Every year around the second week of December, we hold a tree-trimming party for the family and close friends. In years past we've visited tree farms where we searched for the perfect tree. These days we get our tree from the nursery and after much maneuvering to get it tied to the roof of our car and into the house, we're ready for a hearty mug of soup.
Tree-trimming night is very casual so we suggest serving the buffet from the kitchen, allowing everyone to eat and work as they wish. All of the cooking is done ahead of time and since it's usually a work day, make use of two 5-quart crockpots to prepare two different soups, allowing everyone a choice of either or a little of both. All that's left is to toss the salad, which only takes a minute. Dessert (in this case, a beautiful tray of fruit and lemon biscotti -- both prepared ahead of time) is served after the tree is done while everyone sits back and enjoys the decorated tree.
This is the night to bring out the Christmas albums, tapes, and CDs. With this menu, there's no need for a table setting. Use casual mugs for the soups, small plates for the salad and dessert.
(for the recipes, click on The Recipes or click on the individual recipe above)
