Monthly Newsletter

Deck the Halls

The Christmas tree has been selected, and the decorations are being unpacked from their storage places.  For many of us, each ornament brings back the memories of Christmas past.  Traditions are what make holidays special, and the ornaments are a part of it, perhaps a remembrance of baby's first Christmas or a happy new home.  This is not to say that each year doesn't mean adding accents to keep up to date.  Several interior designers have recommended gold as a big look for this year's holiday décor, and gold is always a good hold-over for the New Year's celebrations. We've perused the new designer books and websites, such as Carolyn Roehm's and Martha Stewart's, for their holiday preferences.  Ms. Roehm says "classic and traditional are the look of the year."  It is hard not to go for the traditional red and green, if collections of Christmas tree ornaments and accumulated family favorites come into play.  Ms. Roehm's most striking tablescapes throughout her books and website (CarolynRoehm.com) feature dramatic reds.  Martha Stewart's latest Christmas book is all about pale greens, as a variation on the scene.  One can always highlight with some pale green ornaments, wide satin ribbons and table linens to update the look.

Speaking of tree and décor, we hope that everyone has noted the whimsical McKenzie-Childs tree at Neiman Marcus NorthPark.  Pause and assess the tree made with more than 300 McKenzie-Childs porcelain pieces, topped with one of their fanciful teapots.  The tree is an accolade to creativity.

Making a List and Checking It Twice

The Thanksgiving china and silverware have barely been put away, but it seems that, in the blink of an eye, Christmas is unfolding.  Each evening, we notice more homes have added their outdoor lights and wreaths, and Christmas trees are being selected for the best choices.  But, we have some reminders on the list to finish, or start, the planning for Christmas festivities --

Most Christmas invitations and cards have been selected, printed and mailed.  For those who procrastinate (and we have plenty of company), there are still good selections to be found at the area card and invitation shops.  Check our Source section for Invitations and Printing.  PaperlessPost.com is always an instant option.

The list of presents has been reviewed and reviewed.  We always try to come out even with gifts for family members, but there is always someone for whom a present is a challenge.  Then, there is always someone forgotten.  Having an extra gift or two on hand is a good idea for the friend who appears with an unexpected gift for you.  A bottle of nice champagne or wine is always a welcome gift, or some great artisanal chocolates.

The party is planned, whether it be a large gathering or an intimate buffet only for family and a few friends.  What can be more festive than holiday entertaining no matter the number of guests?  If you are a do-it-yourselfer, check out our Source section on Food and our Source section on Special Touches for staffing and valet services if your event is outsizing your original expectations.

The caterer has been selected for the party of whatever the size.  If not, we encourage you to check with our favorites under our Source section of Caterers.  There may be dates still available.

The venue must be perfect for the occasion.  When the stress level is high, we envy those who thought ahead to reserve a private dining room in one of Dallas' small hotels or a private room in a restaurant to celebrate with an extended  family on Christmas Eve.

We Wish You a Merry Christmas

If you will be entertaining for just a few friends, we can suggest --

A tree viewing party for a few families.  In years past, we enjoyed having families come for tree-trimming parties.  After a time or two, the attrition of ornaments frankly reined in our enthusiasm.  But, we still love the opportunity to invite friends to see our always-fabulous tree and make it an occasion.  A parting gift of an ornament for each guest's own tree adds a memory to the occasion.

One of our favorite parties in the past was an annual ornament exchange luncheon, with each guest bringing a special ornament to the luncheon and taking one home in exchange.  It was a festive occasion and fun for all, especially if you came home with a fabulous Tiffany or Christopher Radko ornament. The ornament theme is obvious throughout our newsletter.

An open house to welcome home children from school or a relative making the annual visit.  It is their time to reconnect with old friends and relatives.  Tea sandwiches, lots of cookies (and maybe a cupcake tree from La Duni) and punch will please the party-goers.

If your Christmas Day will be spent with others, Christmas Eve may be the time to invite a few close friends for a lovely supper.  This can be an opportunity to put all your effort into a seemingly lavish but small dinner – perhaps a lobster soufflé and champagne – in a beautiful setting.  Make the table as stunning as possible.  Even consider purchasing a few yards of a beautiful fabric in Christmas colors to drape the table. We saw an eye-catching raspberry-red duponi silk at Rutherford's Design, Fabric and Gifts that would be just perfect for the occasion.  This small dinner can be the making of a highlighted memory for the holidays.

    

Visions of Sugarplums

Considering the turkey has just been consumed, the menu for the Christmas feast is more likely to feature a crown roast of lamb, a standing rib roast or a smoked ham.  If your cookbook library is not up to par, we can always recommend the December food magazines or the websites of gourmet.com, epicurious.com and saveur.com for holiday menus and recipes.  Can we recommend a bûche de nöel for the finale?  If you are "outsourcing" some of your meal, check our November newsletter with our food recommendations.  Our take-out options are numerous and many of the area restaurants are featuring entire dinners to go for the holidays.

Joy to the World 

Music is part of the accelerating excitement of Dallas – from Santa Claus is Coming to Town to Silent Night.  The season could be humdrum without the legacy of centuries of Christmas music, both secular and religious.  We encourage you to add the excitement of music to your Christmas events.  If you have having a party for more than a few, we hope you will explore our Source section on Entertainment for a solo act or an agent who can find someone to accommodate your needs and date.  If you are have just the family and a few friends, be certain to plan the play list of holiday music in advance.  Several major performers have come out with recent holiday CDs, including Mariah Carey's Merry Christmas II You and George Strait's Classic Christmas.  Invest in a few new CDs for an easy update to your holiday music repertoire.

Happy holidays and best wishes from EntertaininginDallas.com for a stylish and savory holiday season.  At the same time, being cognizant of the recent restraints on the economy and the unfortunate financial curtailments by many families, we encourage  generosity for those less fortunate and a commitment both to sharing and caring during this holiday season.

Indulge us!
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