Christmas Dinner 2011

 I think I've settled on what my Christmas table will look like this year. I've used several of the same things in different capacities over the whole month of December. 

I love using Christmas dishes throughout the month. Just makes the meal more festive.

I added my Cracker Barrel Christmas tree plates to the table this week. I bought them 2 years ago on sale. Why oh why did I only buy 4??? I also am using my poinsettia napkins. I've had these forever and bought them at Target on Christmas clearance.

We plan on having Rosemary Pork tenderloin with my mom's oyster dressing, roasted potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and green beans, pecan pie, pumpkin pie and cheesecake. If I get my act together, I'll make sarmale--a traditional Romanian stuffed cabbage roll. I've made them before, but might save that for the New Year!!

 The platter is also from Cracker Barrel, 2 years ago.

I wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas, from our table to yours!!

I'll be joining these blog parties!

A Stroll thru Life for Table Top Tuesday

Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday

and 

the Tablescaper for Seasonal Sundays

It's Christmastime!!!

 My little boy....not so little...is in the middle with the argyle vest. This was his Christmas program at 'school'. He goes to Kids Day Out twice a week and loves it. He's one of the older ones because he has an August birthday, but is as shy as can be, so I opted to put him in the 3 going on 4 class. Otherwise, he would be the youngest and all the girls would have swallowed him up! I'm praying I am making the right decision in not putting him in kindergarten next year...still praying and still have a little time to decide:) His favorite thing to say right now is, "It's Christmastime, Mommy!" Yes it is and I'm so glad I get to share it with you!

Friends for Dinner

 Welcome to another dinner at our house! 

We are celebrating this week! My husband just found out Monday, he passed his FE exam!!! 

He had studied for months (and I mean months) and took it in October and got his results on Monday! 

We were already having friends over Friday night, and now we have that much more to be grateful! 

 

 My runner is two place mats (39 cents each after Christmas clearance at Target last year.) I like them with the napkins, also from Target clearance last year.

  I set up my dessert near the Advent trees. I'm using my Winter Berry (from Target 2007) and Christmas Paisly (Cracker Barrel 2010). The cake plate is also from Target Christmas clearance, but I might have bought that before my oldest was born. The pie server is new from World Market.(On sale via coupon...25% off my purchase because I signed up for WM explorer...Do it!! You get coupons all the time...like all dishes half off for 3 hours last Saturday!)

 I'm serving Tortilla Soup and Taco Soup, so I'm using my Italian Countryside soup bowl this week.

 My friends are bringing guacamole and chips and rice, so I have these cute Winter Berry bowls, also from Target ready to be filled!

 My grandmother's silver soup spoons...

I like things that coordinate--not necessarily match. The berries in the centerpiece, the berries in the napkins and rings, the berries in the cake plate and dessert plates and bowls...

the greens in the napkins and 'runner'...

the reds in the goblets, the glass plates, the candles, the berries, the forks...

I can't believe it's almost Christmas! I've enjoyed looking at your homes and tables the past couple weeks. Thanks for inviting me in to your homes and coming to see mine.

May your days be merry and bright!!!

I'm joining Susan at BNOTP for Tablescape Thursday!

and

the Tablescaper for Seasonal Sundays!

Christmas with family friends....my boys' Mimi & Da

 We went over to some family friends' house this morning because they are celebrating Christmas in Florida with her family. Mimi and Da have known my parents for years. They have traveled to Italy, Alaska, and Russia together to name a few. These vests are the ones my mom and Mimi looked at meticulously til they found the perfect two in the perfect sizes for my little boys

 Mimi and Da gave my boys Build A Bear Dogs a year ago and have clothed them for birthdays and today they got dog houses, a tree and Santa treats!

 My dad in the background.

An elephant shaped tape measurer that stole my baby's heart!

 Mimi loves Santas like I love Snowmen!

 She has an amazing collection...the second one on top is from their recent trip to Russia!

Thank you Mimi and Da for a lovely Christmas celebration with my boys!

Merry Christmas to all! 

I'm celebrating with the Tablescaper for Seasonal Sundays!

May your hearts be filled with joy and family as you celebrate the birth of our Savior!

Foodie Friday...a day late

Chicken Tortilla Soup (I had a sample at Alon HEB at their Chef counter and went home and made my own that night)

Stock

Shredded Chicken Breast

Diced Tomatoes with liquid

Onion

Corn or Hominy

Salt & Pepper

Black Beans rinsed and drained

Taco seasoning

parsley

Velveeta Cheese (it just makes it a little creamy…I used 3 slices, but it’s not necessary)

In large pot, sauté onions in butter or olive oil.  Add tomatoes and chicken and seasoning. Pour in stock to cover, add corn and beans and simmer until you’re ready to eat.

Serve with sour cream and avocado.

This has been my favorite this season. Not spicy, but so tasty. My little boy eats this with me daily when I make it!

Taco soup

1pound ground beef

Diced tomatoes

Tomato sauce

Onion

Corn

Salt & Pepper

Black Beans rinsed and drained

Great Northern Beans rinsed and drained

Taco seasoning

Stock

1 can salsa (I think my salsa was hot, because this was really spicy!)

Brown beef and onions in large pot. Add tomatoes and sauce and seasoning. Add stock, corn and beans. Bring to a boil and simmer til you're ready to eat.

I'm joining these blogs this week! Sorry I'm so late. We've been busy with Christmas and family!!!

Deisgns by Gollum for Foodie Friday

Miz Helen's Country Cottage for Full Plate Thursday

Happy Cooking!!!