My Holiday Brunch - Part One
My holiday party last Sunday was very festive and enjoyable. Like last year, guests could wander between three buildings. My home, called the Winter House, was where Chef Pierre Schaedelin and his kitchen staff prepared and served a fabulous brunch. Amazing desserts were arranged in the Summer House, which was also where guests could join in with the caroling. For those who still had a sweet tooth craving, the little Tenant House offered an array of beautiful Christmas candy. Tomorrow, look for more celebration photos taken by an MSLO photographer/videographer.
1 My beautiful Santa sleigh was brought from the carriage barn. In fact....
2 Santa decided to drop by the party! The children were so happy. Some of my farm crew, Wilmer, Phurba, and Chhiring paid a visit to Santa (Dominic). The Santa costume came from http://www.wholesalehalloweencostumes.com
3 Some of the outdoor trees were decorated with giant kugel ornaments.
4 Kugel ornaments were first made in Germany in 1848.
5 There was a blazing fire outside in the giant cast iron bowl.
6 The brown room had two amazing silver tip fir trees. These fragrant specimens were grown in Oregon at elevations of 8000 feet. http://www.nwctv.com/bambisnursery/
7 More decor in the brown room
8 The buffet was set up on this long dining table in the brown room. The top of the table was covered with a long paper runner painted with a silver faux bois finish.
9 Thomas Joseph and Sarah Mastracco helped Pierre out with the food preparation. http://pierreschaedelin.com/
10 There were Christmas trees throughout the house. This silver tinsel tree is in the bird room.
11 It's called the bird room because the walls are lined with unusual bird prints by artist Carsten Höller.
12 I made this glittered Noah's ark several years ago and love the way it looks on this green marble table in the entrance way of the house.
13 The walls of the green parlor are also painted with the faux bois technique and it makes sense to use green ornaments here.
14 There are two full-size gold tinsel trees in the front corners.
15 The table between the trees is decorated with green mercury balls of various sizes.
16 The amazing glass candies from Shane Candies, were on display in the servery. http://shanecandies.com/
17 Clear toy candies were brought to the US in the 18th century by the Germans.
18 These sugar toys were given to children as gifts at Christmas.
19 Shane Candies have more than 300 candy toy molds that they found in at auction.
20 They use a 1920's old-fashioned gas candy stove to melt the sugar.
21 The colored liquid candy is poured into the molds using old copper candy pots.
22 The detail and clarity is incredible.
23 Francesca???
24 Oysters on the half-shell were served outside the kitchen. Norm Bloom & Son Oysters & Clams in Norwalk CT sent us 150 delicious oysters from Copps Island, right off of Westport, CT. http://www.normbloomandson.net/
25 Food began coming out of the kitchen.
26 An artfully arranged tray of various smoked fish. The salmon, sturgeon, sable, salmon caviar, mini-bagels, and cream cheese came from Russ & Daughters. http://www.russanddaughters.com/
27 There was a succulent holiday ham from Pat LaFrieda Meat Purveyors - http://www.lafrieda.com/Default.asp
28 And Benton's Smoky Mountain Country Hams sent two wonderful Tennessee hickory smoked country hams. http://bentonscountryhams2.com/ There were bowls of cranberry chutney, freshly ground horseradish, and mustard sauce, as well as biscuits.
29 One of two fruit salads - This one a colorful mixed citrus and pomegranate seeds
30 Desserts were served across the way in the Summer House.
31 I made this wreath on The View using using Martha Stewart Arctic ornaments from The Home Depot. I love the way it looks!
32 A large assortment of desserts was set up on the long counter tops in the library.
33 The panettone came from Sullivan Street Bakery. http://www.sullivanstreetbakery.com/ It was light as a feather and so delicious!
