Deck the Halls with a Festive Table…..

 

 

Another Deck the Halls Tuesday from Susan at Thoughts from over the Rainbow.

 

I am going to double post with Susan at Between Naps on the Porch as I finalize the decorations, menu, presents, etc.. The table has been fun and is almost done.

The photo shoot is imminent.

The frosted fruit I bought at Michael’s years ago and it has survived several moves and storage in plastic bins in a Florida attic.

The Santa is not chocolate but resin and made in an antique chocolate mold. He was a gift from a dear friend

I am not a good wrapper. I try so hard and the results are less than splendid. This year I am really going to make an effort so wish me luck! If they look splendid, I will photograph them and if not – oh, well.

We are making one more batch of Gram Potter’s Date Nut Bread for house gifts and hopefully the smell of it baking will spur me on to finish everything up.

Gram Potter’s Date and Nut Bread

1 ½ cups boiling water
1 8-ounce package dates, chopped
1 ½ cups sugar
2 Tablespoons melted butter or margarine
1 egg
2 teaspoons baking soda
3 cups flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup chopped walnuts

Pour boiling water over dates and let cool. Cream sugar and butter. Add egg and mix. Dissolve baking soda in date and water mixture. Add flour, salt, vanilla and date mixture and mix. Add chopped nuts. Pour mixture into 2 loaf pans and bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour or until cake tester is clean. Wonderful with whipped cream cheese.

I will make mini loaves today and put them in little gift bags with bows and Jack will go happily to the neighbors bearing presents.

I set the table with my wedding china and some silverplate that I picked up at an antique shop in the clearance room.

I discovered some LED candles at Pottery Barn this year and set them in shot glasses. I like the way they look and I can also use them on the Welsh cupboard without fear of scorching the shelf above.

So, on to the wrapping……