Prep for Christmas Day Open-House

The trees are up, gifts are wrapped and anticipation is growing! Christmas is almost here!

Every three years we stay home and host a Christmas Day Open-House. It's far from formal and as relaxed as things can get around the holiday. From noon to 7p or so, we really don't enforce the times - just provide them to help others plan their day, we have family and friends over to nosh, glug and enjoy the day. This year, my husband is going to spark up the fire-pit so we can roast chestnuts, and get a little fresh air. Here's what's on the menu:

Light Nosh:

    Cheeses from Murray's (a thoughtful gift from a dear friend) Italian meats Crudités Grapes

Sides & Proteins:

    Spiral Ham (Trader Joes) Carne Asada Beef (Trader Joes) Roasted Turkey (Trader Joes) Roasted Brussels Sprouts Tamale Pie Pasta al Forno Soft rolls & condiments for making sammies

Dolce:

To Sip:

    Rittenhouse Inn Wassail Red & White Wine Rogue & Sierra Nevada Christmas Brews Ginger Ale Sparkling Sodas from Trader Joes

Most of this involves pre-heating my oven and warming up the pre-cooked meats. Though I did buy some fun mustards and cloves to jazz up the ham. The Tamale Pie will be the biggest labor of love. My Nana & Great-Nana used to make Tamale Pie on Christmas day, and I have a freezer full of poblanos just waiting to be thawed and turned into my star dish. I think it will become a new tradition on my Christmas menu and I hope to pass it along to my sisters and children (only the one for now) through-out the years.

We are so excited to share the day with loved ones, and hope that you too enojoy a wondrous holiday season and a joyous 2012!