4 Unique styles for Hosting

Holiday Table Setting Tips

When it comes to creating, serving, and showcasing food, the choices are limitless. From setting the tone for a fun party to a formal dinner, and everything in between. All you need is a little creativity, some dinnerware, table cloths, glassware, and holiday decor. A theme will make your food stand out and set the right mood for a memorable holiday meal.

Designing Your Holiday Table- Where Should You Begin?

Many times people shy away from entertaining because the idea of having to set up an extravagant table appears like a daunting task. But it does not have to be hard. The key is starting a week or two ahead of time and follow these simple steps.

1. Elegance or Fun

The first rule of thumb is to decide is who will be in attendance? Perhaps your guest list includes your very traditional mother in law, and or your new boss. If this is the case, the answer is simple. You should shoot for elegance above all else. If it’s a group of close friends and neighbors you may want to decide on a fun theme.

There can however be extenuating circumstances once you take your guest list into consideration. Can you have both? The answer is kind of… yes.

Case in point; this Thanksgiving we have little ones attending. While we still all want everyone to feel as if they were being treated to a wonderful meal, we had to consider spills, drips, table bumps and busy hands. We opted to ditch the formality but weave in a sprinkle of elegance. While our tables will not be magazine cover worthy and as fancy as previous years, we are blessed to have children in our lives.

Grandmother’s antique platters will not make their appearance. We will skip the tall candles and the decorative glass votives. Low profile decor that is more stable will dawn our table. The crystal long-stemmed wine glasses that can tip too easily will be replaced with stemless options. Instead of the fancy table cloths, our tables will be draped with cloths that will be no worse for their wear if/when they get spilled upon.

Our tables will still be quite festive, and have a hint of elegance but are more approachable for all the guests. The parents of the little ones will feel more relaxed, as will we, as the hosts. Here are some of the designs we plan to use.

The most important part of creating this sacred space where we will partake of our Thanksgiving meal is that each and everyone seated at the dining table is made to feel comfortable.

Now that you have considered who will be attending, what do you do next?

2. Select A Signature Piece and Build Around It

Start with one signature piece for inspiration that will help define the theme of your design, Sometimes it can be a fantastic dinner plate.

It does not always have to be the dinnerware that is your muse. We found this rooster placemat and decided the theme would be farm/country. From there we were able to gather pieces, gift bags and really hone in on the details. Fresh vegetables were even part of the decor.

Once we hosted a birthday dinner for a girlfriend from Texas and that gave us the idea of a fun cowgirl theme. The inspiration for this, believe it or not, was not the hat but the cute little checkered pigs we found at a craft store.

3. You Do Not Have to Break The Bank Creating a Centerpiece

Beautiful tables can be made from Items you source just about anywhere. These beautiful flowers are from a Crepe Myrtle tree located in our neighborhood. Tall weeds were growing around them so they were added for greenery. You can also find sticks or Cat N Nine tails. Even wheat grass can be a great way to add color and dimension to your tablescape. Just be sure to spray anything before coming in from the outside with a solution of dish soap and water to remove any insects hiding in tiny crevices.

4. Secret Dollar Store Finds

This past Halloween, we were challenged to set a great table using mostly Dollar Store finds. We hosted a dinner and a brunch using the same items. It was the best 15 dollars we ever spent. Storing these items does not make sense for our space, so the next day we packed it all up and made a donation to the local thrift store.

Thrift stores can be a great place to find pieces that you can use for your dinner parties. One time we hosted a birthday dinner for a friend who happens to really like the color blue. We found some pretty blue glassware sitting on the store shelves just begging for us to take it home. We made a small donation to a good cause and made our friend smile when she saw her favorite color proudly displayed on her table. When the party was over we gave her all the glassware to keep.

Thrifting is only one of the ways to have fun with your tablescapes. We know some of you cringe at the thought of using someone else’s dishes, but if you think about it you do this each time you dine out. Yes, it would be nice to walk into Sur La Table or Pottery Barn and purchase everything showcased, but unless your last name is Rockefeller, that kind of expenditure for each and every holiday is not sustainable. We even set our Christmas table with pretty red snowflake plates that we found in a box at a local thrift store. This year we donated them back to the same store. That is good example of re-use.

