The garland, the greetings, the ribbons and bows — there’s magic in the holidays, and much of that magic comes from drawing around the table with loved ones. This year we’re looking to age-old customs to inspire new, meaningful traditions in our gathering spaces.
| Stylist | JoBeth McElhanon of LILIAS & OLIVE |
| Venue & Catering | THE CAPITAL HOTEL |
| Photography | JASON MASTERS |
St. Lucia’s Day Brunch
Saint Lucia is known for being one of the earliest Christian martyrs and is remembered with a festival of light in the darkest time of year. St. Lucia’s Day represents the beginning of the Christmas season in Scandinavia with the iconic image of young girls dressed in white, wearing a wreath of lights and serving coffee and baked goods to their families.
Fine Taste
The Capital Hotel is not only one of the state’s most sought-after venues, but the team there also offers catering services to bring their award-winning flavor to your home. They also allow guests to bring in personal touches to on-site events, including family heirlooms like fine china.
On Rethinking Dinner Plans
“Brunch is one of my favorite ways to entertain,” event planner and stylist JoBeth McElhanon says. “The timing fits well with most schedules, the menu is typically less elaborate and there’s a brightness and ease to entertaining that guests feel that sets them in a relaxed mood while not cramping their calendars.”
Details
| Ballroom | THE CAPITAL HOTEL |
| Mahogany Chiavari chairs | PARTY TIME RENTAL & EVENTS |
| Florals | TIPTON & HURST |
| Monogrammed napkins | THE MOMMAGRAMMER |
| Linens | INDIA AMORY |
| JULISKA plates, SKYROS bowl and glass, ABIGAIL wine glasses and flute |
TIPTON & HURST |
| Raffia bowls | BEAR HILL INTERIORS |
| Invitations | JESSIE RUSSELL FUCHS |
| Pairings | O’LOONEY’S WINE & LIQUOR |
Feast of the Seven Fishes
Observed on Christmas Eve, this Italian-American celebration centers around the Roman Catholic custom of abstaining from meat and dairy on the day before Christmas. The modern Feast of the Seven Fishes found its footing in the early 1900s as a way for families to reconnect to their roots.
Bringing Back the Art of Formal Gatherings
“Years ago, I heard a speaker address the rise in technology and social media by saying, ‘The more high tech the world becomes, the more high touch we should become.’ Now, more than ever, we need to be intentional with meaningful connection,” McElhanon says. “The dining table is an excellent forum to do this. A thoughtfully planned evening, delicious meal and lively conversation is a wonderful opportunity to create a rich experience and lasting memories.”
My Favorite Things
Personal recipe from Seth Barlow of O’Looney’s Wine & Liquor
Ingredients:
- 0.5 oz. Aperol
- 0.5 oz. Cynar
- 0.5 oz. Barolo Chinato
- 1 dash of orange bitters
- Rocks glass with orange twist for garnish
Wine Pairings
“For the red, I did Il Palazzotto Dolcetto di Diano d’Alba. Roughly translated, dolcetto means ‘little sweet one,’ but the wine is completely dry. It’s rich and lush, exactly the kind of thing you’d want on a cold winter night. Look for notes of blackberry, raspberry and sage; it should go perfectly with the roasted veggies and the swordfish steak.
“For the white, I chose the Mesa Giunco Vermentino. Vermentino hails from the island of Sardinia. It’s very bright and crisp, with a strong nose of white peaches and fresh papaya. This should be perfect with the lime roasted shrimp and clams with linguini.
“For dessert, I suggest sticking with the leftover Barolo Chinato from the cocktail”
-Seth Barlow of O’Looney’s Wine & Liquor
Hosting Tip
The Capital Hotel provides an elegant, home-like experience perfect for entertaining guests. With many baby boomers downsizing their homes, it can be an ideal location to house guests for the night and then entertain with brunch the next day.
Details
| Quapaw Room | THE CAPITAL HOTEL |
| Gold Chiavari chairs | PARTY TIME RENTAL & EVENTS |
| Persian rug | HADIDI RUG & DESIGN GALLERY |
| Mallard velvet linens | BBJ LINEN |
| Florals | TIPTON & HURST |
| HEREND china, ARTE ITALICA glasses, WATERFORD crystal |
TIPTON & HURST |
| Invitations | JESSIE RUSSELL FUCHS |
| Pairings | O’LOONEY’S WINE & LIQUOR |