34 Balthazar provided this amazing stolen, brioche, and mini-croissants. http://www.balthazarbakery.com/
35 Dominique Ansel Bakery sent us their delicious DKAs, which stand for Dominique’s Kouign Amann, a well-known pastry in Brittany. This flaky, sugary confection is one of my favorites. http://dominiqueansel.com/
36 There were Christmas carol booklets for the guests to join in with the professional carolers.
37 Guests gathered around the Steinway piano for festive singing.
38 These spheres are gilded walnuts.
39 There were more trees on the end tables.
40 Windowsills were decorated with gilded pine cone trees.
41 More cookies in the parlor
42 The second parlor tree
43 These whimsical glittered mushrooms were set around the parlor.
44 My Wedgwood-inspired crèche
45 Guests were also treated to candy in the Tenant House.
46 All of the candy came from Hammond's. http://www.hammondscandies.com/
47 There were assorted candy canes and ribbon candies.
48 Peppermint lolllipops in various shapes and sizes
49 Hammond's Candy Company was founded in 1920 by Carl T. Hammond, Sr. in Denver, Colorado.
50 Business boomed for Hammond during the Roaring 20s.
51 While the Great Depression brought many changes, Hammond’s went right on selling candy.
52 But even in those extremely trying times, people could usually find enough money for the simple and sweet pleasure of candy.
53 Carl felt that if people were going to buy his candy then it had to be good.
54 Carl's motto was, "Nothing is more important than quality." We love Hammond candy!
55 The mantle in the Tenant House is decorated with a woodland scene.
Martha Pins
Martha Tweets
Martha, like totally like OMG everything looked so beautiful, like totally!
In all seriousness, things did look quite festive and welcoming. I am glad to hear it was enjoyable for you, as I did think of you on Sunday and hoped all was going well. I can hardly wait until tomorrow, I'm on the edge of my seat.
Thanks for sharing this wonderful blog.
`
P.S. My mom and I were just speaking about how you can't find good Christmas candy at the dollar stores any more, but look out Hammond's hear I come! Just stick with Martha and you will be introduced to many things!
Posted by: KLBrown | December 20th, 2012 at 1:03 am
Such a classically-inspired party! Love the three locations for the food and treats for guests. As always, the decorations are timeless and elegant, adding the perfect touch of holiday festivity.
Tremendous job Martha!
Posted by: The Gray Boxwood | December 20th, 2012 at 1:57 am
Fabulously festive Martha!
Posted by: sherey | December 20th, 2012 at 2:06 am
Ho,Ho,Ho, Martha, Your decorations are absolutely beautiful. I just finished writing my congressmen a letter from the demandaplan.org website. Fantastic idea! I am so happy someone is finally taking action to keep us safe. I really miss your show, especially during the holidays. You and your staff always had so many great ideas and recipes during the holidays. It's not the same without you. You're the best! I have learned so much from your show. PBS doesn't air your baking show in my area. I do enjoy your blogs. Thank you for sharing. Best Wishes to you and your family.
Posted by: Joan W. | December 20th, 2012 at 3:33 am
Dear Martha, I am speechless. Amazingly beautiful Christmas at your house. Everything looks perfect, Love love all the details, the decor and the food. I can't wait for part II.
Happy Holidays and Best wishes xo
Posted by: Rowaida Flayhan | December 20th, 2012 at 4:16 am
Way to party Martha!!! Appreciate the links to all of the purveyors. How about a close up of the gilded walnut spheres and gilded pine cone trees, or is there a link to marthastewart.com for making these? Looks like a fun family Christmas craft project.
Posted by: Thomas | December 20th, 2012 at 6:21 am
Martha, I love your sleigh! It's so pretty, and what fun to see "santa" in it surrounded by Wilmer, Phurba and Chhiring!
It looks like you have decorated every nook and cranny of the winter, summer and tenant houses! I especially like the brown room, the silver faux bois paper runner on the dining table is beautiful, I like how it ties in with the bases of some of the tabletop trees.
The glass candies from Shane candies are amazing, I've never seen anything like them.
You always serve the best food at your parties Martha, the smoked fish and the fruit salads look so yummy. It was nice to see Thomas and Sarah again, I can't wait for part two of your wonderful holiday brunch!
