I’ll cut right to the chase. I love it when I get invited to Sharene’s home, because it promises to be a wonderful day filled with delicious food and lots of eye candy. She not only has a lovely home that promises to be decorated tastefully for the holidays, but she also knows a thing or two about how to put a table together, (and she’s pretty good behind the stovetop too).
Seven of us were seated at this elegant table for a fabulously festive lunch of two different kinds of savory crepes and a delicious salad, and we were each treated to some homemade christmas bark to take home.
Pssstttt…I hardly made it home before some of it was gone. Bark is super easy to make and is a thoughtful gift so if you’re in need of something at the last minute, here’s a great Christmas Bark recipe (it’s also on my side bar).
I think this next dish is the reason the phrase ‘life is short, eat dessert first’ was created. A chocolate cake rolled over peppermint ice cream, then studded with peppermint candies. She finished it off with chocolate ganache. O.M.G.
Let’s move on to the decorations. There’s something about ice skates that simply says ‘Christmas’ to me. I love them in wreaths, but here they were used as vases to hold a simple but elegant arrangement, highlighted with tiny white lights. So pretty!
Her formal living room, visible on the left as you walk in from the front, has a gorgeous mantel and a smallish tree, perfect for the space, nearby.
A fan of Mackenzie Childs, she dressed these candlesticks up for the season with the addition of pearl like embellishments around the candles. Next to the bright red ribbon they really shine!
Although this isn’t a holiday decoration, I wanted to show you how she turned a simple buffet into a conversation piece just be decoupaging vintage looking labels that she got on line to the draw fronts.
Speaking of decoupage, I have to show you this cool cocktail table. She printed out the image and took it to a printer to have it enlarged. One thing she mentioned was it’s extremely difficult to decoupage a large image like this without it bubbling, so she discreetly cut it into sections. This image lended itself nicely to that process because there were some naturally straight lines, and you can barely tell, even when looking closely.
Sharene has a second Christmas tree located in the family room. It has a great balance of sentimental and modern ornaments, and I really liked the modern touch of the tree topper. Something unexpected!
That concludes the tour of Sharene’s home, but I wanted to show you this beautifully put together table by my friend Elaine. I love the plaid napkins and placemats, mismatched candlesticks, and pretty red bowls. Everything went together so nicely and was so festive, not to mention the food was amazing! Chocolate chip cream pie for dessert that melted in your mouth! Oh boy. I’m going to throw my scale out the window…
In other news…
The last couple of days the weather has been FREEZING! It’s the coldest it’s been in years, and I can’t wait to head south! Hopefully mother nature cooperates, because there’s nothing worse than driving in poor weather with a 35′ motorhome!
We’re busy with last minute details, not the least of which is cooking and freezing some things for the trip down. I want to try to avoid having to eat at rest stops if at all possible. We don’t keep our refrigerator on in the RV on while traveling, so we’re looking into the idea of bringing a cooler filled with dry ice with us. Suggestions welcomed!
Marilyn @ Pink Paper Cottage says
These are all so lovely.. all the decorations and the food! I envy and admire these ladies who can get it all together and put on a luncheon or dinner, do the cooking and decorating too! The only one I’ve ever been to was when my mom would put on a Christmas lunch about a week before Christmas. They were wonderful. She was quite the hostess and loved doing it. Now me…. I can hardly get a batch of cookies made. Oh well. On another note, I’ve been watching some YouTube videos by a couple who call themselves “preppers”. I guess that means putting food away for the future. They live in a small RV too. They use freeze-dried food from a company called Thrive. Their channel is Tinyhouse Prepper. Here’s the link to the one where he talks about the Thrive foods. My hubby and I are going to try them.. they sound delicious and awesome, are non GMO, additive free and most are gluten free, which I need. They are not total meals.. each can is one thing, so you can have ground beef, or chicken, or mushrooms, or onions, etc. even diced potatoes! Many many of them and they just did a video of them camping and using almost all Thrive foods to make stews, omelettes, fruit salad, potato salad… so they didn’t have to have a big cooler for their food. Anyway.. this is the way to go for travelling, especially if you don’t have a refrigerator! They made up bags beforehand, one of the stew, one of fruits for the salad, diced potatoes with onions and mushrooms, etc. then they just take the bags… only have to add water! Here’s the link to his video explaining why they like it so much: https://youtu.be/aQ2AxHR7ZyU Also.. he has a website for the Thrive foods: http://www.bkeller.thrivelife.com.
