A Country Christmas Dinner

Jennings & Gates:  Virginia Country Christmas Dinner

Many thanks to Scot Meacham Wood for the opportunity to participate in his fun Christmas decorating contest.  To the judges Grant Gibson, Megan Arquette, Tobi Fairley, Ronda Carman, Michael Devine and Kathryn Greeley, and to Kathryn Greeley for the wonderful autographed book.  How great to see so much talent in one place!  See the pictures here.

At Jennings' Poplar Grove, Christmas is a day spent outdoors- horseback riding, splitting wood, walking in the woods and ice skating, so for our entry, we created a warm, relaxed and inviting sporting Christmas lunch.

We wanted to use china that many people already collect, so we chose antique Blue Willow dinnerware.  We selected Spode "Consul" for chargers, added air-twist crystal wine glasses and flutes for lighthearted sparkle, my antique rubyware, Jennings' 18th century cobalt salt cellars for their rich blue color, and a pair of 18th century Sheffield Silver candlesticks.  The quail wing was given to Jennings by a hunting neighbor many years ago.  

Then Jennings grabbed his clippers and headed outside to gather plant material for the floral arrangements.  Florist foam is magic stuff.  Just plop a soaked block of it in an attractive bowl, tape in place with florist tape, and add foliage with a variety of textures and colors.  Jennings chose:  Sulphur Heart Ivy, Nandina foliage and berries, Leyland Cyprus, Winter Berry, Variagated Eleagnus, Frasier Fir, Holly, and Magnolia leaves.  He made spicy pomanders with fresh oranges and whole cloves, and added apples, pine cones, "sheds" (naturally shed antlers), and pheasant feathers.

Evergreen arrangements are long-lasting and smell heavenly.  To provide an easy, sustainable "cutting garden" and have fresh greens indoors all Fall and Winter, consider adding one or two new trees or shrubs to your landscape (or outdoor pots if you live in the city) each year.