Posted by: Cindy F | December 20th, 2012 at 6:54 am
Simply the best--'nuf said!!!!
Posted by: Bill | December 20th, 2012 at 6:55 am
Golden Tree - that's great! don't even need toys, everything shines)
Posted by: Patricia | December 20th, 2012 at 8:02 am
Martha,
Fabulous decorations in every corner and on every table! The food also looked scrumptous and I bet every guest had a great time, an event to remember this holiday.
I'm curious what the candle holders are called in photo 36, the ones behind the carolling books with marble base and crystal prisms. I actually have a similar one and can't find any information on it. Appreciate any information you can gleen. Happy Holidays, you certainly started the holidays with a gorgeous celebration.
Posted by: Sandi | December 20th, 2012 at 8:41 am
Hi Martha, OMG! What a marvelous party this one must have been at your awesome Bedford farm! This tour was so special to see and using 3 houses again must have been lovely for all of your friends and family members! Was so great to see that Chef Pierre, and your wonderful kitchen staff cooks from your TV Shows, Thomas Joseph and Sarah Mastracco cooking all of those delicious foods served in your Winter house, Summer House and Tenant House! Everyone must have had a marvelous time eating, singing, and going to all 3 places to see the fabulous Christmas decorations! Everything outside looked lovely, also and the weather looked awesome! I know that F,S.&GK had fun also because they gave us a blog about the party and how tired they were after having so much fun!!! These photos are so fabulous to enjoy and this tour was so great to enjoy! Your home looks so lovely and it was also fun to see Santa and his buddies! Can't wait to see the next blog about that party! Thanks for all your tweets you have been sharing with us, too! Hope you have another outstanding day again! Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | December 20th, 2012 at 9:25 am
OOOOOh May I get on the invitation list?! How lovely.
Posted by: barbara bade | December 20th, 2012 at 9:51 am
Hi Martha,
I have been waiting with great anticipation to see the pictures of your Holiday Brunch get together. You decorate your farm, inside and out, so beautifully. The pictures of all the decorations, the trees, the sleigh, candy and all the rest is absolutely spectacular. If someone does not have the holiday spirit, they will after seeing your blog today. I can't wait for the next segment
Merry Christmas to you and yours,
Karen and Maddox
Posted by: Karen Tracy | December 20th, 2012 at 9:55 am
Wonderful decorations! I hope the party went very well.
Posted by: Kristina | December 20th, 2012 at 10:26 am
Hi Martha,
If I was invited to one of your Christmas parties, it might be the one time I wouldn't eat. Not because the food doesn't look delicious, (love the salad in picture #29), but I think I would be too busy inspecting all of the decorations. I cannot keep my eyes off of things that look so beautiful. I didn't have any of that while growing up and so I am in awe of every little thing. I especially like the green mercury balls and the gold ornament on the wall, or maybe it is suspended and not on the wall. Whatever, it’s beautiful. While looking at your pictures, I wonder how many other people are looking at them too and thinking the same good thoughts that I and all the others here have thought, and then I wish more of them would comment. Of course, you might get comments from celebrities who don’t want their name posted. Maybe I shouldn’t think out loud so much! Everything is as gorgeous as I expected your party to be and thank you for sharing it with us. You don’t really know any of us and yet I feel I’ve been invited. Thanks! Trish
Posted by: Trish | December 20th, 2012 at 11:03 am
Amazing !
Posted by: Bonnie | December 20th, 2012 at 11:17 am
Hi Martha,
Fabulous pictures! You sure know how to throw a party. Loved everything especially the glass candies cat and little Francesca. I am enjoying your new Cooking School series. Basic cooking lessons and I always learn something new each time I watch the show. Keep up the good work. May you and your family have a wonderful holiday season.
