Christmas Morning Dining at the Kitchen Table

There is something special on the morning of Christmas. Perhaps you'll open gifts first and then prepare breakfast.  Enjoying the aroma seems extra special Christmas morning.

I wanted this to feel old fashioned.

 The silverware was my Mom's and we used it for every gathering at the formal dining table.  I chose this for it's sentiment and I wanted silver as an accent.  I crisscrossed two table runners (Kohl's-marked down now) and layered a charger and two dishes.  I've seen runners laid across on a formal dining table going from side to side and dishes placed on them which can look really nice.  They act as a placemat.

I know a few of us have this set- I love these!  The green dish came from One King's Lane a couple of years ago- no name.  The wood chargers are from Pier 1- a classic. Napkin rings from Pottery Barn from a while back.

The tartan napkins match the tartan tablecloth I used in the post last week from my "2015 Department Store Styled Vignette"  I like that pattern so much I bought 8 of these (Sur La Table)!  Since my table is so small I added the fork to the napkin ring.

I kept this cloche on the table for a centerpiece and all we have to do is remove it for dining.  The wood pedestal serving piece will hold a platter with food.  There will be just three of us this year.  The 4th place setting will be removed and we'll use that area for extras food items at the table.

I put straws in there for a festive look but we won't likely use them.  They could be stir sticks though for hot chocolate!  

I had to use the tripod for these pictures and put the camera on manual again since it's so dreary out.  This causes the outside to become nearly whited out but it's actually not that way in person.

I've been running the lights on the globe frequently and they seem to be lasting a long time.

You can see my amaryllis has shot up and there is actually a third stem coming up.  It should be blooming very soon!  I turned the light on behind the etagere for the full affect.  

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If you want to make a luxurious form of French Toast try this recipe!  I've made it before and it's very delicious.  It's fairly sweet all on it's own and you likely won't need any syrup for it. 

*Prepare this the night before so the bread can absorb.*

Bake it in the morning and it's wonderful!  You'll need a bottle of Grand Marnier so plan ahead! 

Add some other things like hash browns, eggs, bacon, sausage and you've got a very nice breakfast!

Crème Brûlée French Toast

Ingredients

• 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons corn syrup
• an 8- to 9-inch round loaf country-style bread
• 5 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups half-and-half
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 teaspoon Grand Marnier
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Preparation

In a small heavy saucepan melt butter with brown sugar and corn syrup over moderate heat, stirring, until smooth and pour into a 13- by 9- by 2-inch baking dish. Cut six 1-inch thick slices from center portion of bread, reserving ends for another use, and trim crusts. Arrange bread slices in one layer in baking dish, squeezing them slightly to fit.

In a bowl whisk together eggs, half-and-half, vanilla, Grand Marnier, and salt until combined well and pour evenly over bread. Chill bread mixture, covered, at least 8 hours and up to 1 day.

Preheat oven to 350° F. and bring bread to room temperature.

Bake bread mixture, uncovered, in middle of oven until puffed and edges are pale golden, 35 to 40 minutes.

Serve hot French toast immediately.

You can to to this link and print it from there.
Read More http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Creme-Brulee-French-Toast-15213#ixzz17gKmZrGS

                                          Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas!

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