I can’t wait!  This year, we’re hosting a real traditional Christmas dinner.  My sister’s family is visiting from North Carolina and my dear friends Lyn and Glenn are coming from Australia.

Our home will be merry, merry indeed!

So how to prepare for this “festive fete”?  What is simple, yet elegant?  How can we set up, then relax and enjoy?  (I don’t want to be slaving away while everyone else is sipping cheer…any more than you do!)

The plan:  Set the table in the living room by the fireplace and the tree.  Use shimmery crystal and glittering ornaments for added sparkle.  Light lots of candles so the ambiance is warm and cozy.  (I still pretend “the weather outside is frightful” even if it’s 80 degrees in LA).  Plan a menu that can be prepared (mostly) in advance.

Prosecco* with Campari

Champagne**

*Prosecco is our favorite Italian sparkling wine.  Much lighter and not as “yeasty” as Champagne…and it doesn’t give you hangovers. (We love that.)  We recommend Zonin ($5.99 at Trader Joe’s).  A fantastic deal!

**The Aussies are purists and still prefer Champagne.

Mini Quiche

Pastry Bites with Feta & Onion

(Both are found in the freezer section of Trader Joe’s.  Heat and serve.  How simple is that?)

Butter Lettuce Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette

(For dressing: Mix oil and apple cider vinegar with garlic and a dash of Grey Poupon.  Et voila!)

Standing Rib Roast with Garlic Peppercorn Crust

Potatoes au Gratin or White Truffle Risotto (still deciding)

Roasted Asparagus

(Possibly a Cheese Course…Lorenzo’s half French…can’t forget the cheese!)

Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting (& Peppermint Pieces)

I wanted to make something special for dessert and it’s thrilling that
Red Velvet Cake has been discovered in Southern California.  It’s long been a
Southern U.S. tradition.

If you’ve never tried Red Velvet Cake, I recommend “Sprinkles”
cupcakes in Beverly Hills or “Le Cupcake” in Santa Monica Place Mall.
Doesn’t get much better.

Red Velvet Cake Recipe:

2 1/2 cups Plain Flour
1 1/2 cups Sugar
1 1/2 cups Cooking Oil
1 cup Buttermilk
1 tsp each (Salt, Cocoa, Baking Soda, Vinegar, Vanilla)
1 large bottle Red Food Coloring

Mix all ingredients and pour into 2 greased & floured cake pans.  
Bake at 350 for 30-35 minutes
Cool before frosting.

Cream Cheese Frosting:

1 8 oz. pkg. Cream Cheese
1/4 stick softened Butter
1 tsp Vanilla
1 box Confectioners Sugar

Southern Living Magazine adds peppermint pieces on top for Holiday flair!

Bon appetit!