Friday Favourites: Preparations

 

It's been a week of variable weather. Mostly rain that alternated between a downpour and a drizzle. Many streams overflowed their banks, and in the Fraser Valley, where many of my extended family members live, flooding has affected many people. Last week I mentioned that my parents and siblings were coming for the weekend. In the end, my brother and his wife couldn't make it as the highways and roads were impassable and travel was curtailed to "essential only." A disappointment for us, but we still had a good time.

Butchart Gardens does a beautiful display for Christmas. We went early so it wouldn't be too dark for my parents, and saw the lights glowing in the half-light of mid-late afternoon. An enormous ornament lights up the center of the rose garden, now bereft of blooms. 

The theme is the Twelve Days of Christmas and I always enjoy seeing the Three French Hens enjoying tea and pastry with the Eiffel Tower in the background. 

Lights twinkle and glow throughout the gardens. It's always a delight to visit. How we all long for light in the darkness of winter. 

Most of our time was spent at home, visiting accompanied by warming food and lots of laughter. We worked on the puzzle above, then Tim and I finished it a couple of days ago. Such a lovely wintry garden. Mine looks nothing like it.

They left on Sunday and the house settled down to its quiet routines for a day or two. There was always something to do - a bit of shopping, baking, a few projects to finish, and plenty of time in the evenings to read and enjoy candlelight and firelight. 

One of my favourite parts of having people over for dinner is setting the table. I like to do it early in the day so I'm not rushed. Sometimes I have a plan in mind, other times I just do what feels right at the time. Yesterday, friends came over and my table setting was very much a "whatever." Plates on bare wood with a red runner down the center. I went outside to cut cedar and holly, and rinsed the cedar in vinegar water before placing it on the table. It gets rid of any bugs that might be lurking. I added candles in various holders and then a few shiny baubles. Add red napkins and I was done. 

We had a good time together, laughing and chatting. The "meal" was easy - it was an "apero dinatoire" but we sat together at the table rather than balancing plates on laps. Appetizers for dinner. 

I made a wreath arrangement of cheeses, vegetables, and salami on the large board Tim made me a couple of years ago. 

Tonight more friends are coming for dinner. This will be a full meal. The napkins are ironed and I placed them in fun napkin rings brought from Ecuador many years ago. They are made of clay and well resined to withstand moisture. 

As this little angel seems to say, "Joy to the World," I'll wish you a Merry Christmas. I may post once early next week, but we will see. 

I've always believed that anticipation plays a great role in special events, adding to the satisfaction and contentment felt afterwards. May you find loveliness in the preparations ahead. Take time for a cup of tea and a cookie. Read a book. Enjoy the moments.