We decided to delay putting up our Christmas tree until next weekend so that we would have more room for guests at yesterday's block party. (It was a big success, 26 people! They stayed the entirety and then some and all of the neighbours got to know one another!) So my decorating relied on bits and pieces scattered throughout the house, but the main source of festive cheer were the scented candles placed around the main floor.
I lit them about an hour early so the scents would permeate the air. Due to the fact that that I'm very sensitive to fragrance (some give me an immediate migraine) I'm really particular about the brand I buy. Diptyque candles last a very long time and the unusual scents have never irritated me. Their holiday edition candles are particularly beautiful.
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| Hanukkah pillow. |
I didn't put out many sweets but the two dishes I did place out were popular with our youngest guest, a very darling 9 year old neighbour. I think we can all agree that Toffifee chocolates are the most delicious? And of course Turkish delight.
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| Toffifee and Turkish delight. |
The most popular drink was red wine although cognac was a surprise choice, our neighbour the Chef was feeling like something a bit stronger!
The day was cold and overcast, it was that damp sort of freeze that goes into one's bones. It was so pleasant to see our neighbours walk the short distance over to enjoy a couple of hours of chat.
Our absolute favourite candle during the winter is Feu de Bois. It really does smell like the most wonderful wood-burning fire.
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| Feu de Bois |
Today is another cold and overcast day and I'll be enjoying the fact that I've cleaned the house within an inch of its life. I'll leave the candles unlit now until the holidays proper (when the older two Rascals arrive home) so they last through Christmas.
Just before the party began Lil Rascal was leaving the house to go to lunch with her friends. "Mom why aren't you panicking as you usually do before parties?" It was the food! Knowing I didn't have to cook anything or wrangle hot snacks in and out of the oven, only then to have to focus on passing everything around with small plates and napkins... what a difference it made. We were able to just enjoy the gathering, and I have to say the snacks were all popular, in particular the delicious bar mix in the bowl on the right.
I hope your Sunday is a good one,
xoxDani
