Holiday Dinner Gathering    

 

This time of year, for many of us, it is the season for gatherings with family and friends. We became first time homeowners (of a house) this year, and my mind was swirling with ideas for how we would host a holiday gathering.

It would start with a drink station as you enter, with mulled apple cider, peppermint hot chocolate and a cocktail like an Orange Maple Old Fashioned.

Snacks would be layed out close by. Something no fuss like a furikake snack mix, rosemary spiced nuts and a baked brie en croute. Friends and family would mill about, chatting in small groups, catching up. Lots of tight hugs, intermittent hushed voices punctuated by uproarious laughter. Muted sentimental Christmas music playing in the background.

Then, layed out in buffet style, would be a caramelized onion and mushroom galette, a prime rib roast, accompanied by a warm salad and a bright vegetable. Perhaps a farro, roasted squash and goat cheese salad with a punchy dressing, and crisp broccoli, almonds and cranberries. Small groups would gather at the island in the kitchen, the dining table, and the sitting room.

And lastly, dessert. for the minimalist in me: freshly fried donut holes with cinnamon and sugar, affogato and a Baileys salted caramel hot chocolate.

All the while reflecting on this past year, and making plans for the next.

Happy New Year, everyone! May this coming year be full of sweet moments that we slow down and savor.