Call it what you will, it is a wonderful way with friends to celebrate the Christmas Season. Yesterday I put together the dough for 2 lots of cheese shortbread. One goes to my daughter for her friends and the other one for our party next Saturday. I also made fruit and Nut shortbread and baked those off this morning. In case I hadn’t done enough, I figured, ever so crazily, I should make chocolate chip cookies for my husband. Done!
Now, today, the house is smelling like Christmas and I have some of the things ready for the party. Don has his stuff to do and then I can finish the table. Some of it has been done. It is a gold cloth this year, with 5 little trees all decorated in gold and silver balls and two 24″ candles with gold and silver tassled ribbon tied around the crystal candle holder set down the length of the table..
Don wants everything labelled so people will know exactly what they are eating. The tree is up and, if I say so myself, looks very beautiful. When it is time to do the tree, I grumble and grouse…then when it is all done, we walk around the tree and can tell who, what and when everything was put on the tree. Christmas trees are really your life on display once a year. I really do love it. Honest!
Okay, now…..hmmm I think I shall get a glass of wine and sit down and make yet another list of what has to be done before next Saturday. Make that two and the list will really be complete. haha
Truly, this can all be fun. Take your time, Bake ahead, plan ahead, invite as many as you feel comfortable with at one time and just enjoy it.
Hors d’Oeuvres
The difference between hors d’oeuvres and appetizers is appetizers are served sitting down at the table, while hors d’oeurves are served away from the table.
Depending on the main course, this can be one or two items; one hot and one cold. It also depends on the season. They can be served inside or, if you have a balcony or deck, outside. Try a few of these and you will see how easy it is. One step I cannot stress enough: plan ahead! Do as much as you can the day before so you can spend more time with your guests. That was the purpose of getting together, wasn’t it?
Be sure the portions are not too large. You want them to be able to enjoy the rest of the evening delights.
Always take the time to chat a bit before serving the wine and hors d’oeurves. Serve them one type at a time spreading out the time so that after one to one and one-half hours you are ready for the first course. Before you ask guests to come to the table, make sure you light the candles, and pour the ice water. Also, you can now pour the wine for the table.
Take another look at the table; everything is perfect; now take a deep breath and invite your guests to come to the table. When they are all seated and only then, start with the appetizer.
Your evening is off to a great start so it is now a bit of a relax time. The rest is a breeze. Enjoy!