Joan
Rochester New York
Posted by: joan vogt | December 20th, 2012 at 11:47 am
Martha, thanks for posting such appetizing and beautiful photos of all your tables! Most of all, I thank you for posting the source for Kouign Amann. I first tried that pastry in a local bakery while visiting the old town of Dinan in Britanny in 2004 and have not been able to find a US bakery that made it. You're a great resource!
It's quite tedious to make, I've read, but I love it! It's my favorite dessert! So buttery and delicious! I'll have to visit the Dominique Ansel bakery on my next trip to NY! If only they could mail it to other states...
Posted by: laline | December 20th, 2012 at 11:55 am
Hello Martha. Good Afternoon.
Your brunch at the farm must have been charming. I loved the pictures. The Tenant House decoration and the delicious candies drove me crazy. I love candies, and everything looks perfect.
Merry Christmas to you and yours.
Malú
Posted by: Maria Lúcia | December 20th, 2012 at 11:55 am
Thank you for sharing your beautiful Sunday Holiday Brunch! My favorite slide, #32. The Summer House desserts in the library! Beautiful.
Next favorite: the beautiful Shane candies!
Candy house is my next favorite house.
All the food looked fabulous!!!!!!!!!!!!! Happy Holidays Martha:)
Posted by: Summer | December 20th, 2012 at 3:34 pm
I'd love to know where Martha gets all those little tabletop trees. Anyone know? I live in a condo and they would be perfect. (I'm assuming they're artificial)
My Granny used to have little silver bowls of thin ribbon candy at Christmas. I'm going to buy some for my nieces!
Posted by: Ingrid | December 20th, 2012 at 3:42 pm
Seriously Martha, I love everything you do and make. You are awesome!
Posted by: Shelby R. Bonner | December 20th, 2012 at 8:19 pm
I HAVE WATCHED MARTHAS BEAUTIFUL THINGS FOR YEARS....AND I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE ONE OF EACH OF THEM...I ALSO MISS HER MOTHER HELPING HER AT CHRISTMAS TIME...THANK YOU
Posted by: PATTY BELLEAU | December 20th, 2012 at 8:46 pm
Thank you Martha (and your team of helpers) for sharing with us your beautiful home and holiday party pictures. It is so fun for me to take ideas from your photos and add beauty to my home. You have inspired me through the years in many ways, and I appreciate you so much! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
Posted by: Anne | December 20th, 2012 at 9:28 pm
Martha, you are so kind to us! We do appreciate the loving decorative touches that you show your guests!
It was a true pleasure for me to see the clear toy candies! As a child from a German family background, I actually ate the very same types of those molded clear toy candies that you've shown! LOL...Well, I am 64 after all!
My brothers and I would always enjoy the clear toys and ribbon candies even before looking for the toys!
Speaking of toys...I remember one year in the mid 50's...my father had some business setback, and he made all of our toys.
Those were some of the best memories ever...and I still have the hobby horse he made for me (painted by my aunt), it is still my treasure today!
Many blessings to all!
Posted by: Barbara Mayer | December 20th, 2012 at 9:34 pm
Happy Holidays Martha!
Thank you for sharing your photos. It was such a treat to see them and the warmth of the holiday came radiating thru them. It was magical few minutes that brightend up my evening. I wish you the brightest most lovely Christmas full of love peace and joy.
Posted by: Theresa Morris | December 20th, 2012 at 9:36 pm
WOW!!!
Gloria G!!
Posted by: Gloria | December 20th, 2012 at 10:23 pm
Martha, your home looks so lovely! I love how the Brown Room looks. I can't wait to see more!
Posted by: Andrew Ritchie | December 20th, 2012 at 11:19 pm
The Crèche was the most beautiful I have ever seen!
Posted by: Dolores Boland | December 20th, 2012 at 11:22 pm
You do live a blessed life, what a wonderfully decorated home. Thank you for sharing, have a Merry, Merry Christmas with your loved ones.
Posted by: Debbie Mahoney | December 21st, 2012 at 12:18 am
What a wonderful holiday party. You had all the essentials for a great party - wonderful guests, elegant food and warm holiday atmosphere. Have a terrific new year - health and happiness!
