We had our annual holiday party last night. My grandmother Robby (from whom I get my middle name) started throwing a Christmas Eve dinner party for the entire family 57 years ago. My parents have carried on the tradition. While I was growing up, they’d do a similar menu in Raleigh and I eventually realized that those were the out-of-town tryouts to prep for taking the party over.
I’ve been throwing my own holiday party for the same reasons for the past… I think fifteen years, but am not entirely certain when I started doing it. In any event, it involves placecards, a handmade Christmas tree ornament as a party favour and certain menu items that are now traditional.
Here’s what the table looked like last night. For a party favor, I’ve decorated eggs with hand-drawn winter scenes.
The menu:
hors d’oeuvres
- Olives
- local cheeses
Dinner
- Cornbread, seeded loaf, ciabatta
- Green salad with sesame vinagrette
- Garbanzo Pomegranate Salad
- Roasted winter vegetables with olive oil, maple syrup, sea salt
- Spinach, artichoke heart casserole
- Butternut squash, eggplant, mushroom and chestnut lasagna
- Shrimp Curry and rice
- Sauteed ssparagus with sesame oil
Dessert
- Franklin nut cake
As Robby used to say, “It was a grand excess.”
Gorgeous. We were just thinking/talking about your holiday party last night. Must have been something on the wind.
<3, s.
I actually wrote an invitation for you two, even knowing you wouldn’t be able to make it, and then didn’t get it in the mail in time. Missed you both.
… i have something big in my eye…
Looks wonderful and I can almost taste the food. A pretty party with a really nice menu is a good way to raise the spirits at this time of year.
We have our Midwinter dinner coming up, this year we have to move it a day since friends will get married on Midwinters Eve, so I get two lovely get togethers with friends to brighten my winter.
Beautiful, Mary. You really Know How To Do.
Oh my…
Somewhere, my mother approves of you and Grandma Robbie.
Me, I’m just jealous. And hungry.
So, one of my life goals has just become “Get Invited to Mary’s House for the Holiday Dinner Party.” It’s just after “Get Published” and several slots above “Have a Pigmy Goat.”
What time is dinner and what’s your address???
Your extended family is just what I always believed families should be. I wonder if that is what has given you such a well-grounded sense of self, and the ability to manifest your creativity so richly.
Sending love for the holidays, with happy memories of those rebel days of ours in Camas. 😉
Could I get that “Spinach, artichoke heart casserole” recipe? Sounds really good.
My holidays are that much dimmer for being so far away from you this time of year. Thank you for the photo of the place setting… the 2013 ornament is so delicate and lovely. My tree sighs and sends love, as do I.
Ooh what a lovely tradition 😀 I bet your eggs were beautiful as well!!
You are such a lovely person, very generous and funny. I miss you, and look forward to the times we may get to spend together….as well as all the books you write, are writing or will write LOL
Peace Light and Love to you and yours this Season and all the days that follow, my dear friend!