"Things change", a minister once told me..."do not become complacent, but learn to adjust." ...and so we have. We have lived on our street for many years, and we have watched the children, ours included, work their way through grade school, and learning to ride two wheelers to high school and learning to drive cars. Some families have moved out and younger ones have moved in. I have felt very, very fortunate to live on this cul de sac of fourteen houses with the very nicest neighbors, both new and old. The block consists of new born babies, middle aged families, and an original home owner in her mid 80's.
Last year, we hosted our first holiday open house, with a desserts and drinks party on the Sunday evening before Christmas. It was a wonderful success, and we will be doing it again this year. A party like this is a no pressure opportunity to chat with the neighbors in a relaxed setting, among pretty decorations. Everyone brings a dessert, and/or a bottle of wine....rather like a pot luck. Last year we had brownies and cookies, I made a Tira-mi-su, and a bowl of fresh whipped cream.
There was a cheese platter and all sorts of wonderful sweets to enjoy.
I pulled out some of the serving pieces that I will be using for this party to give you an idea of how the table is set up. It is fun to set the table with a mixture of new dishware and vintage serving platters and cake servers on pedestals.
I layer the Spode Christmas tree pattern dessert size plates with vintage green depression glass plates, and put out little green depression glass nut bowls. The painted cake taker was an ebay purchase several years ago, and something that I treasure.
There is a vintage glassware set in which the bowl is filled with fresh whipped cream for the guests to dollop on ginger bread or any other dessert they would like.
My giant Wendell August punch bowl is filled with candy canes right now, but that may change and be used for punch, or some other candies or cookies.
Vintage milk glass is festive for any holiday, whether it is with the red of the peppermint candy canes,
or blue candy canes.
A Christmas tree decorated with gum drops and gnomes is on the sideboard and is very festive when lit up.
This year, I will remember to take some pictures of the party and share the wonderful goodies that everyone brings. The best part of this party is that it is a simple no stress way to enjoy an evening with the neighbors and no one has to drive home.
This post is being linked to Susan's, Between Naps on the Porch, Tablescapes Thursday event. Please click on her link to see more festive table settings.
♥, Susan
