Garden Friends Christmas Luncheon, 2013

"First things first...We are truly blessed to have the means to set a pretty table and invite our friends to join us for good food and fellowship. I am mindful that many are not so fortunate. My daughter has a passion for the work of the Food Bank. As a singer-songwriter, she has written and recorded a song that is the anthem for the world wide Crop Hunger Walk project. Her song, "Raise Your Voice" is featured in their video. I've included a link in the side margin of my blog. During this beautiful season when we celebrate harvest and Thanksgiving, I hope that it will encourage you to support projects in your community that contribute to the effort to overcome hunger.
***********************************************************************************************************

Merry Christmas!  I know that we've all had a full day with family and friends.  I'll share our Christmas Eve dinner next week.  This morning we were invited to share Beatrice Emaline's first Santa Claus tree at KC and David's new home.  It was such a precious time.

A week ago, I was blessed to gather some of the Garden Friends around my table to celebrate the most important birthday of the year.  Christmas...such a blessed season...we had a marvelous time filled with food, fun, and fellowship.  A good number of us were out of town for the holiday or entertaining family home for the week.  I set a table for six at our 'temporary' dining table.  

 Come on in.  Christmas is waiting for you...

 Traditional colors...

 ...made the season bright for our Christmas luncheon.

 The red Bormioli charger continues to demand a spot on my holiday tables.  The flatware is Retroneu Holly.  I've had it for years.  Tip:  Occasionally it shows up on eBay!

 The Copeland Spode Pink Tower is one of our everyday patterns.  It set a comfortable, casually traditional tone; plus, it goes in the dishwasher.  Perfect for a busy schedule.

 The Kings Crown ruby flash accent plate has also been a regular performer during the holidays.

 The napkins were a gift from my sister, and the tablecloth was a fortunate eBay find.

  Continuing with traditional Christmas colors, I paired the Vietri optical red goblet with the AJKA Arabella wine.  I get so much mileage out of these two patterns.  The crystal salt cellars were a gift from my friend Debbi.  They had belonged to her mother-in-love, Norma.

 A few easy "at hand" elements for the centerpiece...

 The Copeland Spode Camilla tureen, an eBay acquistion, is flanked by a pair of red transferware vases filled with Alstroemaria and a pair of Paden City ruby glass lidded compotes.  One of the  compotes belonged to our precious Nana.  I found its partner on eBay.

 Ready to roll!

 The buffet features a number of elements that I've used for different luncheons throughout the season.

 I'm serving Quiche Lorraine, Simple Salad, mixed berries, hot bread, and chocolate cake balls and cookies for dessert.

  May the details of your Christmas come together for you just the way that you've visualized them!  Merry Christmas, my dear blogging friends and readers.  You've made my year shimmer and sparkle!

This week I'll be joining the following parties:

Let's Dish with Cuisine Kathleen

Tablescape Thursday with Susan @ Between Naps on the Porch