Three Kings Day in the time of COVID-19

We were supposed to hold our used-to-be-annual Three Kings Day Open House this coming Sunday, January 9th.  We usually celebrate it on the Sunday closest to the 6th of January, however, since this year that would have fallen on January 2nd, we felt it was too close to New Year's, and people might need a few days to recover.  Well, it became a moot point anyway since the Omicron variant is currently running rampant in our country.  COVID cases are on the rise once again, and it's just too risky to entertain a large gathering under the circumstances.

Today also marks the one-year anniversary of the assault on our Capitol, and in the ensuing year, we have learned a great deal more about the insurrection, with sadly more revelations to come.  We came very close to losing our democracy that day.

And yet, when I begin to despair, I'm reminded of the light of God, and the goodness that still exists in the world, and the ability of some people to simply cheer us up.  My friend, Patti, gave me these beautiful ornaments for our tree.  She knows how I've always celebrated Epiphany, and how much I love the Kings.

We may not be able to celebrate together this year the arrival of the Magi, but we feel their spirit and their message of love.  There's always enlightenment.

A Buffalo Plaid Christmas Eve

 I'm usually behind several years on any given trend, but this year I was determined to be on fleek . . . oh, wait, I think being on fleek is now passé . . . (sigh!)

While not a traditional tartan, and sometimes a bit more country than my usual style, the black and white buffalo plaid intrigues me, and worked perfectly with all my new Christmas goodies . . .

Like the new "Good Food  Good Friends  Good Company" chargers from Pottery Barn, and the new Woodland Berry Salad Plates from Williams-Sonoma.

These white linen napkins from Williams-Sonoma have seen many a dinner party, and they still look fantastic.  They have now acquired a vintage feel, which makes them even more appealing to me.

The berries napkin rings also came from Pottery Barn, and I used my Jefferson Flatware from Reed & Barton for Monticello.

I've had the glasses for several years now.  I found them at HomeGoods.

Fannie May Candies are a venerable Chicago company, and this year they were celebrating their 100th anniversary.  The tin box features the iconic Chicago "L" and held caramels.  Each guest got to take their own tin home.  

This year, I dressed the chandelier very simply with the red linen shades.

Evergreens, and woodland elements are my favorite way to decorate for Christmas . . .

This year, with the added black and white Buffalo Plaid . . .

I got a lot of practice this year making bows, which is not my favorite activity, but they turned out okay.

Buffalo Plaid pillows were added to the traditional tartan and plaid mix that we've had for several years now.  

The darling, little pillow from Pottery Barn is also new.  The pom-poms are made from different kinds of plaids.  Plaid and Christmas go together like bunnies and Easter.

If you're gonna play with Buffalo Plaid, you're gonna need a truck.  That's what my friends tell me.

My first born, and happiest Christmas gift.  He came from Virginia to spend it with us!

A charcuterie board that went rogue and exploded all over the table!  Antipasti, charcuterie boards, entremés . . . these appetizers have always been around, but seem to be enjoying a rising popularity.

Teardrop pickled peppers . . .

Pistachio nuts . . .

Marinated mozzarella . . .

An assortment of crackers and crisps . . .

A homemade cookie and candy platter . . .

Spice cake . . .

Flan . . .

The family.  May your day be merry and bright.

Sharing with Between Naps on the Porch.

Christmas with the Angels

Here are my two Golden Angels, a Christmas present from my husband many, many years ago . . .

One holds a lyre . . . 

The second one holds a violin . . . 

Gold seems to be making a comeback after years left out in the wilderness, and it paired perfectly with the Spode Delamere Brown, which I had wanted to use for a Christmas table, instead of always relegating it to Fall tables (next, I'm going to try it on a Spring table).

A few things to notice about our table this year.  It is in fact, a new table.  After a lifetime of using inherited dining room sets, first, my parent's, later my mother-in-law's, I was ready to finally bring my own style to our dining room.  I will always treasure the memories we made on those tables, but it was time for a change.  When I saw that a local Amish furniture gallery was having a sale, I rushed over there and tortured that poor sales lady for days, until I got the design that I wanted.  

I'll write more about my table in the coming days, but I'll just say that the table had just been delivered a mere week earlier, and I had barely had time to play with it, so this was a very exciting day for me!

Even with the splash of Christmas red, the Delamere Brown always brings nature to mind.  These Leaf Christmas tree ornaments were a serendipitous find at Crate and Barrel.  Not only did it bring a touch of nature to the table, but they were gold besides - and everyone got to take one home!

Here is the Oak Leaf . . .  Do you notice the tiny acorn attached?

The Maple Leaf . . .

And the Birch Leaf.  I also brought out the Delamere Woodland flatware, stamped with forest creatures, like quail, ducks and deer . . . Here's a closeup of the forks.  I didn't take many pictures of the flatware this time because I've featured it in a few other posts.  Check out this post in which I used the flatware for the first time.

I walked by the floral department of my local grocery store and spotted these arrangements, which were made perfect after I added a few white roses.  White roses class up any act!

As for the napkins . . . Not only is it “C” for Christmas, but it's also the initial of our last name.  Aren't they beautiful?  I ordered them from Etsy.

The amber goblets are Mikasa French Countryside.  They have now discontinued this color.  I wish I had gotten more of them.

A tired little angel . . .  Sofia, my nephew's daughter . . .

Here is part of the Cheney-Grimón tribe . . .  My son, David was stationed at the time in South Korea, and couldn't be with us.

And one more picture of my family:  My son, John, nephew Kevin, brother Al, and nephew Colin.

And a cardinal in the Christmas tree!

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!