I’m certainly going to check it out and we may buy a can a month and put some away, and also use them for cooking! I think it would all be perfect for RVing! Their story of why they choose to live in a tiny RV is amazing too! Marilyn
Emily McGriff says
Your friend has a lovely home Doreen. I always enjoy seeing ice skates used in decorating and I love the mantle decked out in greenery. Both tablesscapes are so festive, love the roses on the first and you know what a fan I am of plaid. Thanks for the tour. I know you must be getting so excited about your road trip. Sure hope you have good weather for the road. I can’t tell you how I can’t imagine pulling a long motorhome behind me, y’all are brave! About the cooler. You know how hot it gets here so we rely on Yeti coolers. They will keep food cold for several days it this heat. Check them out for the shorter trips. Hope you are able to post while you travel……….
Kimberley says
Hi Doreen,
Your friends home is gorgeous…so pretty!
I love the decoupage pieces that she did, so creative!
That dessert, oh my gosh – chocolate and peppermint together – I would want to eat that first too!
I don’t know what’s going on with the weather this winter…weird for sure! We got a snow storm here last night…tonight we’re getting hit with another snow storm, then it’s supposed to change over to freezing rain…ugh…winter started late here and I’m already done with it!
When we used to be avid campers we always traveled with a plug in cooler that plugs into a cigarette lighter…it worked really well for us, not too big – just the right size to not have to eat at the junk food stops!
Wishing you a wonderful holiday and the safest of travels! Hugs, Kimberley
kelly says
That dessert looks amazing! I know I would love it. It’s so pretty too. Your friends home is lovely and she has done such a great job with her pretty trees and table. It has been very cold here (and I live in the south) but it is supposed to warm back up this weekend. My version of cold probably feels warm to you though. ha!
Vickie says
I want to be invited to those luncheons! The decor is gorgeous and the dessert looks and sounds delish!
I hope the weather cooperates for your journey south!
Rita C at Panoply says
The best part of decorating and making all the foods is sharing. What a wonderful way to celebrate the season with your friends. It all looked fabulous. I loved Sharen’s mantel decor, so nice and full. Merry Christmas Doreen!
XO,
Rita
Susan says
Doreen. When we first started RV traveling we read the scare stories about running the fridge while on the road. Ours ran on propane or shore power electric/generator electric and if set correctly would automatically switch back and forth.
At first we took the warnings seriously but soon learned that we could not live on the road without our fridge.
Keep in mind that your hot water is also propane….
Turn it on and hit the road. We did, and lived to tell the tale.
From across the pond, S
Cecilia says
Yum, desserts (what? There was other food too?) served with love and in lovely settings. Doesn’t get much better than that! Your friend’s home is beautiful and both tables look wonderful. Hope you get good weather to travel in!
Hugs
Karen says
The tables and decorations are just beautiful! I especially love the ice skates with the arrangement tucked inside…so creative! Prayers for safe travel down south. Have fun 🙂
Kris @ Junk Chic Cottage says
Good morning Doreen. What a fun luncheon at your friends home. Wow what a great lady. Decorates and cooks beautifully. That ice cream cake roll….. oh my yummo! Enjoy your travels down south. Safe travels.
Kris
susan says
What beautiful tablescapes. And, oh, that dessert looks heavenly, Doreen – yes, it’s definitely the season to hide the scale in the closet.
Love that you’re going to be taking off for warmer climates. I have a feeling that we’re going to get slammed with harsh weather here in the northeast.
Wishing you and yours a Merry Christmas and happy healthy New Year. xoxo
denise says
I love your friend’s home! My house is fully decorated for Christmas and today I will host a holiday gathering for a bunch of our Penny Friends. I’ll post photos on facebook. Wish you were joining us! I did make one of your cookie recipes and will give you credit! Merry Christmas, Doreen! xxDenise
tammy j says
we’re heading for Georgia tomorrow to visit Sgt Mike and his family until the 22nd!
I looked at the forecast and it’s supposed to rain the whole time we’re there!
LOL! my perfect weather! and since the temp will only be in the 50’s it will feel more like spring showers.
your post today is especially beautiful and cheery. I gained FIVE POUNDS just from reading it!
be safe. and warm. and. . .
I vote the dry ice!
XOXOXO♥
Carrie@northwoods scrapbook says
Sharene’s home is so beautiful! Her trees were so pretty, and I loved the ice skates! What a cute idea. But that mantel is a stunner!! And I think I gained a pound or 2 just looking at that cake! Wow what a treat!!
