexpected, but very welcome addition to the table.  This pink lover thoroughly approved.

The Grinch-y napkins were such fun to have and added so much to the theme!  I'll probably never use them again, but it's difficult to regret buying them when I remember the big smiles they elicited.

For those who do not speak Who-ish, let me translate the menu for you:  Cindy-Lou Who Salad (Romaine, dried cranberries, apple and pecans with an herbed balsamic vinaigrette), Roast Beast (Beef tenderloin roast, au jus), Who Mash (Mashed Potatoes), Winter Vegetable Medley (Roasted butternut squash and Brussels Sprouts with garlic and olive oil), Grinch Beans Amandine (Green Beans Amandine).

The desserts, I remembered to photograph:  Who Pudding Trio:  Vanilla (my mother's Vanilla Custard), Chocolate (with Rumchata and Godiva Chocolate liqueurs), and Raspberry Fool - more pink! (a classic raspberry fool with a splash of Chambord).

Mt. Crumpit Cupcakes - chocolate peppermint and eggnog.

Who-ville cookies (assorted Christmas cookies, including green almond cookies, with a little Grinch-y heart in its center) . . .

And some macarons, Pistachio, Red Velvet, Strawberry, and Champagne . . .

A little present to remember this Grinch-y night was placed at each place setting . . .

A glass heart to hang on the tree . . .

And remind us all of the possibilities for love . . .

I hope you were able to share Christmas with your very own Whos, and that the Grinch of your acquaintance (we all know one) was tamed, at least for the day.  God bless!

Joining Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday and Michael Lee at Rattlebridge Farm for Foodie Friday and Everything Else - New Year's Party.  Stop in and join the fun!