Tonight my girlfriends are coming to dinner - group of amazing women that I've worked with in the past and have come to count on as my kitchen cabinet. We meet every couple of months to share stories, reflections but mostly to encourage one another. Years ago, Lori, a once novice Catholic nun, went to Rome and purchased us each a rosary, then dubbed us the "Rosarians." We're all believers from different denominations yet we all support one another in prayer and emails! So, what do I give as little gifts to these wonderous women who really need nothing? Grocery shopping bags. Each week when I grocery shop, I try to remember to bring my bags - those oversized Trader Joes or Ralphs plastic bags. Each week when I bring them, I think to myself, "Aren't these plastic too? Why don't I make some with leftover fabric?" So inspired, I made a cloth grocery bag for each of my Rosarian friends. I will post directions later if someone wants them.
I wanted to keep it simple with a brown, white, green theme. White Rose Point Pope Gosser china, Avalon silverplate (sweet pattern that I will give someday to Tevis Rybin who loves Avalon, Catalina), Sav on Crafts faux wood chargers (3.49 each - what a bargain). Irish linen table cloth and napkins from an Antique Mall in San Francisco years ago, garden roses set in water glasses (Ina Garten reminds me to keep it simple and use what you have), oversized snowglobe with red bird (Pier 1 2010).
It is pouring rain in Los Angeles, so we'll light the fire before sitting down for warm bread and Ina Garten's Beef Barley Soup from her new book,
How Easy Is That?
Sideboard features martini shakers and goblets found years ago at some flea market. They will be filled with the most delicious EggNog Martinis (recipe to follow.) Believe me, these are the best holiday drinks you will ever have! Friends inquire about them all year long!
Looking forward to seeing your pre-Christmas table. Can't wait to catch up with my kitchen cabinet. Great women! Great blessings!
Egg Nog Martinis
1 part Light Egg Nog
1 part Emmets Classic Cream Liqueur
1 part Vanilla Vodka
Shake with ice
Garnish with freshly shaved nutmeg
Cheers!
Looking forward to seeing your pre-Christmas table. Can't wait to catch up with my kitchen cabinet. Great women! Great blessings!
What a wonderful tradition.. the rosarians! Love it. Your flatware is beautiful and your table stunning. Merry Christmas to you and yours and may the blessings of the new year unfold by the thousands!
ReplyDeleteHi lovely lady.
ReplyDeleteI love you Beautiful Tablescaps for this Christmas Holiday coming up in two day's~~
Im your newest follower on your Blog.I hope you have a Merry Christmas with Family and Friends sweet lady.
Diane
What a beautiful table you have made. I loved your idea about the cloth bags. I'm sure you and your friends had a great time. Have a Merry Christmas.
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful celebration with your friends! Merry almost Christmas!
ReplyDeleteAren't precious friends just the very best!...and how you have honored them with the beautiful luncheon. Thank you for sharing your charming design and for stopping by my post. Merry Christmas! Cherry Kay
ReplyDelete