5. Incorporate and Repurpose Already Owned Pieces

You do not have to purchase dinnerware and decorative items for every holiday. The best way to make the most of pieces you love and a table look different is to repurpose them.

For the Halloween tables shown previously we repurposed everything and transformed the dinner table to a buffet. The tree in the middle of the table is an old jewelry tree that we found on clearance at Kirklands. This tree will make its reappearance on our Christmas table. Instead of spooky bats and orange lights it will sparkle with white lights and hold little ornaments. Perhaps it will be repurposed again at Easter where it can drip with pastel colored ribbons and dangle little eggs. One piece repurposed over and over.

Your table is your canvass to create on.

  • Think of it as a piece of art
  • Find your muse for inspiration
  • Follow the tips that we have provided

It does not matter if you will have lots of company or just an intimate holiday dinner. Like a Broadway production, a well staged table allows your food to shine as the star of the show. You and your guest will be seated in the front row. Your holiday dinner table is the vehicle for meaningful dialogue, laughs, and entertainment. Like a well written play the storyline of your dinner may be cherished for many years to come.

We hope you have found some creative inspiration and clear direction on getting started. To see more beautifully dressed tables you can preview of the submissions from our table scape contest on our Facebook Group Page.

Jans Duchess-Potatoes

Real Life Duchess Style Potatoes

Real Life Duchess Style Potatoes

I am calling these Real Life Duchess Style Potatoes because the way they are traditionally made in a restaurant is piped out onto a baking sheet and then served. Since that is not the reality in most households, I am making them in a casserole dish, using the ingredients that would normally be added in the traditional Duchess potato recipe. 

Ingredients
  

  • 6 Medium Potatoes preferably Yukon Gold but if all you have is Russet by all means used them
  • ¼ Cup Cream Cheese
  • ¼ Cup Sour Cream
  • ¼ Cup Parmigiano Reggiano plus a bit more for sprinkling on top
  • 2 Egg Yolks
  • A Splash of Cream
  • 1 Garlic Clove minced fine
  • ½ Stick of Butter
  • 1 Tablespoon Chopped Chives a bit more for the top
  • Salt and Pepper to Taste
  • Paprika for the Top

Instructions
 

  • Peel the potatoes and cut them into eighths
  • Drop them into cold water as you work
  • Cook for 30 minutes or until the potatoes are soft when poked with a fork
  • Preheat the oven to 350F
  • Drain the water and once the steam has evaporated, put the potatoes back in the pan
  • Add in the butter and all the ingredients adding the egg yolk last
  • Mash with a hand masher and fork taking out as much of the lumps as possible
  • Transfer the mixture to your casserole dish
  • Take your fork and touch the potatoes and lift up to form peaks these will brown the best in the oven
  • Top with the chives, salt, pepper, and cheese
  • Cook for 35 minutes until potatoes are browned ( If you are making a larger amount or if you are taking from the refrigerator to the oven make sure to add in extra time)

Notes

 
These are my new favorite way to have mashed potatoes, and why not? These really kick up everyday mashed potatoes.
This is what they typically look like in a restaurant. Maybe you have had them?  
Yukon Gold are the best potatoes for mashing, but if you're like me, the ones that I have on hand are always Russets. The trick with Russets is not to whip too hard or too long or they get all gluttony on you. I like this Duchess style mashed potato recipe for the following reasons:

The Advantage to These Potatoes

    • They taste so much better than simple mashed potatoes, there is something more appealing about how the flavors come together when baked.
    • The dairy products and egg add an extra creaminess to the entire experience
    • The crispy peaks on the top add an extra bit of texture when you take a bite.
    • They can be made in advance as much as a whole day ahead. On a holiday or a dinner party day that is really a time-saver.
    •  They travel well- Sitting in your casserole dish they do not spill, leak, or smash. If you have one of those zip-up thermal casserole cozies then they will even stay warm until you arrive at your destination.
    • This recipe is quite versatile, meaning you can add or omit flavors to please your family or guests
    • Expanding this recipe to meet the needs of a larger gathering is simple
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

These are my new favorite way to have mashed potatoes, and why not? These really kick up everyday mashed potatoes.

