Holiday Cheer, Poinsetta Cocktails and a Card Reader Named Madam

Here's a peek at our Christmas Tree and the holiday scene at our home.

Rather than a big party, we prefer festive, relaxed dinners for twelve. Oh I love to set the table with silver and goblets but with vibrant dinnerware from Portugal, burlap and linen napkins, and Christmas glasses. Last night on the wine glasses, we had little reusable decals chosen for each guest that said - Flirt, Drama, Stud, Cool, Confused, Sexy, Gossip etc. . . it was a happy little addition and everyone loved it.

As Poinseitta cocktails and diet Coke's on crushed ice with lime wedges were served with the traditional cheese balls, dilled green beans, oyster crackers and holiday music we had a little surprise. It wasn't Santa, but a card reader "Madam" who appeared with her little bag of happy cards.

Friends from high school, as well as, guests from out of town all mixed together in the spirit of the magic of Christmas. One guest had us in tears laughing about the surprise appearance of Santa for her neighbor's three year old a couple of days ago. As Santa was leaving, her friend shouted across the yard and invited him in for a drink. He came, wished them a Merry Christmas, but refused the holiday libation as he had more children to check on that evening in preparation of the big day. So yes there really is a Santa!

The menu and decor last night was in the same theme as I've used this season - nandina and winter berries with coral roses, cedar, coffee bean berries, holly and magnolia. Oh my little Senator (a white lab for those of you who don't know) was the perfect host and loved everyone good night. They swooned when he put his face up against their knee, wagged his tail and looked up at them as if to say "Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night."

Poinsettia Cocktail
3 oz cranberry juice
2 oz orange juice
1 1/2 oz vodka
3/4 oz orange liqueur
1 oz 43 Liquor
Mix well and enjoy. I like to have the juices icy cold when I mix them. If not, you can serve over ice.