Advent By Candlelight

I think that a night with "the girls" is a perfect way to find some calm before the holidays.

Every year, our church holds a quiet service and dessert for women called Advent by Candlelight.  After the church service, the members and guests file out of the sanctuary singing "Silent Night."  The next 30 minutes or so are spent strolling the rooms and admiring the decorated tables.

Each hostess is given a table assignment, a table and cloth and invitations to send to her 7 guests.  The hostess provides the dishes, glasses, dessert and decorations to transform her table into something special.

I love everything about this event - the camaraderie, sweet treats, pretty dishes and license to talk the night away. 

I have been part of a Mother/Daughter table for years and I love it.  We take turns hosting the event and this year we are the guests.  Remember our "Marshmallow Snowstorm" from last year?

I wanted to show you another table (above) that my Mom and I decorated a few years ago.  Our theme was "Retro Kitchen" and the tree in the centerpiece was covered in tiny spatulas, whisks and cookie cutters - so cute!  The mint green & red tablecloth, napkins and touches on the petit fours made our table look fresh and bright.

We placed vintage houses around the base of the tree and gave our guests some old-fashioned ribbon candy as a treat to take home.

If you have the chance to participate in an Advent By Candlelight event - do it!  It is a lovely way to start the holiday season.