Posted by: Jeri Hill | December 21st, 2012 at 8:26 am
Dear Martha, I love the Noah's Ark that you placed in your entry. It really adds the personal touch that you have made the essence of all you do. I wish you a very Merry Christmas --- with a grandchild, the best! --- and a wonderful New Year 2013 full of health and interesting good things to discover and much happiness. Thank you for your wonderful blog. It is one of the best blogs in the world, especially with your photos and commentary...there's always something to learn, to be amazed by, to see as beautiful and dear.
Posted by: Penny | December 21st, 2012 at 1:18 pm
This looks marvelous, and makes me really miss your show this holiday season. We don't even get you cooking show here in Lincoln. Happy Holidays to you and your family.
Posted by: marylyn brinkhoff | December 21st, 2012 at 2:44 pm
So beautiful and inviting. You know how to throw a party. Kugel was my grandfather's last name. Merry Christmas and happy New Year. Carol
Posted by: Carol Delaney | December 21st, 2012 at 3:53 pm
Martha, Wanted to wish you a very Merry Christmas. I have been a big fan of yours for a number of years, and it so wonderful to see how you deck the halls of your home for the holidays! And to see a ham from my home town placed on your table is truly wonderful.
Posted by: Andrew Huskey | December 21st, 2012 at 8:05 pm
Thank you for sharing your lovely home with us! I miss so much your T.V. show, but love the way you keep us posted with tons of ideas on Facebook!
Posted by: Ann Stratton | December 22nd, 2012 at 9:41 am
Jax and Ken helped me set out our creche yesterday as it is not inspired by wedgwood, same as your molds but color designed by Lois and have loved it for these many years, too. Once again, these photos are great, Merry Christmas
Posted by: ann | December 22nd, 2012 at 3:33 pm
Dear Martha, everything looks spectacular but I especially love the decoration on the counter tops of the library!
Posted by: Ghadiza Aguezoum | December 23rd, 2012 at 12:11 pm
Lovely, Just Lovely
Posted by: Jody Olson | December 24th, 2012 at 6:48 pm
I Adore those glittered Mushrooms. It is all beautiful.
Posted by: Jody Olson | December 24th, 2012 at 6:52 pm
I just saw a photo of Martha Stewart serving a dinner party in 1976 and there was no plastic in the scene except for the telephone. Martha, can you redesign us a telephone with no plastic now?
Posted by: Beth | December 25th, 2012 at 9:40 am
What a beautiful wonderful day you had. I can imagine how your guests felt going into the candy room - it would be like living a Willy Wonka adventure! What a way to give people the spirit of Christmas. I love those silver fir tip trees and how you decorated them. I also love the serenity and snugness of those two gorgeous wreaths on your house and the firepit. Another wonderful feeling you communicate to guests through your craft. Thank you.
Posted by: Karen | December 29th, 2012 at 12:18 am
I really enjoyed the fabuous pictures of your gorgeous Christmas.
I loved seeing all your trees. I was excited to see the gold and silver tinsel trees. I wondered if any are antique, or old. I look forward to seeing part 2. 
Gail
Posted by: Gail | January 11th, 2013 at 1:23 pm
Dear lovely Martha, I miss seeing you on television! Are you going to have a show soon? I hoped so as I enjoy your programs so much! Judy
Posted by: Judy | January 11th, 2013 at 7:01 pm
Dear Martha-
I know it's past Christmas but am going retro on your blog entries since I am a fairly new reader. Just have to comment on the striking beauty of the calderon in front of the house. It is so over-the-top in its boldness. It is inviting and luring with the glow of its fire conveying to its viewer immediately the quieting of the bitterness of the coldness of winter. All this in one instant glance that calderon sitting alone in front of the house is felt. Truly visually amazing and beautiful. What a beautiful card cover! Nothing less to be expected from America's favorite esthetic!
Posted by: Teri | January 24th, 2013 at 9:13 pm