Thank you Red and Muse&Sew for your side dish suggestions. I think that, as usual, I was over-thinking things. Tried and true is the way to go!
sewbizgirl, love that gingerbread man. Is he headed my way?
I won't post a pic of the ornament winging its way home from me, because she requested a specific theme and I don't want to spoil her surprise. Sure hope she likes it!