I am calling these duchess “style” potatoes because the way they are really made in a restaurant is piped out onto a baking sheet and then served. Since that is not the reality in most households, I am making them in a casserole dish, using the ingredients that would normally be added in the traditional Duchess potato recipe. 

Yukon Gold are the best potatoes for mashing, but if you’re like me, the ones that I have on hand are always Russets. The trick with Russets is not to whip too hard or too long or they get all gluttony on you. I like this Duchess style mashed potato recipe for the following reasons:

The Advantage to These Potatoes

  • They taste so much better than simple mashed potatoes, there is something more appealing about how the flavors come together when baked.
  • The dairy products and egg add an extra creaminess to the entire experience
  • The crispy peaks on the top add an extra bit of texture when you take a bite.
  • They can be made in advance as much as a whole day ahead. On a holiday or a dinner party day that is really a time-saver.
  •  They travel well- Sitting in your casserole dish they do not spill, leak, or smash. If you have one of those zip-up thermal casserole cozies then they will even stay warm until you arrive at your destination.
  • This recipe is quite versatile, meaning you can add or omit flavors to please your family or guests
  • Expanding this recipe to meet the needs of a larger gathering is simple

I made this one for my small family and it makes a small casserole 6×6, If you were serving this for a Thanksgiving crowd you will want to double or triple the ingredients and the pan size.

Ingredients

  • 6 Medium Potatoes (preferably Yukon Gold but if all you have is Russet by all means used them)
  • ¼ Cup of Cream Cheese
  • ¼ Cup of Sour Cream
  • ¼ Cup of Parmigiano Reggiano (plus a bit more for sprinkling on top)
  • 2 Egg Yolks
  • A Splash of Cream
  • 1 Garlic Clove (minced fine)
  • ½ Stick of Butter
  • 1 Tablespoon of Chopped Chives (a bit more for the top)
  • Salt and Pepper to Taste
  • Paprika for the Top

Instructions

  1. Peel the potatoes and cut them into eighths
  2. Drop them into cold water as you work
  3. Cook for 30 minutes or until the potatoes are soft when poked with a fork
  4. Preheat the oven to 350F
  5. Drain the water and once the steam has evaporated, put the potatoes back in the pan
  6. Add in the butter and all the ingredients adding the egg yolk last
  7. Mash with a hand masher and fork taking out as much of the lumps as possible
  8. Transfer the mixture to your casserole dish
  9. Take your fork and touch the potatoes and lift up to form peaks these will brown the best in the oven
  10. Top with the chives, salt, pepper, and cheese
  11.  Cook for 35 minutes until potatoes are browned ( If you are making a larger amount or if you are taking from the refrigerator to the oven make sure to add in extra time)

Notes: Cheddar cheese can be added as an option

Cinnmon Roll Pancake

Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

Yes, you read that correctly! I know it is hard to believe that all that cinnamon-y goodness could be packed into a pancake and still taste like a cinnamon bun with icing, but low and behold I made them and they were amazing!
These take a little bit more effort than just a regular old homemade pancake, but they are so worth it. I think this is a perfect treat for Christmas morning or any special occasion breakfast.
In the past, we have made our own cinnamon rolls and that requires you make and proof dough, however with the pancake version your family will have all the flavors of the cinnamon rolls without all that time and effort.