I love festive luncheons or teas this time of year! So fun and pretty!! I’m planning on doing a little luncheon here after Christmas for my Mom, Aunt and Annie & her buddy. It’s going to be a belated way of doing Xmas with that Aunt as she’s one I won’t see before actual Christmas. I think Sharene and I are cut from some of the same cloth. 😉
Smart Lady Doreen – flee the cold! Take my frosty toes with you!! 😛 I think the dry ice cooler sounds like a good option if you can’t find another thing out there that would work. I think there are coolers you can even plug in or something to keep things cold. It’s smart to plan ahead like that and avoid more bad eating – especially after all the holiday goodies! My scale and I are not on speaking terms at the moment. ::sigh::
Have a great weekend Babes! xoxo
AnnMarie says
What lovely memories of the luncheon you will be taking with you on your trip south! The food sounds wonderful. Pack some lettuce and carrots to eat on the way down to balance out all the high cal stuff you ate! Have a wonderful trip and winter in the sun!
Vera says
Doreen,
Very beautiful and festive photos of Christmas that stay in your memories and warm your heart. Wow the coldest weather ever… I too would be heading South – metal to the metal 35 feet here we go!
Merry Christmas
Sending hugs and love your way,
Vera
Jane says
What a great friend to host a luncheon that makes everyone fee like a queen. I think that’s a lot of the reason so many of us ladies enjoy cloth napkins, real china and fussing over the menu. A lot of extra work but we make our family and friends feel happy and loved! I think Sharene has a lovely home and some really great holiday decorations…truly inspiring!
Safe travels! When do you get on the road?
Jane
Mary-the boondocks blog says
Sharene’s home is really beautiful with lots of personal details. And isn’t that really the best kind of home one that reflects the owner’s personality and not a cookie cutter showhome. Obviously, you had a great time Doreen, especially after what you said about that dessert. I too have been enjoying lots of desserts lately and have a tire to show for it. I want to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year. Stay safe on your way down to Florida.
Poppy says
Beautiful surroundings, delicious food, wonderful friends and lively conversation always make any dinner party an affair to remember. Your gathering at Sharene’s, I’m sure, was exactly that. Thanks for saving us a seat!
Happy holidays!
xxx
Poppy
Cindi says
Your friend Sharene definitely knows how to set a table.
Looks like a very elegant luncheon. 🙂
I bet you had a marvelous time!
Good luck in your travels South.
It’s 10 below here in Illinois. 🙁
(I love the comment from Pink Paper Cottage!
I’m off to Youtube now!)
xoxoxo
Sharene Wassell says
Thank you Doreen! It was a nice surprise to see my luncheon up on the blog this week. I might have to do do a spring luncheon just to continue the seasonal theme! Loved doing it, glad you could make it. Merry Christmas, and have a safe trip to FL!
Melanie says
What a beautiful home your friend has and gorgeous decor, too! She should be a blogger! 😉 Love the elegant table setting and using ice skates as a vase is so creative and clever. It’s bitter cold here in IL, too. It’s supposed to warm up a little bit this week – hopefully the same holds true for you.
Benita says
Gorgeous, gorgeous! I would love going to her home also!! So many beautiful touches!! Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and fabulous New Year!!! Love and hugs!!
Amy says
Beautiful tables! I love seeing everyone’s Christmas decorations, and your friend, Sharene’s home looks lovely! Speaking of lovely, that chocolate cake is a work of art! Envious of your trip down south – I’m coughing my head off for the second time in two months — ugh! I need warmth! Sorry I can’t help with how to transport your food, but sounds like a great idea to bring as much of your own as you can! Merry Christmas, Doreen, and Happy New Year, too!
Jean | DelightfulRepast.com says
Doreen, this is a gorgeous post! Your friend definitely does know a thing or two about putting a table together! Just lovely! I hope the weather cooperates with your travel plans. Peace and joy!
Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow says
I got stuck at the bark for awhile 🙂
ALL lovely..no wonder you wanted to share.
We are having a break from the cold right now ( You KNOW that it’s been cold when 32 seems balmy 🙂
Next time I am freezing my ass off, though, I will think to myself “well that wussy Doreen went SOUTH” ha ha ! 🙂
XO
Red Rose Alley says
Your friend’s home is lovely, Doreen. So many charming things to look at. I really like that red table runner. It adds a pop of color to the table. Her tree is so pretty with the traditional colored lights. I have that every year as well. And her living room is very elegant. How nice of her to make Christmas bark for all of you to take home.
Merry Christmas, Doreen!
~Sheri
Carla TePaske says
Merry Christmas,
What a lovely luncheon. Thank you for sharing it with us. Beautiful and yummy 😉
Safe travels. If you do decide trying the dry ice, let me know how you like it. We have pondered using it.
Happy New Year,
Carla
Olympia says
Merry Christmas dearest Doreen and may this new year bring you joy and laughter. To be happy is the greatest wish in life!Thank you so much for all your kind visits my friend and your inspiring posts!
Love, Olympia
Cathy, 1929 Charmer Cottage says
Beautiful table and looked like a lovely luncheon. Your friends home is lovely.Enjoy traveling and stay safe. Wishing you and your family a happy and blessed Christmas