The Seven Days of Christmas - Day Four

The main event! Or one of the options for a meaty make-ahead entree to serve at your Christmas dinner. This recipe will serve four to six people, and pairs beautifully with rice, your favorite pasta or mashed potatoes. For easy entertaining, I recommend the pasta or rice. They are much easier to keep warm if you need to delay dinner by a few minutes.

One lamb shank can be enough for two to three people.

Slow Roasted Lamb Shanks cooked in the oven. This recipe is not only easy, it is polite as well, waiting on you in the oven for up to two hours! How nice! Very good manners.

My recipe allows you time to prepare appetizers, cocktails and salads. While it's quietly roasting away in your oven, you can set the table, stage your cocktails area and even sit for a few minutes to catch up with yourself before guests arrive.

Table settings don't have to be complicated. Keep things simple, but get creative. Use what you have on hand, and try something new.

Christmas isn't always red and gold and sparkly. Use your favorite colors.

Camelias may already be blooming around Christmas. Cut a few blooms and put them in bourbon glasses or small bowls. Get creative. Use your imagination. Even pinecones can be used to decorate your dinner table.

Use different fabrics. How about a solid tablecloth with different napkins on each plate.

Even a bouquet of asparagus in a vase with a red bow can be elegant and beautiful.
The day after dinner, you can eat your bouquet!

Greenery from a neighbor's yard is perfect during the holidays. Liven things up with a bowl filled with tree ornaments or multicolored Christmas lights. It's up to you.