When it comes to Christmas light displays, and special holiday dinners, there’s no better place during the holidays than Charlotte, North Carolina. Many of our home parties at Christmas are based upon our rich Charlotte history. Today, Charlotte is the second largest metropolitan area next to Atlanta, GA. It is also the second largest banking center in the country next to New York City. Our residents celebrate holiday parties in style each year and whether they do this at home or use one of our great Charlotte Venues, they enjoy a rich and enjoyable history of flavor and style.
How did Charlotte get it’s name?
The name of “Charlotte” was the name of King George II from England. The city folks wanted to gain favor with King George III, so they named the city “Charlotte” after his wife. Since then, the city has become known as the “Queen City.” Many Charlotte events were considered royal events. Decor for parties in Charlotte consisted of all types of royal items such as colorful crowns, flowers galore and royal colors to represent the Queen’s city. The homes of Charlotte are bright with the Christmas spirit each year. Hosting a home party is not only cost-effective for Charlotte residents, it is also a warm and traditional way to celebrate the love of friends and family.
A real old fashioned Christmas Tree:
The Christmas tree sets the stage for a successful Charlotte Christmas dinner party. A “real” tree is recommended and besides, it has the wonderful fragrance of the season. Christmas customs today for decorating the tree have roots from Victorian times. Back then, in England, Prince Albert, originally from Germany where the first Christmas Tree was used at the holidays, felt it important to bring the same tradition to England. He insisted that the first Christmas tree be erected in Windsor Castle in 1841.
The tradition was carried on from there and made its way to America. Today, we cannot imagine a Christmas dinner party without a Christmas tree. At the dinner party it would be appropriate to adorn the tree with a few old fashioned ornaments from yesteryear.
A “real” Charlotte affair at the holidays:
Using royal items to decorate the tree and other parts in the home will bring your Charlotte theme to life. At every home party, there is always the smell of fresh backed cookies and pastries. After the cookies or sweets have been decorated, a great idea is to put them in a holiday tin and wrap them in pretty ribbons and bows. This makes an exciting and tasty gift for all attending. For the kiddies, a popular idea is to bake cupcakes and allow the kids to decorate their own cupcakes. This is always a hit with the little ones at holiday parties.
The main meal at the party:
Family and friends look forward to the holiday dinner menu. The feast always reminds us the importance of loved ones and to give thanks for our many blessings. For many homes and party destinations, it is customary to ask one of the guests or a family member to say “grace” before the meal begins. As at Thanksgiving, the meal should consist of a traditional turkey, a wonderful baked ham or another meat of choice. Other foods will compliment the meat dish such as mashed potatoes, a variety of vegetables and home baked breads. For dessert, an old fashioned fruit pie is a popular southern delight as well as one of my favorites, a coconut cream pie (see the recipe below).
A recipe for an old fashioned coconut cream pie:
Ingredients
one 9 inch baked pie shell
3 cups milk, divided
1 cup granulated sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
6 Tablespoons cornstarch
1 cup sweetened flaked coconut
3 Tablespoons butter
1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
additional coconut – for garnish
Meringue Topping
3 large egg whites
1 Tablespoon cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon cream of tarter
6 Tablespoons granulated sugar
The night before Christmas (party)
As the meal winds down each person attending may receive a gift made by the hostess. For a home party, the night before Christmas, it is also a tradition in some families to open a few gifts, keeping the majority of the gifts for Christmas Day. To add a last minute flair for the old fashioned, a few carol singers could sing some beloved Christmas tunes. The most important part of any holiday celebration is spending time with loved ones. The Joy of Giving— May your heart be filled with the joy of giving, as it is the expression of the love in your heart and the kindness in your soul.
Thanks for stopping by “Events by Jaclyn.” Please call me to assist with your next special party. Leave the details to us and relax at your own event.
Staff Writer
Events by Jaclyn
Charlotte, N.C.
