Cooking, Cleaning and Getting the House Jolly

Our new antique china bought at auction.

Happy Holidays my kind readers!

  The past couple of days we finished up decorating the house, and unpacking the rest of the holiday cheer: mugs, towels, holiday lights for inside.  The outside of the house is finished, and the inside is almost done, but now it is time for the dusting, vacuuming, washing, etc. as we are expecting house guests from out of town this weekend. We are having a family dinner for them and the Lee house will be cooking a big turkey and a ham for the first time. We have new/old china, a big table and now our dining room is almost finished so it is ready for its true use (and not a craft room)!.

Hope I put them away correctly!

  Yesterday, we unpacked the china and washed it one by one by hand and then put it away, it looks so nice in our new china cabinet. I cannot wait to cook up some yummy appetizers, entrees and desserts and dine with my family.  Next year, we might expand and invite friends too!

There really is no theme (for once in my life) but i bought a lot of gold decor and off white candles, so the colors are green, gold and off white. The china has gold edges and roses and the table will have gold stars and little trees in the middle. Simple , but pretty. Then, we will have flickering candles everywhere, and hopefully will get  a roaring fire going after dinner.

Our dinner  

Appetizers:

Brie En Croute
Stromboli (vegetarian and meat)
Crackers and Cheese
Crab Dip
Homemade Olive Tapenade
Mini Spinach Quiche

Main Course:
Pear Glazed Roast Turkey
Spice Rubbed Ham with apple maple sauce
Green Beans Almondine
Brussel Sprouts?
Carrots/Potatoes
Grandma's Noodle Pudding
Stuffing
Cranberry Sauce
Lasagna
Crescent Rolls

Dessert:
Cranberry Duff
Plum Pudding
Christmas Cookies including Gingerbread Men

I am not sure if I forgot something, but that is the main gist of it. Traditional, delicious.

Here is the link to my Pinterest Board for:
 Holiday 2012   for some of the recipes.  Also, Monkey Bread ( that I will be making for breakfast for our guests ) is there.

Feel free to share any recipes back with me, I am always looking for delish new dishes.  Let me know your Pinterest page in the comments, and I will follow you back!

Stay safe and warm.

                      XO,
    Zoe, Ana and Duncan Lee