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.
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.
