The days leading up to Christmas are some of the busiest of the year. They are also the most festive days on which to entertain.
Last week, I hosted a Christmas coffee morning for some of the moms at my kids’ school. It’s something I have done in the past and all the moms enjoy taking time out to relax and catch up before the holiday break.
For me, it is a chance to invite friends over while my house is somewhat clean and orderly! Plus, it’s decorated for Christmas, which makes entertaining that much easier and more fun. It’s also easy in that the season sets the theme for everything from Christmas doilies, napkins and serving dishes to Christmas-themed centerpieces.
Here’s what was on the menu:
- Bagels and cream cheese
- Cheeses and crackers
- Egg Salad
- Cold Cuts
- Croissants and Apple Turnovers
- Yogurt and Granola
- Banana Bread
- Fruit Salad
- Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice
- Coffee and Tea
Although the main purpose of the Christmas coffee morning was to eat, chat, and catch up, we also had a Kris Kringle or Secret Santa event. Each lady brought a $20-$25 wrapped gift and we chose gifts in an order based on the first letter of our first name. “Stealing” the gift, based on its wrapped appearance was allowed once! This was done at the end of the morning before the ladies left. The gifts this year included: hand scrubs, costume jewelry, an adult coloring book, hand soaps, and a Starbucks gift card.
This Christmas Coffee Morning was a lot of fun to host and set up. And, it can be hosted before Christmas, the day of, or, with a few tweaks, on the days leading up to New Year’s!!
Here are some of my tips for the night before:
- Prepare and set the table with plates, napkins, cutlery, glasses
- Lay out the serving plates and utensils
- Prepare and fill the coffee and tea pots
- Place cheeses and cold cuts in platters; cover and refrigerate
- Prepare the egg salad
Tips for the early morning before guests arrive:
- Wash and cut up fruit
- Purchase fresh bagels, croissants, pastries, and fresh orange juice from a local store
- Plate the purchased pastries; plate the yogurt and granola
- Fill the kettle and coffee maker and start brewing
Have you hosted a Christmas or holiday coffee morning? What advice do you have? I’d love to hear about it.
Enjoy!
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I know this may not have been what you were going for, but bagels and lox is sounding like a great christmas breakfast right now!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
That would have been a great addition to the menu!! Happy New Year to you and your family!
Mary