DETAILS OF DAZZLE

Invitation. This invitation is a warm-up! Prepare a small Mason or other glass jar with the makings of hot chocolate. Layer it with cocoa powder, miniature marshmallows and peppermint candies. Print the note below on cream-colored card stock. Cut the note out and wrap it around the glass jar, securing it with tape. Wrap the jar with cream-colored paper and tie with a ribbon of warm brown. Hand deliver. Or, enclose the note in an appropriate card or send an email with appropriate stationery.

Note for Invitation. Please come to a winter dinner designed, like hot chocolate, to keep you warm and cozy. Include time and place if desired. 

Entrance decor. Display a few large scarves, shawls or stoles on a small table or other piece of furniture or, if you have a staircase near your home’s entrance, tie scarves, etc. from the bannister. Or tie them around some boxes or other objects. If children or pets are usually present when guests arrive, and if they would enjoy the experience, dress them in scarves or mufflers. You, of course, will be decked out in your favorite shawl. Or use your imagination to wrap yourself in ribbons, scarves or ties.

Greeting guests. Welcome your guests with your warmest smile and hug. Lead them to your cocktail table, hand them a cup of warm mulled wine and present the set of souvenir menus.

Souvenir menu. Print the menu on cream-colored or parchment paper. Wrap it, of course; roll and tie it with suitable ribbon. Tie all the menus together with a broad, fancy, warmth-evoking ribbon. As guests arrive, have each select one from the all-wrapped-up set.

Room decor. Place a decorative throw on your sofa, preferably one that is fuzzy, furry or velvety. If you have a fireplace, use it. Keep the room lighting low, but be extravagant with candles.

Table decor. Show off the appetizers on your cocktail table. Enclose each in a beautiful cloth, scarf or shawl, or large napkin. An alternative is tissue paper in warm colors, although paper does not communicate warmth as well as cloth. If you have one, a three-tier dessert stand enclosed in handsome fabric will beguile your guests. Whichever presentation you use, unwrap with panache before serving.

For your dining table, use linens in shades of brown or other warm colors, incorporating some contrast. Examples are tablecloth or placemats in taupe with creamy napkins (or vice versa) or cream with forest green or auburn. Similarly, use dishes that reflect warmth. If you can, avoid white china, which has a cold, formal look. In keeping with the theme, you could wrap the dishes of each place setting, or each set of flatware, in the guest’s napkin. A centerpiece that evokes warmth or a pleasant wintry scene will fit the theme.

An alternative will make your dinner table radiate warmth and light. For the centerpiece, use one or more ice luminaries. Follow instructions from the Internet. Fill with evergreens such as holly and red cranberries with a candle in the center. Place a dish under each luminary to catch drip. The ice represents winter’s cold; the evergreens and berries, its beauty.  The candle flame conveys warmth in the face of winter’s cold. 

Mood music. The occasion calls for soft, relaxing music. Nostalgic love songs, especially oldies, will work for most guests.

Favor. Blood oranges, available only during winter months, make a delicious and appropriate take-home souvenir. Place two or more in a decorative pouch or wrap in festive paper.

Note for favor. We hope you enjoy these blood oranges. Unwrap (i.e., peel) these jewels of the citrus family to reveal segments as lush in coloring as they are luscious in taste.