And just like that, holiday baking has come to an end. It was a merry season full of festive scents wafting through the kitchen: cinnamon, cloves, ginger, peppermint, and citrus. Boxes full of scones, muffins, cookies, pies, cakes, and other delectable treats were packed and delivered, ready to help fill holiday homes with delight.
With deliveries complete and ingredients reshelved, it is time for our Christmas Eve prep to begin. Tonight our table is reserved for two (and a few furry friends who occasionally throw a curious glance our way - see below). While holiday dinners tend to favor traditional multi-course meals, we are opting for something less formal but every bit just as warm and comforting.
For us, setting the table isn’t just a holiday affair. We believe in eating around the table daily. In fact, we always do even when the minutes are scarce and chaos is twirling about. But since today is special, the table setting should reflect all the magic that is in the air.
This year, our table is draped with a Christmas table runner illustrated with old-fashioned Santas and reindeer with glass beads (that I have had so long they are just about vintage). Across the table runner, you will find antique silver candlesticks with long white taper candles, a small poinsettia, a small silver serving tray sprinkled with the few remaining homemade caramels from Mike’s aunt, a glittery Santa I picked up years ago, a glass dome housing our dessert, and a pair of wine glasses patiently waiting for a generous pour.
For dinner, we are making a potato, leek, and fennel soup from scratch with some buttery herb garlic bread and a bottle of Barbera from Terra D’Oro winery in Amador County. And, finally, for dessert, we are having a simple gingerbread cake drizzled with a coffee glaze.
Although I thoroughly enjoyed the holiday baking, I am looking forward to a slow-paced and quiet, but still festive, evening at home.
Thank you for all the love and support. And lastly - Merry Christmas to all and all a good night!
xx
Stephanie
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