Christmas in Atlanta

It turned out to be a White Christmas in Atlanta in other ways as well - a light snowfall covered the indigenous pines and evergreens with a dusting of glimmering white.

Cheese plates compiled from the most amazing specimens are a big part of the holiday splurge for us.

Smoked chicken and chipotle casserole with roasted asparagus.

One of many Christmas cocktails at Mother's house.

Mustard and rosemary pork loin with balsamic string beans and rutabaga-turnip gratin.

A holiday tradition is Mother's Cranberry Bake - sweet and tart and the perfect partner to roast meats.

At the Margaret Mitchell House/Gone with the Wind museum.

Candied Hibiscus flowers and champagne.

Another treat with pre-dinner fireside cocktails was decadent fresh lobster dip.

Our Mother always goes to great lengths creating a perfectly festive home.

Roasted pork loin.

Black tea pickled dried prunes.