Holiday Dinner Party - Part 1
© Becky Doland
First of all, the halls are totally decked! I love decorating for Christmas! I make sure that the holiday has spilled all through the house, and into every room where guests are likely to go. As they arrive, they see little, white lights in the shrubbery, and candle lamps in each window. There's a lit garland wound 'round the light pole in the front yard, and a big wreath on the front door.
As they enter the house, one of the first sights to greet them is more green garland with little, white lights draped all the way up the staircase banister, with big, red bows attached at intervals. There are potted pointsettias in small groups in the foyer. To the left is the powder room, and I haven't left that out - the room is done in shades of light gold and dark blue, so I don't want to go the red and green route in here. Instead I've dressed the room up with silver and gold accents. I spray painted a basket metallic gold and filled it with silver and gold balls, and set a white pointsettia on the floor. To the right of the foyer is the living room, and here the Christmas tree takes center stage.
The kitchen and family room area is all open so that I can be involved in the party and cook at the same time. This space was easy, as the fireplace mantle is a great focal point for more Christmas greenery, lights, candles, and of course - stockings! There are plates of cookies and appetizers on the coffee table.
Last but not least, the dining room is where the main event will take place, so I will spend time creating a festive table. Holiday table linens, dishes, and glassware. You don't need to break the bank to find coordinating items, discount department stores are filled to the brim with entire ensembles this time of year. And they're beautiful! I make the rounds right after Christmas each year and add items to my collection at half price. Chargers are a great addition to a holiday table. They're large, flat plates, bigger around than the dinner plates which set on top of them. They really set off your dinnerware! And, I found them at Target - wooden ones painted in metallic gold, dark red, or dark green - for under $5 a piece. A candle and greenery arrangement in the center of the table, and we're ready to eat!
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