Ingredients
  

Pancakes

  • 1 Cup Flour
  • 2 Teaspoons Baking Powder
  • 1/2 Teaspoon Salt
  • 1 Cup Milk
  • 1 Egg
  • 1 Teaspoon Vegetable Oil

Cinnamon Filling

  • 6 Tablespoons of Brown Sugar
  • 1/2 Stick of Butter Melted and Cool to the Touch
  • 1/2 Tablespoon of Ground Cinnamon

Glaze

  • 2 Ounces of Whipped Cream Cheese
  • 1/2 A Stick of Butter
  • 3/4 of a Cup of Powdered Sugar
  • 1 Teaspoon of Vanilla Extract

Instructions
 

Glaze

  • In a small saucepan melt the butter, the vanilla
  • Add the cream cheese until melted
  • Slowly add in the powdered sugar and mix until dissolved
  • Set aside to cool
  • Once cooled, fill a piping bag or plastic baggie with tip cut off with the icing

Cinnamon Filling

  • Stir together all ingredients
  • Place inside a piping bag with a small tip (If you do not have a piping bag once ready to ice you can cut a small corner off a filled plastic baggie)

Pancakes

  • Whisk together the dry ingredients
  • In a separate bowl mix the wet ingredients
  • Mix together lightly - do not overwork the batter, a few lumps are fine
  • Spray a pan or griddle with cooking spray
  • Over medium heat
  • Drop a scoop-full of the batter onto the pan (for rounder pancakes use an ice cream scoop)
  • Once the pancakes start to bubble, grab the bag of glaze and draw a round swirl starting from the inside of the circle outward. Do not draw the swirl too close to the edge of the pancake or the sugar can burn.
  • Check the bottom of the pancake flip when it is the desired color or light brown.
  • Let the cinnamon side cook and check your heat to make sure the sugars are not cooking too quickly. If you need to remove the pan from the heat and lower the temp.
  • Between each batch wipe out the pan to remove excess sugar.
  • Drizzle each pancake with the icing
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Yes, you read that correctly! I know it is hard to believe that all that cinnamony goodness could be packed into a pancake and still taste like a cinnamon bun with icing, but low and behold I made them and they were amazing!

These take a little bit more effort than just a regular old homemade pancake, but they are so worth it. I think this is a perfect treat for Christmas morning or any special occasion breakfast.

In the past, we have made our own cinnamon rolls and that requires you make and proof dough, however with the pancake version your family will have all the flavors of the cinnamon rolls without all that time and effort.

Ingredients

Pancakes
  • 1 Cup of Flour
  • 2 Teaspoons of Baking Powder
  • 1/2 Teaspoon of Salt
  • 1 Cup of Milk
  • 1 Egg
  • 1 Teaspoon of Vegetable Oil
Cinnamon Filling
  • 6 Tablespoons of Brown Sugar
  • 1/2 Stick of Butter Melted and Cool to the Touch
  • 1/2 Tablespoon of Ground Cinnamon
Glaze
  • 2 Ounces of Whipped Cream Cheese
  • 1/2 A Stick of Butter
  • 3/4 of a Cup of Powdered Sugar
  • 1 Teaspoon of Vanilla Extract

Instructions

Glaze
  1. In a small saucepan melt the butter, the vanilla
  2. Add the cream cheese until melted
  3. Slowly add in the powdered sugar and mix until dissolved
  4. Set aside to cool
  5. Once cooled, fill a piping bag or plastic baggie with tip cut off with the icing
Cinnamon Filling
  1. Stir together all ingredients
  2. Place inside a piping bag with a small tip (If you do not have a piping bag once ready to ice you can cut a small corner off a filled plastic baggie)
Pancakes
  1. Whisk together the dry ingredients
  2. In a separate bowl mix the wet ingredients
  3. Mix together lightly – do not overwork the batter, a few lumps are fine
  4. Spray a pan or griddle with cooking spray
  5. Over medium heat
  6. Drop a scoop-full of the batter onto the pan (for rounder pancakes use an ice cream scoop)
  7. Once the pancakes start to bubble, grab the bag of glaze and draw a round swirl starting from the inside of the circle outward. Do not draw the swirl too close to the edge of the pancake or the sugar can burn.
  8. Check the bottom of the pancake flip when it is the desired color or light brown.
  9. Let the cinnamon side cook and check your heat to make sure the sugars are not cooking too quickly. If you need to remove the pan from the heat and lower the temp.
  10. Between each batch wipe out the pan to remove excess sugar.
  11. Drizzle each pancake with the icing

Enjoy!