Betty Crocker finally showed up on Saturday, but didn't spend as much time here as in past years. She knew we had been following a very strict low-carb diet and didn't want to throw too many obstacles in our way.
These are Rolo Pretzels -- YUM!
Banana Bread!
Toffee all ready for the almonds.
Everything fit onto one serving dish -- plenty for our family gathering, but not too much
left over to create temptations!
Toffee
Rolo Pretzels
Banana Bread
I love the island for buffet-style serving.
First we had our hors'd oeuvres.
Stuffed Mushrooms
Hot Artichoke Dip
Little Smokies -- the kiddos loved these!
This would be the "Star" of our dinner -- Lasagne!
Italian Baguette
With four children and four adults, I decided we would eat "family-style" in the breakfast room.
I hung the Grands' stockings on their chairs.
Following my "keep it simple" plan, I used my Fiesta china layered on
Chalkboard chargers that I made.
All of our Grands have nicknames, and I used those on the chargers.
I layered my quilted table runner over an old white tablecloth that has words and stars printed on it in gold. Even though it's white, it washes up very easily and doesn't seem to stain.
I found this Nordic Christmas Sock patterned stainless at World Market yesterday. I was there to buy coffee -- all their Christmas blends were 50% off, and they are all so good. Anyway, I just happened to walk past this stainless display, and these pretties were 50% off!
They just jumped right into my basket!
The stainless looks so cute in these little stockings that I found at the $Store last year.
So cute, but I plan to use the stainless for more than just Christmas -- the colors match a lot of
my Fiesta china!
This is a set of the chalkboard chargers that I made for my sweet DIL.
I found these pretty plaid napkins at Home Goods last week, and I've had the cute napkin
rings for almost thirty years.
I love how the table turned out. It's cheerful, simple, and festive for young and old alike!
I had been wanting to set up a "Cocoa Bar," and finally pulled that together.
It's set up for both dieters and non-dieters! I think it's so cute!
As I sit here finishing this post, our home is again quiet after an afternoon filled with the laughter and excitement of children. Gifts have been exchanged, lots of food and plenty of goodies have been consumed. We played games, and we enjoyed sitting out on the patio while the children ran around burning off some "Pre-Santa" energy. Everyone is on their own for Christmas Day. The Man and I
will exchange our gifts to each other tomorrow morning, and then we are going out to breakfast. Later we are planning on going to a showing of Les Miserable.
Whether you celebrated tonight or you will be celebrating tomorrow, I wish you and your families a
most Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
xoxo,
Carol
I enjoy partying with these lovely bloggers:
Cheri at It's So Very Cheri for Party Time
Cindy at Skip to My Lou for Made by You Monday
Susan at Between Naps On The Porch for Metamorphosis Monday
Dawn at Creative Cain Cabin for Christmas on a Budget
Toni at A Bowl Full of Lemons for One Project at a Time
Marty at A Stroll Thru Life for Table Top Tuesdays
Patti at Ivy and Elephants for What's It Wednesday
Kim at Savvy Southern Style for Wow Us Wednesdays
Jenny at The NY Melrose Family for Whimsy Wednesdays
Richella at Imparting Grace for Grace at Home
Gina at The Shabby Creek Cottage for Transformation Thursdays
Pamela at From My Front Porch to Yours for Treasure Hunt Thursdays
Katie at Katherine's Corner for Thursday Favorite Things
Kristen at Kristen's Creations for Share Your Creations on Thursday
Heather & Vanessa At The Picket Fence for Inspiration Friday
Jody & Stan at Rooted in Thyme for Simple and Sweet Fridays
Cindy at My Romantic Home for Show and Tell FridayJody & Stan at Rooted in Thyme for Simple and Sweet Fridays
Courtney at French Country Cottage for Feathered Nest Friday
Karen at Sew Many Ways for Find a Friend Friday
Amanda at Serenity Now for Weekend Bloggy Reading
Traci at Beneath My Heart for Best DIY Projects of May
Looks like fun! Merry Christmas Carol-enjoy:@)
ReplyDeleteRolo Pretzels! Never seen or heard of those but they look really good. In fact, it looks like you had quite the yummy spread!
ReplyDeleteYou are so creative, and put so much into your posts I just love them. Thanks for linking up, hope to see you this Monday the party will continue and be a general Decorating on a Budget Party:)
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful spread you've set for your family! Love your fiesta ware and chalkboard chargers! Sounds like the perfect Christmas.
ReplyDeleteKelly