A CHRISTMAS TEA
Hi there! Thanks for stopping by the blog during this busy holiday season! It seems like no matter my best intentions, I am usually slightly overwhelmed this time of year, trying to accomplish a mountain of a to-do list. I am a bit of a perfectionist and always try to do more than is probably necessary. But, despite the stress of it all, it’s what I expect of myself and ultimately what makes me happy. My attempt at getting everything done is accomplished through list-making and prioritization. One item at the top of my list is gift wrapping.
I usually set up shop in my dining room, where I have the biggest workspace on the long dining room table.
My husband turns on the Christmas music. I think he feels sorry for me, so he likes to set the mood. Please, don’t anyone tell him……
……but I actually love to gift wrap. It satisfies the creative side of my brain……
……and releases lots of endorphins. Plus a glass or two of wine while I work doesn’t hurt either. But I am slightly relieved this morning because I can check one giant thing off my list, GIFT WRAPPING! I AM FINISHED!
This year a lot of gifts are being mailed to friends and family in other parts of the country. I made a deal with my husband that if I did all the wrapping he would do the packing and shipping. So, at long last, here is the fruit of my labors, all stacked up and ready for him to ship.
When you work this hard to wrap pretty gifts, you want them to look nice under the tree so, this year, I included a note asking the recipient to fluff my bows.
I’m particular like that:) So, now that this is accomplished, I can move on to the next task at hand – getting ready for my annual Book Club Christmas Tea. We have a dozen ladies in our book club so a different member hosts the club once a month. It has become a tradition for us to meet at my house each year for a Christmas Tea.
We like to read, BUT we also like to drink wine. So, one of us came up with the idea of calling ourselves the “Well RED Book Club.” NOT A TYPO. RED, as in RED WINE. Clever, don’t ya think?
In honor of our Christmas Tea, I decorate a small tree with silver tea ornaments.
So, as I am busy getting ready for tomorrow’s Christmas Tea, I thought I’d share with y’all some photos from last year’s tea .
As you can see, we did drink tea, but the wine was also at hand.
What makes it especially nice is that I don’t do all the cooking. Each member contributes a dish to our tea. My girlfriend Arlene of “Arlene’s Cuisine” made this beautiful and tasty Asparagus Tart.
Brenda made these delicious Pumpkin Scones.
Natalie’s Cake Balls were a major hit! She made enough for everyone to take a few home.
……enjoyed fireside in the dining room over lively conversation about that month’s book.
Our afternoon concludes with a gift exchange, presided over by Charlie, our dog.
Well my friends, that’s it, that’s all. I gotta go get ready for tomorrow’s Christmas Tea.
Wishing you a very Happy Holiday Season!
Do you have a holiday tradition of your own? Tell us about it in the comment section!
All opinions expressed in this post are my own. All photos are the original property of Celia Becker @ www.AfterOrangeCounty.com and may not be reproduced without specific permission.
