And I hope you all had a fabulous one! Thought I would share with you some pics of our day. Firstly the tree, which is now getting a little old and worse for wear (if anyone knows where I can get a really amazingly big, realistic looking, artificial one in New Zealand let me know, we are sorely in need of a new one) but still looked reasonably pretty with its traditional decorations and twinkle lights. I have had a few different colour schemes over the years but this year went for the deep red (almost burgundy) and gold look. Pic's not very good, it was taken in a hurry on Christmas morning before the kids were let loose lol.
George sported a new bow tie just for the occasion, I thought he looked very handsome.
And here are the girls in their Christmas finery. Sarah had a pretty silver and cream dress from Wild Pair and Cait a satin blue one from Cue.
We had everyone over at our house for Christmas dinner, my family and Patrick's mum and dad. Missing was my sister Leonie and her family, they spent Christmas in Greymouth this year with my brother in law's family as Brent (my bil) had just lost his mum so wanted to spend time with his family. I did get a photo of everyone together but unfortunately (due to several bubblies) took the photo while several of the guests had their mouths full and some of them will not thank me for putting up that photo here. Here are the guests at the "young adults" table however...my niece Tina, nephew Kale, and Cait and Sarah. You will notice Sarah has her eyes closed...she did this on purpose, sigh. So I said "oh Sarah! Now I have to take another one!" and promptly did...take a look at the result...hmmm, yes, Cait closed her eyes on purpose, grrr...I give up!
You will also notice that Cait doesn't smile in the photos. She thinks it is hilarious at the moment to look as annoyed or sad as possible every time I get the camera out. This is a passing phase which will be easily fixed by the confiscation of her cellphone I am sure ;O)
Patrick and I love these sort of occasions because we are both in our element. He loves to cook and entertain and I love to decorate so it works perfectly. Here is my table setting for the main table.
And the kid's table which Sarah helped with.
I made individual place cards for everyone, using a digital image from Tia Bennett, cutting them out with a circle punch and kindy glitzing all the edges.
Here is a close up of a place setting, what was really weird was I asked my brother Gavin to bring Christmas crackers and he had no idea of my bright colour scheme. Coincidentally he bought crackers in the exact right colours?!
In the centre of each table were bowls full of Ferrero Rocher Garden chocolates. Oh my god the coconut ones are totally to die for! Anyone know where I can get a whole box of those??!
We dined on butterflied leg of lamb, ham, turkey, chicken, green beans, broccoli, roast potatoes, coleslaw, green and greek salads. For dessert we were spoiled for choice with pavlova, trifle, fruit salad, brandy snap baskets, Christmas cake and cream.
We had a wonderful day and I hope you did too. Sending all the best holiday wishes to all my blog readers and I hope you have a fabulous new year!
Jo xx
