Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Christmas Day - Tablescape, Food and Family

Christmas Day came early as we were hosting dinner at our house with everyone arriving at two o'clock.
I prepared a breakfast casserole a day in advance and popped it into the oven.
Eggs, cheese, bread cubes, sausage, ground mustard.
Bake for an hour at 350-degrees.
It's become our Christmas morning tradition.
I forgot to buy orange juice so my Mom and I had cranberry Bellini's instead of mimosas.
I had to rearrange things from our Open House to make way for Christmas dinner.
First on my list was to move my centerpiece to our entry table.
I threw this arrangement together at the last minute before my cookie exchange and I think it turned out pretty good giving it was a bunch of fake items from Michael's.
Then I put together our Christmas dinner table scape.
I really had no idea what I was going to do until Christmas Eve.
All of my creative juices were spent on our Open House menu and decor. 
This just came to me at the last minute.
I think it turned our perfect giving I used items we already had at the house.
I love to tablescape any time of the year.
I've been this way since I was a little girl.
My job on holidays was to always set the table.
I can remember wanting to live like The Ewing's from the hit 80's show Dallas and trying to put together a table like theirs.
LOL!
When putting together dinner I cut up a pomegranate for us ladies to put in a glass of champagne.
The last I had around for the holiday season.
For dinner Brad made a prime rib.
It's his favorite thing too cook other than jambalaya and homemade pizzas.
I attempted the Louisiana traditional rice dressing but started it too early and kept adding water to it to keep it moist until I ruined it.
I was so mad.
I had to go upstairs to recoup from my anger.
But.. then realized we already had a ton of food and since we had been eating for 3-days it wasn't a big deal.
The rest of our meal consisted of broccoli salad, deviled eggs, herb and cheese scalloped potatoes, rolls, pecan pie and all the left over cookies and treats from the Open House.
Before all of our dinner hoopla we exchanged gifts.
My parents stayed with us so we did ours after breakfast.
Other than the Botox that my brother and his kids gave my Mom, I think her 2nd favorite gift was this Shutterfly book I made.
She cried.
I got Brad a Kindle Fire.
He's in love.
Buddy got a new bed so we can keep one of his others at the lake for good.
He also scored a few fuzzy blankets to be wrapped up in.
My big gift were these gorgeous cowboy boots.
I picked them out weeks ago and was with Brad when he bought them.
Sorta lame?
Oh, well.
I also received these cute ornaments from my MIL.
She said the shoe reminded her of my wedding shoes.
I agree!
So pretty and perfect!
Speaking of MIL, Brad picked up this sign for the dock at the lake.
We all got a good laugh!
Thanks to Classic Annie's suggestion, FIL and my Dad both received a Polar Bear Cooler.
Can't wait to see how they like them.
I had never even heard of the brand.
Paigee received a kitchen set from my parents.
Reed received a motorcycle toy from my parents and a remote control car from Uncle Brad and I.
He was entertained.
I wanted to buy Paige this trunk of dress up costumes last year but didn't.
This year, I couldn't resist.
All princess, all the time.
Of course, I didn't mention all the wonderful things we were given but that would take forever.
The best gift we received was that of family being together this year.
It was the first year for my family(minus my brother and his kids), and Brad's family to do Christmas together.
I feel so lucky to have in-laws that are drama-free.
I look forward to many more holidays together!
Until then, we're resting up!!!
Happy New Year Everyone!

Christmas Eve 2011

After our Holiday Open House on the 23rd of December we all chose to have a more intimate, family gathering for Christmas Eve.
Brad and I, along with my parents headed out to BIL and SIL's house early in the evening for church.
Nephew Reed looked extra preppy for Christmas Eve service.
He had to bribed though.
He didn't want to wear the vest until I told him he could open a couple of gifts when we got home from church.
(Which was already the plan, he just didn't know it)
 In fact, the whole family looked smashing in their Christmas best!
The family, friendly service was lovely.
So, nice for all of us to be at church together.
My parents, my in-laws and BIL and SIL and niece and nephew.
After the service we went back to BIL and SIL's where I got a glimpse of the cookies the kids made for Santa.
Complete with frosting and sprinkles!
The kids couldn't wait to open their couple of gifts.
One gift a piece from me and Uncle Brad.
Christmas PJ's!
And, one gift a piece from my parents.
Books!
Reeders was thrilled with his Polar Express book!
Then, as always we took Christmas Eve pictures by the tree.
BIL and SIL's tree was so pretty.
I always love looking at ornaments people have on their trees.
Front and center is a 'Survivor' ornament.
Love it.
This was also a favorite.
Of course, there was a Spiderman ornament and gift wrap!
Nephew Reed is obsessed with Spidey!
We hung out and drank, ate and enjoyed family time.
Me and my MIL.
Then cousin Katie stopped by to say hello.
The kids were thrilled!
Then onto tracking Santa on the internet...
And, leaving snacks out for the reindeer.
And, Santa...
Topped off with a little quiet time with PaPa.
What a great Christmas Eve!

Monday, December 26, 2011

Our Holiday Open House 2011

Whew!
We've had quite a three days!
Christmas is officially over and I'm a little sad and glad all at the same time.
Believe it or not - I have all our decorations down except for the actual tree with lights!

I'm going to spend the next few days recapping our holiday weekend starting with our holiday open house on the 23rd.
We invited quite a few people including a lot of my family that is local along with friends and neighbors.
When it was all said and done we had nearly 40 people!
Over 30-adults and nearly 10-children.
 We decided early on to serve a holiday ham with assorted rolls and biscuits as part of our menu.
 Mustard and assorted jams for fixins'.
Southern, don't you think?
 Drinks included a sparkling punch with champagne on the side if you wanted it.
 Wines, beer, spirits for mixing along with my traditional Nottoway mulled cider punch.
 I think everything turned out lovely if I must say so.
 My parents and Brad's parents both drove in early for the party and helped with food.
My Mom put together this veggie tray with a yummy dip that I will have to post about later in the week.
 Holiday cheese board with venison summer sausage made from a deer my BIL killed.
 Gouda cheese logs.
 My friend Karen brought these little snacks that were delish!
I'll post about these later in the week as well.
 We also had goose breast my FIL brought and tons of yummy sweets and treats thanks to my cousin Katie.
 Of course, SIL and BIL were there. 
 With the munchkins in tow.
 Good friends Amanda and Elizabeth stopped by.
 Along with a slew of others.
 Including my cousins, the Morgado clan.
 Will we do it next year?
I hope so!
 It would be fun to make it annual event this year being our first.
Even Buddy had a good time!
Tomorrow, Christmas Eve!
Hope you all had a great holiday!