Christmas Brunch

Each year, my Nashville family gathers for a very special occasion: Cousins' Christmas Brunch.  As we all travel for Thanksgiving and Christmas, this is a fun opportunity to celebrate the holidays together, a grown-up version of "the kids' table."  I chose a box mailer for the invitation with names in metallic on the front, tied with silver tinsel string.  Inside, the invitation rested on a bed of Christmas tree branches to give a nice holiday scent when opened. 

For the table, I wanted a very crisp and clean color palette: white tablecloth, silver chargers, Juliska Country Estate dishes, hammered silverware, grey monogrammed placecards, mercury glass votives, assorted glasses, white hydrangeas and roses with painted silver leaves and winter berries.  A small gift rested on each plate in a white lacquered box wrapped with white and silver tulle.  Cable knit vases, vintage ornaments and silver antlers added some texture.

I was pleased with the outcome of an etched vinyl applique which, similar to a sticker, was applied to an antique mirror.  This easily removable element added a nice touch.  I placed this on a small table to create a special mimosa corner in the room.  Here, I was happy to also debut my new favorite decorations: cut glass glitter reindeer with fur stoles adorned with snowflake and silver bell elements.  Bling on the holidays!

For brunch I served a breakfast casserole, fresh fruit, toast with sweet orange marmalade and zesty lemon cream cake.

We visited and laughed for a few hours before watching holiday movies and enjoying red-velvet cupcakes with eggnog filling and buttercream icing.  

It was a real treat to spend the day with loved ones and I had a wonderful time hosting.  The only downside to Christmas Brunch is that it happens only once a year.