HOLIDAY 2014: Christmas Dinner Report

Above: The KQ Christmas Dinner table setting for 2014.

HOLIDAY 2014: Christmas Dinner Report
by Chef Mitch

We hope you had an amazing holiday dinner whatever you celebrate.  We celebrated our good fortune with a feast of comfort food.  Following in this posting are images of the KQ 2014 Holiday Dinner and links to recipes and photo tutorials.

Enjoy!

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Below: The KQ 2014 table setting included vintage red and green glass plates and zebra print taffeta and colorful satin linens.

Above: A close-up of the table setting featuring red lacquer chargers, matching napkin rings and red satin napkins.

Above: Chef Philip made a meatloaf using a bundt pan to form a ring shape.   View the KQ Meatloaf recipe and tutorial here: http://www.kitchenqueers.com/food/meatloaf/ 

Above: The table set with the food ready to serve.

Above: Chef Philip made a basic gravy to pour over the meatloaf and mashed potatoes.

Above: The ring mold meatloaf was sliced in wedges to serve on a platter.

Above: Cheese sauce is a must when serving broccoli in the KQ kitchen.

Above: Broccoli florets were steamed for a fresh green element on the holiday plate.

Above: Mashed Potatoes are a must at the KQ Holiday table. http://www.kitchenqueers.com/food/mashedpotatoes/

Above: Another view of the KQ Holiday table just prior to eating.

PLACE SETTING: Red, Black and Zebra

Above: One of four versions of the Red/Black/Zebra place settings.

PLACE SETTING: Red, Black and Zebra

by Chef Mitch

I debuted my new red, black and zebra holiday table setting. Chef Bob said, “Oh! This is lovely”. Chef Philip indicated he also liked it, especially the shiny red lacquer. My friend Carol Ann was not quite so enthusiastic. She said, “This looks like a table a hooker would have”.

All of the pictures showing several alternative looks from this series can be found on the Kitchen Queers web site: http://www.kitchenqueers.com/party/placesettingideasREDCHARGER/

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Below: An alternative version of the Red/Black?Zebra place settings. 

PLACE SETTING IDEAS: Purple Charger Plates

Above: Purple lacquer charger plates form the foundation of this place setting design.

PLACE SETTING IDEAS: Purple Charger Plates

by Chef Mitch

I recently purchased these purple charger plates online, as I thought they would serve as a great base for our white square porcelain dinner plates. As it turns out, I was right. These chargers are great. Both Chef Philip and Chef Bob had positive things to say when I set the table with these beauties. I'm going to order more colors as soon as I can!

FYI: I purchased these chargers, as well as several napkin rings and tablecloths from a popular web site that specializes in table settings for weddings and other special events. Nice selection, great prices and fast shipping. And no, they didn't pay me to say that! View the CV Linens selection here: http://www.cvlinens.com/

You can check out a place setting tutorial featuring these purple charger plates on the KQ web site, CLICK HERE.

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Below: A completed place setting featuring the purple charger plates.