on the eve of Christmas… 2011

This year we hosted both sets of parents at our house for dinner in honor of Christmas Eve. And while no presents were opened, we tried our best to fill the house with good food and lots of family love.

I made menu placecards for each table setting using some unused photocards (Night Owl Paper Goods) and simple 4×6 index cards.

The main dish for the night was turducken – a lovely combination of turkey, duck and chicken breasts with traditional stuffing and cranberries. Our local market makes amazing birds just for the holidays and this one did not disappoint!

Also on the menu: mashed potatoes, broccoli with sun-dried tomatoes and pinenuts, maple-glazed carrots and a raspberry and almond spinach salad.

After the meal was complete, it was playtime for Miss L and “oh man did that turkey make me sleepy” groggy time for the adults.

[Miss L’s holiday dress: H&M; Maryjane tights: Trumpette]

Then came dessert time: freshly baked profiteroles with drunken strawberries, vanilla whipped cream and fresh chocolate sauce! (you won’t believe how easy these are to make until I show you!)

And Miss L got to try some eggnog chocolates from Ginger Elizabeth as a special treat!

After dinner was done and Miss L was sound asleep in bed… the new annual tradition of Christmas Eve construction began in the house…

In the end the night was just perfect. We were all stuffed and sleepy and ready for what Christmas morning would bring! I hope your Christmas Eve celebrations were just as lovely!