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“joy and merriment” for moderncity on pinterest
cutlery, defined
just in time for setting the holiday table:
photo: everybodyandtelevision.wordpress.com
savor: zucchini quinoa croquettes with sorrel and rosemary (and champagne orange marmalade sauce)
crunchy cheesy crusts hold together these creamy, earthy yet light, croquettes. the rosemary brings out the nutty and creamy flavors of the quinoa, while the citrusy sorrel pairs perfectly with the zucchini. i wanted a sauce to cut the creaminess of the croquettes, so i used champagne orange marmalade heated with olive oil.
these are perfect for an afternoon snack, hors d’oeuvres, or even as a breakfast pairing instead of hash.
find the recipe on savor.
savor: hearty wheat berry stuffing
hearty wheat berry stuffing
this is a healthier alternative to traditional stuffing. i skipped most of the bread that’s normally required and opted for nutty and chewy wheat berries to serve as the filler. the bread that i did use was flax-quinoa, a hearty option with a specific nuttiness that works perfectly with the thyme and mirepoix. you can find flax-quinoa bread in most health food markets (like whole foods).
the flavors of this dish are quintessential thanksgiving: warm, savory, simple and delicious. what’s better: this dish is not only something great for stuffing a bird, but you could serve on its own, and anytime during the colder months. this dish is also vegetarian.
find the recipe on savor.
sugars: holiday-spiced panna cotta
holiday-spiced panna cotta topped with pumpkin granola, dried turkish figs, maple syrup, and fresh blackberries
this is another anytime recipe that works especially well for entertaining during the holidays. light yet creamy. rich yet tangy. served in individual glass containers i almost think of these little darlings like a pre-dessert. a warm-up, even. something that comes before the heavier chocolate fudge and pecan pies.
i chose to compliment the sweetness of the vanilla and creamy tang of the buttermilk with warm spices of nutmeg and cinnamon. you can serve the panna cotta solo, topped with fresh berries, or as i did for breakfast this morning: with a drizzle of maple syrup topped with dried turkish figs, pumpkin granola, and fresh blackberries.
find the recipe on sugars.
panna cotta topped with fresh blackberries
easy hors d’oeuvres: warm and cozy baked brie by candlelight
baked honey almond and fig brie
words cannot begin to describe the joy that comes from this cheese recipe. shying away from soft cheeses, i never really used to like brie. until one fine day a good friend of mine told me shebakes her brie with honey. i thought, well, “baked and with honey.” honey. it can’t be that bad. right? i was wrong. it wasn’t bad at all. it was life-changing-ly delicious. the creamy slightly tangy brie combined with the nuttiness of the almonds, sweet honey, and smoothness of the fig, is absolutely divine. that, combined with wine and loved ones is a recipe for happiness.
find the recipe on savor.
to serve:
on a clean, dry, cheese board or plate, arrange sliced granny smith apples on one end, and crackers on the other. in the middle, angled slightly, carefully place the baked brie. sprinkle raisins along the sides and corners of your board/plate. add a sprig of rosemary. include a knife spreader tucked closely next to the brie. suggest to your guests to spread the brie on the cracker with a couple raisins and a piece of rosemary. also try using an apple slice instead of the cracker.
to set the table:
include small, metallic, votive holders that mirror and project the warmth of the candlelight. combine with taller, pillar candle holders that have cut-outs, so as to also project the soft glow of the candlelight. for thanksgiving and autumn gatherings, include small gourds and pumpkins throughout.
i got the votive holders and pillar candle holder you see here from target, for $2 to $9 each.
brie by candlelight
porcelain beauties
tokyo craft studios was started by two students of industrial design in rhode island. they now live and work in tokyo creating one-of-a-kind pieces from wood, paper and ceramics. each piece is exquisitely hand-made and beautifully simple.
i adore the porcelain pieces. soft, elegant, and beautiful in design, these pieces are suitable for everyday or any special occasion. find more examples on dwell.
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- tea light holders
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- branches of light candle holders
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- branches of light tea light holders
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- wave vase
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- bud vases
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- branches of light pendant lamp shades
dessert as decor: creating a beautifully functional tablescape
peppermint pink meringues on display
recently i made peppermint pink meringues in honor of breast cancer awareness month, and in preparation and anticipation of the holidays. here they are looking pretty, and intentionally placed within arms reach…
the mini cake domes make for a perfect presentation of confections, hors d’oeuvres, and even seasonal decorations. you can find these at any restaurant supply store, but the easiest way is online. i found these on amazon for under $30.
you can find the recipe for my peppermint pink meringues on sugars.
everyday holiday: table and enclosure cards
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- michelle brusegaard
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- rifle paper co.
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- lotta jansdotter for tiny prints
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- rifle paper co.
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- paper source
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- rifle paper co.
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- rifle paper co.
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- michelle brusegaard
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- rifle paper co.
there is an art to being a stylish, considerate, and gracious hostess. simple, and classic, details can go a long way to ensure your guests know just how thankful you are for their company, and friendship.
one important detail that mustn’t be overlooked is personalizing the table card. not only are you letting your guests know where you think they would have the most pleasure of company, but you are sending them a heartfelt message. include a few lines about your favorite memory together, how much the friendship means to you, or even a question to prompt a lively dinner discussion.
have fun with it! there are endless options to choose from, and numerous examples of cards that can reflect your personal style (which is of course, of high priority). find out which places are my go-to shops for holiday (and anytime) stationary on everyday holiday.
moderncity {gather} 