37°f, about 2.5°C, I think? Overcast all day. Warmed to 45°.
And finally, it is Christmas day. We slept in until 8:30 this morning, and just had pastries for breakfast. Then coffee by the tree to open gifts from each other, and it was time for Larry to take the dogs for a long walk while I started preparing for our visitors.
They arrived promptly at noon, and I was just about ready! I do love it when people come hungry.
This is my favorite punch. It is non-alcoholic but of course could be spiked. It combines apple cider, orange juice and ginger ale, and I float fruit slices and cinnamon sticks on top. I didn't think to take photos til it was half gone. This evening I added champagne to mine. Delicious.
Derek took over with the ham, helped by Haley.
The desserts end of the table.
I had fun making a couple cheese balls. I have never bothered with them before. And the cranberry spread (in the center top of the photo) was a big hit.
So, good food, much talk and laughter, gifts, more food...lovely. Now everyone has gone home, we have finished cleaning up, I have got my feet up, and the house is quiet.
And doesn't it feel nice to sit quietly and smile at all the day's moments!
ReplyDelete...all the planning and work seems to be consumed in minutes!
ReplyDeleteLooks like that you all had a delicious and fun get together, Sue. Continue to enjoy your holidays!
ReplyDeleteYou definitely had a Christmas feast, and it sounds like a lot of fun, too.
ReplyDeleteGlad you had a good dinner. That is no longer part of what we do, and I miss it. We have cold treats at the ready, but the turkey tradition is over. We did have one at Thanksgiving, however, but I feel its time is also drawing nigh.
ReplyDeleteSo much food, so much family. Looks like the perfect day!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely cat's eye view in your last photo, all of the fun and sharing, pleasure for the pallet as well as the eyes, many laughs I'm sure! Another year to tuck into your memories.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a grand gathering there. We had breakfast here then the local family came over to exchange gifts. They went home to prepare the dinner and we joined them for that. Two granddaughters disappeared to play together quietly and we had a chance just to talk with daughter and her husband for a good part of the afternoon. A quiet salad supper then since we've been eating too many sweets.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a perfect day ! I hope your knee is holding up. And cranberry spread ? Tell me more please :)
ReplyDeleteThis looks like the best type of Christmas gathering! We had something similar at my sister-in-law's house. Her turn to host :)
ReplyDeleteLooks like you had a wonderful spread! We had a lovely meal yesterday at GD Kate's. Today is our big family gathering here. Everyone brings something and we visit, play loud, boisterous games and eat too much. GM
ReplyDeleteThe quiet period after a day like this, of good people and good food and lots of talk, is gloriously relaxing. And the cat is prowling to see what damage has been done to HER home. Wonderful.
ReplyDeleteOh my! Christmas at your home looks like a gastronomic carousel of wonderful tastes and flavors. And that punch sounds wonderful with apple cider. I'll have to remember that in the future! It looks beautiful in that bowl, too. What a lovely holiday celebration! Merry season to you -- may the fun continue!
ReplyDeleteIt is quite sure that no one went home hungry!
ReplyDelete