Ces And Her Dishes

Christmas is over. At least Christmas dinner. I hope the spirit does not fade away. What a blessed, beautiful and happy Christmas celebration we had, despite my thoughts heavy with several of my friends' suffering and losses in so many ways. Our friend raised his glass to give thanks for a good year and everyone joined in, yet I know that he struggled and had difficulty. I guess in the end you count your blessings and not your losses.

.

I was sick on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. I could not stay in bed as much as I wanted to because I invited guests for Christmas dinner.

.

I used my Spode Blue Room dishes. I had fun setting the places because each plate had a different pattern. I have not played with my dishes for a long time, so it was wonderful to be able to mix and match sets, colors and styles. Sometimes I think that setting a table sets the mood for dinner except in our case, there was too much laughter. I think that if we are ever invited to a formal dinner my company and I may get kicked out for having too much fun. We had our neighbors, friends and my brother-in-law's family over for dinner and I think everyone had a wonderful time. Do you know how to spot a dish lover or collector at a restaurant? She is the one who raises the plates to look at the undersides for the markings.

.

Throughout the dinner preparations, the house was filled with the aroma of cooking. At one point my daughter came into the kitchen, gave me a hug and a quick rub on my back and said "Mom, you are the best cook." This is before she tasted anything.

.

In the past, I used to get stressed out over the preparations. These days the only thing that irritates me is not being able to open jars. I had to bring a jar of honey to the bedroom, awakened my husband and asked him to open the jar. Those grip pads don't help. My wrist is is still recovering from pain. I think I have finally mastered the art of cooking for a party without the stress and hassle. Throughout the preparation, I cleaned and washed the utensils and dishes and so by the time the table was set, the kitchen was clean. It also helps to have older children, they helped and The Viking always checked in to see what he can do. I also think it had to do with my guest list. Our friends are like family, not a lot of frills, just a lot of fun.

.

I like the quiet time after everyone left. I like to sit in my chair and prop my feet on an ottoman, look around, think and read an old book. I found a treasure trove of children's books printed between 1920 and 1930. In the past I liked the stories but having been exposed to many illustrators this year, I started paying attention to the drawings. Oh my gosh! These books were illustrated by some of the great classic children's books illustrators. I will share with you next time.

.

What were my favorite presents this year? I had them all year long - my family, my husband, my children, my work, my friends at work and my dearest blog friends and my beloved friend who pushed my creative buttons and propped me up to catch the light of the moon and the rays of the sun. Thank you Santa Claus!

Last three photos: This is what I see when I sit in my chair and these are the books that are on my reading table right now.