Red and green, the classic combination that conjures up Christmas memories and magic. This year, we all need sentimentality in spades, prompting my take on a traditional tablescape that features these two tones and a soupçon of festive flourishes.

The starting point was the very elegant Hollyhock Stripe pattern from India Amory that plays out on the tablecloth and napkins. Ever the lover of a monochromatic moment, I wanted plenty of shades of green (just not fifty!). Enter these exquisite plates from Boxwoods (they are available to purchase at the shop, just pop by or give them a ring!) and my favorite from The Avenue.

Mary Carpenter of Love Louise Designs created the place cards, she is one of my favorite local artists to support and always a joy to work with. A rattan centerpiece brimming with winter blooms and spruce from Ginger Rose Flowers ties it all together. Noteworthy for Atlantans: Ginger Rose just opened up the most charming florist shop in Virginia-Highlands next time you’re in need of a bouquet or two.

As for what we’ll be serving come Christmas Eve, the menu will star this crab bisque with cheese muffins and a decadent salad that plates beautifully. I thought I’d share the salad recipe because one can never have enough holiday dinner ideas!

Stuffy Muffy’s Holiday Salad

Serves 6-8, I always plate individually.

Dressing:

• 1/4-1/2 cup lemon juice (to taste!)
• 2-4 tsp honey (to taste!)
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp minced shallots
• 4 tbsp Dijon mustard

Salad:

• 1 large container of leafy greens (Think hearty varieties like kale and spinach. I love the Power Greens mix from Costco, pictured.)
• 2 avocados, sliced
• 1 block of Roquefort blue cheese, crumbled (As Ina says, the good kind!)
• Pomegranate arils

Assemble the greens and avocado slices on salad plates. Drizzle with dressing then garnish with blue cheese and pomegranate arils. Bon appétit!

PS for a colonial Williamsburg-inspired spread, peruse last year’s table featuring orange pomanders and clementine topiaries.