MERRY CHRISTMAS!

THE CHRISTMAS PARTY!!!

I am a little late posting my party, it was on December 3rd. but I have been very busy.

This year we had Tapas,  which are plates of little Spanish Appetizers....yum!

A basket of slippers await my guests.  The kitchen is decked out in holiday fare.  I have some lovely new Christmas dishes this season, had thrown by Sophie Conran designs.

The menu was diverse, something for everyone.  I had spiced cranberry chicken meatballs. pulled pork with crusty bread, chorizo sausage with cheese, heirloom tomatoes.

BBQ chicken in Phyllo pastry, mixed olives, smoked haddock cakes, baby potatoes roasted with lemon dill sauce on the side ( I used my fondu pot to keep the sauce warm it works great.) Also some lovely roasted baby heirloom carrots.

For my Lithuanian friend I had a plate of Braukwurst and imported Sauerkraut he love that. For dessert we had rustic carrot cake and pound cakes with custard sauce, sorry I forgot to take pictures but it did not last long!

Of course I put out an assortment of wines, I prefer red but I had white for others.  Every year I choose a couple of new bottles.  I am not a big drinker but I do like a nice glass of wine, I buy my wine by the interesting labels and I must say that 9 times out of 10 it is delicious.  My favourite so far is a South African wine called Inception  very full bodied and smooth.

Everyone had a great time, it is so nice to see all of our friends together.  It was our son's birthday a few days later so the day after the party all of the leftovers went to good use.

Later tonight I will post my Christmas House.  Have a lovely Christmas Eve Day!

CHRISTMAS CAKES TO IMPRESS ALL!!!!

As the day gets closer we plan what we will have for dessert.  Whether for Christmas dinner or when a few guests stop by these amazing cakes will impress all.

This little beauty is so adorable I may make it for my grand babies.  It looks amazing but is very simple if you know how to use fondant which is available now at any bulk food store.

The beautiful ornament cake does take a bit more skill but is still do able.  Also with fondant you could make one layer and add a real bow.

The tree cake looks fabulous and is actually easy with melted molding chocolate.  You can buy it already coloured and just lay down the sticks on a non stick sheet and pipe a tree pattern.  Add the  little candy pearls as the chocolate sets.  If I made this cake I would sprinkle sparkly "Sugar Snow" all over the top.

This is just adorable!  Real easy too.  A mixture of icing and fondant this will bring a smile to your guest and family.

I just had to put this one in, of course you would not make this but the 12 Days of Christmas is one of my favourite themes so when I saw this cake I just had to share.

Tomorrow I will show you how my Christmas Party turned out,  this year we had Tapas.

WE NEED A LITTLE CHRISTMAS....DECORATING!!!

It is only one week away, Christmas!  As usual it sneaks up on us after the first week of December passes.

Although I have had my house decorated inside since the end of November I still love to find new ideas and I do change things up even in the last weeks of December.

Today I thought we could see some very nice window and kitchen ideas.  I love the little paper reindeer its this window.

These are are so simple and lovely.  Use water based art paint for the LET IT SNOW and paper snowflakes adorn the next festive window.

I love to do up the kitchen windows  I have red lit paper stars in mine.  This is beautiful.  how easy, a stick suspended with rope and white lights then some little simple decorations...gorgeous!

If you have not decorated your kitchen do it this year.  You spend a lot of time in there so why not make it a festive room.  Some stars, lights, greenery and twinkle will bring your kitchen to Christmas life.

A little red, some wreaths an even gingerbread make all the difference in the lovely kitchens.  Display you holiday dishes , my shelves are brimming with them and I just love it.

Nature, nature, nature!  Bring the outside in for some real rustic festive warmth.  Potted trees, living wreaths and twigs is all you need to have a happy holiday kitchen.

So why not bring some holly jolly to your kitchen, there is still plenty of time until Christmas.  Think how nice it will be basting that turkey or decorating those cookies with a happy holiday kitchen surrounding you.

HAPPY SAINT LUCIA DAY!!

Today we Scandinavian's celebrate Saint Lucia Day.

We patiently await a visit from Tomte to see if we have been good all year to receive a lovely gift.

Our homes are decked in festive fare and sweet treats are baking in the kitchen, a hot cup of coffee and a cinnamon bun are just the right breakfast for today.

I wish all of my Scandinavian friends a "God Jul".