I Am Hosting Christmas Dinner...

...and I want to look fab and smell nice. This year we are the lucky ones again to host family's Christmas dinner, and I am determined to pick a few no-fuzz easy-to-prepare dishes so that I will have time to shower and look fresh when my guests arrive.

I've always been a fan of Gucci's perfume such as the Original Rush (not the Rush II), so of course I can't pass the Gucci Guilty with the same amber-based notes. The Gucci Guilty not only smells but looks sophisticated...I can already see how wonderful the bottle looks on my Sarah Richardson's dresser.
I have my Christmas outfit already planned in my head -- mostly from the pieces I already own: the GAP jeans, GAP Favourite Tee, BURBERRY Scarf, ECCO Bouillon Ballerina Flats and Swarovski earrings. The bottom line is -- comfort and being myself.

I am not biting my nails yet about the Christmas dinner but I need to start the planning. I am not that type of hostess that has a few signature dishes up her sleeves, so perhaps I should turn to my trusted advisor -- Williams-Sonoma's cookbooks.

So here's what I am thinking:

When guests arrive and before dinner is served: Smoked Salmon H'orderves (the bonus? I pretty much don't need to cook anything in this dish.)

I am no wine pairing expert, but I know a thing or two about the wines I love. 2007 Pinot Noir from Speck Family Reserve is one of the best Pinot Noirs I've tried so far; I always have a weakness for Shiraz and Rosemount Diamond Estate's 2006 Shiraz fits the bill and taste; and of course who can go wrong with our own Ontario's Henry of Pelham's Chardonnay?

Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus will be one of the appetizers. Hubby hates asparagus (or any vegetable), so I need to be creative to replace it with something else. Any suggestions?

I guess I do have one fool-proof dish after all -- my Coq au Vin Blanc as the entrée. I can almost taste how wonderful it is pairing with Speck's Pinot Noir, or the Chardonnay that's already in the sauce.

And saving the best for last, how could we call it a Christmas Feast without Anthony's famous Penne Arrabiata, right? The spicy Shiraz will undoubtedly kick up the flavour by another notch!

And Christmas Dinner is served! Dessert anyone?