A Connecticut Christmas

There’ll be parties for hosting, marshmallows for toasting and caroling out in the snow… I couldn’t bring you all to my neighborhood holiday fete, so I decided to bring the party to you.  Welcome to my house, and let’s share a Connecticut Christmas together!

Come in, and let me take your coats. It’s warm inside–my husband, Frank, made a fire, and my father, Bob, is standing by at the bar. We have champagne to start the evening. This is a celebration!

Make yourselves at home. I love Christmas pillows, don’t you? I had these custom made for a home on Nantucket, and I look forward to getting them out every year. Reminding myself to be M-E-R-R-Y is a very special part of my holiday traditions!

One of my favorite things about decorating for the holidays is adding splashes of Christmas crimson and red throughout the house. Ten months of the year, I opt for soothing neutrals: the white of sandy beaches, the soft beige of driftwood, the soothing blues of the ocean. But once November arrives, I bring out the red ribbon and of course, the red and green stockings.

I love the warmth of a red tablecloth, too.

I hope you’re hungry! We’re serving shrimp with cocktail sauce,

brie en brioche, assorted mini quiche, pigs in a blanket (everyone’s favorite!), pumpernickel with crudites and dip,

mini lobster rolls, and mini crab rolls with lemon dill aioli. Yum. (The toothpicks are homemade!)

Dessert is special Christmas cupcakes,

and white Bichon puppy cupcakes–they look just like our two little Bichons, G.G. and Tuffy.

And of course, Christmas cookies!

Don’t forget the chocolates…a nod to Nantucket with chocolate whale truffles from Sweet Inspirations on the island. Better take one now–they go fast!

I love the old-fashioned Christmas touches

With children’s toys to evoke the true joy of giving

And a little Russian flavor for my dad…

There’s plenty of time for relaxing by the fire

before it’s time to say goodbye.

The next morning, we’ll all wake to a snowy winter wonderland!

and I’ll enjoy a morning cuddle with my two tired little helpers, G.G. and Tuffy.

Have a happy, healthy holiday season!