ST. JOHNS MAGAZINE
  • Home
    • Home & Style blog
    • Beauty, Fashion & Home
    • Real Estate >
      • Real Estate St. Johns BLOG
      • Neighborhoods of Northern St. Johns
      • New Construction
      • Featured Communities >
        • Focus on Trailmark
        • Focus on Shearwater
        • Focus on Nocatee
        • Age Restricted Communities
    • Travel
    • Back to school
    • Books We Love
  • Lifestyle
    • People
    • Wellness >
      • BLOG Health & Wellness Providers BLOG
    • Calendar Blog
    • Trivia Nights
    • Parks in St. Johns
    • Golf Courses
    • Autism Resources >
      • SJM Autism Blog
    • Summer Camp
    • Beaches
    • Farmer's Markets
  • Dining
    • Restaurant Guide
    • My Wandering Fork
    • Local Chefs Series
  • Digital
  • About
    • Contact Us
    • Demographics & Distribution
    • Past Issues
    • Testimonials
    • Graphic Design Services
  • Best of SJ
  • FAQ

Home & Style

How to Throw the Perfect Christmas Dinner...with advice from my southern Granny!

12/2/2015

3 Comments

 
Picture
Picture
by Jennifer Andreu Yarbrough

​My grandmother, Mrs. Rita “Wynette” Andreu or simply “Grammy,” was quite the Holiday Hostess.  From the moment we entered her house on Christmas Eve to the moment we left everything was perfect.  Here are a few things that I learned from my Southern Grammy about how to make Christmas special.

Start with ambiance — I will always remember the smell of Grammy’s perfume intermingled with smells from a fire in the hearth, a fresh Christmas tree, and delicious food baking.  If you have a fireplace, use it!  The smell of a fire, even in balmy Florida, creates ambiance.  Buy a fresh, cut tree or wreath, the smell is festive! While we’re on the subject of Christmas trees, even if you decorate thematically give ornaments made by your children and grandchildren a place of honor.  I was so proud that amongst the Victorian-themed ornaments on my Grammy’s tree, my handmade ornaments were prominently displayed. 

Set your table — Unveil your China and silver; go all out to set a lovely table!  Grammy always used her beautiful cream and rose China set, demonstrating that this was a special meal---this was Christmas!  Using nice linens and tableware let me know as a child to be on my best behavior, which helped me learn about manners and etiquette. Also, include a low-profile centerpiece that reflects your taste and style.  Go rustic or floral, or opt for a Florida centerpiece, like I am this year, with shimmering sand dollars, star fish, and small white Christmas trees.    Clean all of these items the week before Christmas, go ahead and set your table and mark a big item off your list! My Grammy was cool and collected on Christmas Eve, as every hostess should be, and preparation was the reason!

Cooking— I remember the year that I found out my Grammy’s cooking secret—I saw it lurking in the trash—a frozen pie box!  All those years I thought my Grammy cooked every last item from scratch, but she confessed that she had not and that made all the difference in getting everything done and being relaxed enough to have fun.  Ask people to bring things!  People love to contribute!  Just give them a little direction—side dish, dessert, breads, drinks, etc.  My goodness, don’t stress yourself out!

Hostess Fashion— Any Southern hostess will tell you, you need to look your best.  This is Christmas, y’all, it’s a special Holiday, so by all means make time to get yourself together---fix your hair, put on a little makeup and press your clothes—whether they be casual or your Sunday best.  And, take a tip from Grammy’s playbook, get yourself a cute apron.  Practical for keeping your clothes clean and cute enough to make a fashion statement!

Start Traditions— On the way to Grammy’s house, my Dad would turn on the car radio and really play up the Santa Tracker, we loved it!  Before we departed from Grammy’s house we selected one ornament from her tree to keep.  Start your own tradition—peruse Pinterest and give your guests “Reindeer Food” as a parting gift, or a “Christmas Eve” box with pajamas, hot cocoa and a mug.  Sing Christmas Carols around the fire.  Have a Birthday Cake for Jesus, sing Happy Birthday and blow out the candles!

Christmas is a special Holiday no matter where you are.  Love the people that you are with and make sure to enjoy every moment, making memories that will last a lifetime. Merry Christmas, y’all!


3 Comments
Beverly Fleminh
12/2/2015 06:35:44 am

Great Southern article.

Reply
Terry Andreu
12/2/2015 11:52:11 am

Fantastic!!
Greatvmemories, had me crying
Great Job

Reply
Sofas link
7/9/2020 03:48:44 am

Getting more interior designs I have ever seen, basically updating us more sofas and more designs ever,thanks for making useful tips. The lowest cost and quality sofas you can find here always.

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Author

    Local Authors & Experts  for St. Johns Magazine

    Archives

    September 2022
    March 2020
    August 2019
    July 2019
    February 2019
    May 2018
    March 2018
    October 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    March 2017
    December 2016
    October 2016
    August 2016
    June 2016
    March 2016
    December 2015
    June 2015

    Categories

    All
    Dorm Room Decor Ideas
    Growth In St. Johns County
    Markland Manor House
    Meet The Neighbors At Shearwater In St. Johns
    New Home Communities Guide 2017
    Nocatee 2020
    Patio Decor Ideas
    River Stonework 2022
    Shearwater
    Shearwater 2017
    Shearwater Resort Like Amenities
    Summer Party Ideas
    Why St. Johns Is The Place To Be!

    RSS Feed

Picture

©2012-2022 All Rights Reserved 
St. Johns Magazine LLC

About 


 
Welcome to St. Johns Magazine, the premier lifestyle media company in St. Johns Florida and the heart of Northeast Florida.

St. Johns Magazine is a fun and friendly resource guide connecting the growing communities of northern St. Johns. We focus on the positive aspects of life with entertaining features and articles promoting local businesses, people, places and events!




Contact 

Contact Us
About Us
Demographics
debbie@stjohnsmag.com

904-687-8538
St. Johns Magazine publishes twelve times a year. stjohnsmag.com launched in 2012. Like our page on Facebook, and follow us on Instagram. The magazine is printed in Jacksonville, Florida, USA and distributed free of charge to SELECT homes in northern St. Johns.


Proudly powered by Weebly
Photo used under Creative Commons from JaxStrong
  • Home
    • Home & Style blog
    • Beauty, Fashion & Home
    • Real Estate >
      • Real Estate St. Johns BLOG
      • Neighborhoods of Northern St. Johns
      • New Construction
      • Featured Communities >
        • Focus on Trailmark
        • Focus on Shearwater
        • Focus on Nocatee
        • Age Restricted Communities
    • Travel
    • Back to school
    • Books We Love
  • Lifestyle
    • People
    • Wellness >
      • BLOG Health & Wellness Providers BLOG
    • Calendar Blog
    • Trivia Nights
    • Parks in St. Johns
    • Golf Courses
    • Autism Resources >
      • SJM Autism Blog
    • Summer Camp
    • Beaches
    • Farmer's Markets
  • Dining
    • Restaurant Guide
    • My Wandering Fork
    • Local Chefs Series
  • Digital
  • About
    • Contact Us
    • Demographics & Distribution
    • Past Issues
    • Testimonials
    • Graphic Design Services
  • Best of SJ
  • FAQ