I have a week before our big “Lead-in-to-Christmas dinner with 12 friends and, so you can see how it is built up, I started putting our table together. We have taken pictures and are putting them now on the site, along with some of the pictures that go with the recipes. More to come.
I tried several colours and opted for a Royal Blue satin cloth with an organza topper in the same colour. (I made these years ago) Then went scouting around to see what would make it look special. I have candle holders (gifts given over the years), Christmas crackers, Christmas place card holders that look like ball ornaments for the tree.
The crackers came with little place cards, so I wrote everyone’s name on them and put them together. When we were in Costco several months back, they had a box of 12 individually boxed chocolates. I just set the place card holder on top of the box on the corner of the charger plate.
You can purchase charger plates at almost any store, including the dollar stores. They don’t have to be china but they look great, and protect your table cloth from spills.
The idea is to make, use, borrow or get as gifts all the things you want to make your table special. Our kids are great for doing just that. I have snow white napkins (industrial strength) and 12 little gravy boats (1 for each guest) as an example what they give me.
Watch over this next week. You will see the table in stages and the dinner as being served. Then you have several weeks to think about what you are going to do. one thing that is a must…tablecloth must be clean and IRONED.
Later…..have to try out the martini I am planning to serve as the signature drink.
Getting Ready – Tips and Hints
People think I don’t have a life outside my site, but I do and when we plan a dinner, especially one as big as this, it takes time to prepare for the entire month-not just one night.
The Christmas cards and Christmas letter are done and ready to be mailed December 1. We have some of the outside lights up, but not turned on just yet. We have a few more to buy. It is a good idea to do this when the weather is decent and not in a snow storm.
The two lighted deer who move, are put now together and will be put outside just in front of the patio wall of windows so everyone inside can see them work. We bought two 3 ft. tall Christmas Trees with lights already on them and placed one on each side of the fireplace. The evening of the dinner, we will turn them on.
I spent a few days thinking about a ‘theme’ colour for the dinner settings and so far have settled on a (best way to describe it) is a winter greyish/bluish colour. Now that made sense, didn’t it? When the table is set, we will post a picture for you to see. I have made about 16-17 different items for the trays and have one more to go. I made my dessert and put it in the freezer.
We bought the clear wrap used for baskets and ribbon. I still have to type up what is on the tray so the recipients will know. Oh yes, I am going to type up menus for our guests to read and take home. They do….every year….
The candles, tablecloth and tablecloth cover are picked out and ready to go on the table . If this seems early, it gives me the opportunity to gather all what I need for the table and put it there for when I am ready to set the table.
The menu has been tweaked a few times to make sure it will all flow smoothly. We try hard but it isn’t always possible.
I am so lucky to have my talented furniture-maker husband. He is now making me a tall, thin table to house all the wine, glasses and snacks to enable people to pick their own and at their leisure. It also gives me time to spend with our guests. This is why we invite them over. Small plates and napkins will also be set out.
I know I am forgetting a few things, but as I have another week to work on it, I hope I can remember it all. Oh yeah! Can’t forget the Christmas Tree to be put up and decorated. I can do this! and I have for many, many years. It is a lot of fun once you have put one of these dinners under your belt. Honest…..