Chaletmomma

Friends - I am not what I would call a marvel of culinary genius. My mom Rita - having helped in the kitchen from the time she was 7 yrs old and could stand on a chair by the stove and follow her mother’s instructions (who was in a wheelchair with MS) - was a utilitarian cook - she had a smallish repertoire of dishes she prepared well and after 28 yrs I still dearly miss her roast beef. And that’s the type of cook I am as well - I’m not inventive - I follow recipes unless it’s something I’ve been preparing forever - like my mother’s Hot Crabmeat Dip. I’ve also recently fallen in love with Trader Joe’s many prepared dishes that are simply too tasty! But, with the new calendar I find myself excited to try my hand at a few new recipes.

Here are the three cookbooks whose dishes I feel comfortable to prepare or have prepared and most importantly - dishes I know my family will enjoy.

I received Savor and a fabulous charcuterie board at Christmas and there is nothing I like better than to graze… I love to serve snacks that are hearty enough to become a meal. We own a Fondue Pot I’m excited to use again!

How Easy Is That is a tried and true favorite from my collection. I have served the Tomatoes Roasted with Pesto so many times! They are so delectable!

Scandinavian Gatherings is not only about food from the different countries of this region but, there are wonderful crafts to incorporate into the celebration and use as decorations for the table and room! I keep hanging onto to the sliver of DNA from my Swedish Great Grandmother! Every Christmas Eve we enjoy Swedish meatballs my sister prepares with Felix Lingonberries on them!

Mom’s Crab Meat Dip Recipe:

Are you embracing any new foods or recipes lately?

Til next time be well!

As we close out this holiday season - I was looking through an album I created on Instagram full of ideas for the 2021 Chalet Christmas decor. I hope you find these images inspiring too! Enjoy! Click image for source.

Love the idea of covering a round mirror.

I’m loving this mirror and covering it in this lovely greenery is delightful.

This gorgeous greenery has me thinking about what I could do on the upstairs railing or possibly a swag underneath our stairwell handrail.

More gold accents - I love this look of a nontraditional color.

Nothing works better at making a statement than a large grouping and while I don’t own glass trees - I could use bottle-brush trees.

This deer was brown before paint - it reminds me to think of what it can be.

This glorious ribbon and greenery is lush - I love the use of eucalyptus. I definitely need more ribbon next year.

The pine-cone wreath and a nontraditional ribbon color elevate the space.

The use of a blue and white ceramic planter to anchor the tree is genius!

Focusing on a single bold color is brilliant.

These sweet ornaments made me think - maybe I’ll use my tabletop tree in the upstairs hall cabinet next year with a fun theme.

Another reason why I need a cloche. This is so simple and no dusty ornaments.

This ribboned nutcracker has me thinking of where I might add something similar and finally this table is offering more thoughts for the cabinet in the upstairs hall.

So much originality and inspiration in this images. I hope you saw a thing or two you found delightful and maybe filed way for next year too!

We were blessed to share Christmas Eve with family who are in our circle and though our Christmas Day was quiet with just we three here in the Chalet it was lovely to spend the day in our PJ’s playing games and relaxing. We very much missed spending the day with family but, count ourselves so fortunate that our loved ones are well. I’ve spent most of the last week lounging on the couch reading, watching movies or playing board games when I haven’t been eating delicious treats! So all the way around I feel Christmas 2020 was a success!

I wish you a wonderful New Year!