Dinner Party Decor

There's something about a welcoming table setting, the perfect atmosphere to share a meal, that is so seductive.  Low lighting, flowers and candles, fine linens and glasses . . . the table becomes a shrine at which people gather to celebrate and give thanks for wonderful food, friends and family. 

Without a doubt, my favorite Christmas tradition is my family's Christmas Eve dinner.  We break out the ornate glass goblets from my grandmother for wine and my mothers special Burmese flatware and white linen napkins embroidered with gold and silver. We set up a centerpiece with candles and pine branches, and fill serving platters with the same meal every year - salmon with lemon and dill sauce, rice pilaf, green beans with toasted almonds, and light flaky rolls. After dinner my grandfathers tea cups are filled with coffee, tea, or hot cider. Its the perfect celebration of past and present, of tradition and family. . .