The table is set for Christmas Eve.  I feel so settled.  We actually went to the movies and saw American Hustle, two thumbs up.  We also braved Costco, so crowded, but they expect large crowds and had us out the door in no time.  We plan a very simple but delicious meal, starting off with this classic crab cake recipe and ending with a modified version of this yummy looking recipe using the ollalieberries we picked this summer.  In between we'll have a standing rib roast and the last of the frozen green beans from summer.

The Christmas Eve table centerpiece is from Costco.  The evergreens are so pretty and smell so nice and I imagine they'll last for weeks.  The dinner plates are those lovely, large inexpensive ones from Pottery Barn.  The salad plates are awesome, they are from Vietri, made of glass and look like a tortoise shell.  The tablecloth is from Beauville.  Every year they create a special Christmas tablecloth.  The DAY AFTER CHRISTMAS I go to my favorite linen shop and see if I can buy it half price, I will stand in line for half price linens.  This one is so pretty with snowflakes and fir trees and I use it all winter. 

We've been gone for a good part of December and have not had much time for many of our Christmas traditions.  (It looks like I've been in town because when I travel I pre-write and schedule my blog and FB posts.)  So this busy year we have a teensy tree, nary a Christmas cookie in the house and haven't really decorated much at all.  But it's all OK, and I think it was kind of nice for a break, taking a year off.  But just for this one year only.  I told my husband, next year, sweetie, we are full on Christmas again; boxes down from the attic, big tree, and parties!

I'm looking forward to a relaxing week ahead, visiting with friends and family and spending some time at home too.  Merry Christmas and may you be blessed with hope, peace, joy and love.

xoxo Kristen