December is the month when we spread good tidings and joy… after all, it’s the most wonderful time of year don’t you think? For me, it’s creating memories and spending time with family and friends. It’s spiced lattes in the mornings and spiced wine in the evenings. That crisp, cold scent of snow mingling with the scent of evergreens and pine that greets you at the door. It’s evenings spent in front of a warm fire, watching time-honored classics like “Holiday Inn” and “Its a Wonderful Life” on the television.
Then there is Santa Claus, a jolly old soul who sprinkles a little holiday magic in hearts both young and old. Yes, there is a magical element about December that is both heavenly and traditional.
It’s the traditional part of December that we celebrated recently (if not a little early) with a local family that has become dear friends, he’s a lawyer and she’s a landscape architect who fell in love with the Cottage before we even bought it last year. So when they called a few weeks ago and said they were in the area, I invited them for dinner. A night that turned out to be another memorable and magical evening…the very best kind.
Photo/ Sweet Pond Cottage
Since I had little time to prepare, I created a tablescape that was rustic and elegant. I always, keep a roll of Kraft paper on hand, a piece was placed down the center of the table as a runner and my daughter was sent outside to collect some pine cones which we scattered around the table for a “nod to nature.”
Photo/ Sweet Pond Cottage
The linen napkins were adorned with sprigs of Rosemary and bits of twine, I used leftover labels from Christmas’s past as place cards.
Photo/ Sweet Pond Cottage
A neighbor dropped off a Pecan Pie the previous night (small town hospitality will never get old), and it was the most mouth-watering pie I’ve ever had. Pecans are a staple here in the South (along with Pecan Pie). She graciously gave me the recipe which I’ll be sharing soon…
Photo/ Sweet Pond Cottage
If guests bring wine I always serve it for dinner, and of course, they thoughtfully brought a few bottles one of which was Champagne, a personal favorite.
Photo/ Sweet Pond Cottage
Dinner by candlelight. I’m also sharing a special recipe “Swedish Glogg” which I served as a signature cocktail for the evening. It came from the dearest of friends who live in Stockholm, Sweden and have a summer house in the Catskills. One winter they came up for Christmas and served traditional Swedish fare, including Glogg (which is really a very potent and delicious version of Mulled Wine). They graciously shared the recipe which I have served to guests for over fifteen years.
Photo/ Sweet Pond Cottage
A traditional “Swedish Glogg” recipe…if you make it let us know what you think!
Dream. Decorate. Create.
Thanks for stopping by!
