Holiday Menu | Stephen Pyles Southern Cuisine

The father of Southwester Cuisine, and definitely a local favorite of ours, Stephan Pyle's has been awarded everything from an Emmy (from the PBS series New Tastes from Texas), the James Beard award for Best Chef in American, and a Who's Who of Food and Wine in America.  We love everything he comes out with, and Stephan Pyles Catering is no different. We ask for a sample from their holiday menus to share with our readers. No doubt you'll want this at your next event.

Nostalgia | Santa's Cookies

A favorite holiday tradition for those with children has to be setting out cookies for Santa on 
Christmas Eve. It's certainly an undeniable treat when opening stocking in the morning for adults too. While store bought cookies are easy, we like the idea of baking with the family the night before. One of the best recipes we've tried has to be one made infamous through urban legend - the $250 Neiman Marcus Chocolate Chip Cookie. Story goes that a customer and her daughter ordered the treats at the Neiman Marcus cafe and loved them so much, they asked for the recipe. The waitress checked, and to receive the recipe, a "two fifty" charge would be added to her bill. The women obliged, thinking $2.50 was quite the steal. Thirty days later, going over her bill, the woman noticed a rogue $250 charge on her bill. One customer service call later, she realized it was for the chocolate chip recipe. The note could not be reversed, so the woman decided to share the recipe with everyone so no one would have to pay such a hefty price for a cookie. It's all urban legend, of course, but it is one heck of a cookie. 

Yields about 2 dozen cookies
Ingredients:
½ cup (one stick) butter, softened
1 cup light brown sugar
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 ½ teaspoons instant espresso coffee powder
Preparation:
Preheat the oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
Place the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in the work bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Beat on medium speed for about 30 seconds, until the mixture is fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla for 30 seconds longer, until well combined.
In a mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add to the mixer, while beating on slow speed., Beat for about 15 seconds, stir in the chocolate chips and espresso powder, and mix for 15 seconds longer.
Prepare a cookie sheet with about 2 tablespoons of shortening (or use a non-stick spray). Using a 1-ounce scoop, or using a 2 tablespoon measure, drop the cookie dough onto the cookie sheet in dollops about 3 inches apart. Gently press down on the dough with the back of a spoon to spread out into 2-inch circles; there should be room on the sheet of six or eight cookies at a time. Transfer to the oven in batches and bake for about 20 minutes or until the cookies are nicely browned around the edges. Bake for a little longer for crispier cookies.

Traditional vs. Modern

Your personality should shine through your tabletop, especially during the holidays. Tradition and holiday hues can still be applied, but be sure that guests see a true reflection of the host where they sit. It is the most sincere and authentic gesture you can make when breaking bread with family and friends. Whatever your personal style or the interior design of your home, you can put together an exceptional tabletop for the holidays with a little help from your friends at POSH.

Traditional Tabletop

You have Mary McDonald's prints and patterns in your dining room and your own collection of Mottahedeh. How to spruce it up a little differently this year? Bring in the Versailles Silver Charger for an added layer of silver and the Parisian Flatware for just the right amount of gold. Forgo the same stemware as last year with a touch of true luxury with our Elise Cut Crystal Stemware for toasting all night long. And when dinner is finally served, look no further than our vintage silver dome platter - the presentation will definitely be worth it.

Modern Tabletop

Embrace the Art Deco theme that is taking everyone by storm. Choose luxe cut crystal with a geometric cut charger and a truly modern shape with our Artesian Flatware. Nothing says modern like a pop art throwback, which calls for a Chloe goblet in holiday hues of red and emerald green. The final touch? An immaculate clear ghost chair from Resource One. You're set for Christmas.

Tabletop Tuesday | Art Deco

Art Deco tablescape with POSH Black Banded Dinner Plate and Black + White Soup Bowl.

For those of you looking for a little New Year Eve inspiration, tap into the Art Deco theme that has taken us by storm. What better way to celebrate a glamorous new year than with the exuberance of a twenties them. As Fergie says, "A little party never hurts nobody." Our Fort Worth gal and awesome wedding planner Jen Rios took the architectural elements of the historic T & P Station and transformed a simple reception tablescape into an inspiring scene in this unforgettable shoot for 100 Layer Cake. Lauren Peele Photography caught each amazing shot just in time for you to bookmark this look for your festive holiday fete.

The ceiling at T & P Station. So gorgeous.

Could there have been a better venue than T & P Station for this shoot? The ceilings and architecture of this building is beyond gorgeous with amazing lighting. The gold and black hues were tapped and brought into tabletop with our Black + Gold China Collection.

What's in a name? If it's the Gold Scroll Stemware, you know it's a name worthy of an impressive guest list.

Toast the evening with glamorous crystal champagne coups.

What's an Art Deco theme with fabulous fizzy and bubbly drinks? Our crystal champagne coups taken center stage for a noteworthy toast. Be sure to see the entire shoot here and catch a hand crafted cocktail (with recipe) by Michael Rios Event Bartending. 

Photography: Lauren Peele Photography / Design & Styling: Jen Rios Designs / Floral Design: Kate Foley Designs / Cakes: Sugar Bee Sweets / Paper Design & Calligraphy: Chips & Salsa Design Studio / Hair & Makeup: Beauty & the Blush / Bridal Gown: De ma fille / Linens: La Tavola Fine Linen / Chairs & Flatware: Ducky Bob’s Event Specialists / China & Glassware: Posh Couture Rentals / Signature Cocktail: Michael Rios Event Bartending / Bride’s Earrings: Rory Ashton Jewelry / Location: T & P Station in Fort Worth, Texas

Christmas Countdown

All images via Pinterest

With a little over a week left for Christmas, you're either excited or stressing about the holidays. For all those last minute planning tips, decor ideas, and entertaining options, check out our Pinterest board for our favorite tricks for an easy and elegant December. Happy Holidays!