ENTERTAINING

cozy, fireside

CHRISTMAS BRUNCH

STYLING ROBIN THEISMANN AND MARGARET MONGER GREENERY AND DECOR PAULA DECLERK PHOTOGRAPHY ANNABELLA CHARLES

Christmasmorning at the home of Robin and Joe Theismann is a time to reflect and recover, especially at the end of a non-traditional year. After hosting Christmas Eve dinner for 26, the couple likes to cozy up next to the fire with their immediate family for brunch.

The kitchen/dining area at the Theismanns’ is second to none, seating 10 comfortably yet still able to maintain a cozy atmosphere. The fireplace ties two spaces together, making for an easy flow from the mimosa bar set up on the kitchen island to the dining table. Overall, the home’s primary colors of white and gold lend themselves nicely to the addition of festive seasonal decor. Robin makes sure the house feels comfortable, but likes to add in a few glamorous pops of gold to brighten up the space.

Eachguest enjoyed a pear topped with blackberries and raspberries, chocolate scones drizzled with pomegranate seeds and honey, and a pecan pastry. Robin mixed her elegant Lenox Eternal china with a festive tree dinner plate and gold flatware. The couple’s white-on-white monogrammed linen napkins provided a personal touch to anchor each place setting.

Paula DeClerk designed and crafted the impressive centerpiece, a myriad of 72 candles surrounded by several kinds of holiday greenery. Paula gold leafed the wooden base, sprayed multiple eucalyptus strands and pinecones gold and incorporated Granny Smith apples as a pop of color. Robin laughs that the room, “Looked beautiful, but smelled even better.” The pair of white Christmas trees complemented the rest of the decor perfectly and drew the eye toward the beautiful front windows of the home.

The Theismanns look forward to gathering their family around the fire again this year to toast to 2021 and the years ahead.