Pizza delivery and Bing Crosby as we unwrapped the tree and set it up in the living room. It's a beauty this year, and super fragrant too.
The next morning, Rob got up early for a bike ride and I read in the living room. When he got back with had oatmeal and coffee for breakfast. A leisurely morning spent cleaning house in preparation for the next day's party.
At 1:30, we drove to the east bay to visit some old family friends and make a stop at Ikea. On the way back, we had a nice view of the city from the bridge.
Back at home, we kicked into full party prep mode. A quick run to the grocery store before we spent the night boiling potatoes, slicing oranges and grapefruit, assembling skewers, polishing silver, seeding pomegranates and making flower arrangements. Rob is a great helper! To bed with a cup of chamomile tea around eleven.
Up the next morning at nine. There wasn't much left to do in the morning before the party. I baked the ham, made lox bagels, baked cinnamon rolls, made coffee, heated up skewers and put pomegranate seeds in glasses for mimosas:
By 11:00, we were pretty much ready. Margaret came over early with some last minute supplies and the guests started to arrive right on the dot a half hour later.
The party was one happy blur of friends, food and drinks! It went by like a flash. And our final total was 21 people...how did we manage to fit that many in the apartment?! I'll share more photos and details tomorrow.
A lazy afternoon after the guests departed. I always love the quiet time after a party ends. Margaret, Rob and I sat around eating leftovers and watching GI Joe. A relaxing evening washing dishes in the sink and picking up.
9 comments:
This sounds so lovely... I forget that you can have parties during the day, too... it sounds wonderful. I love the preparation too. You are inspiring me to pull together my own holiday gig...
I love the quiet moments after a party too. You can truly relax and breathe and revel in the beauty of your home and each other's company!
I had such a blast, Emily! Thanks for having me! I want more of those potatoes! ha!
Looks like a great party! Selfish request - your "Gifts for men" has been a complete lifesaver in past years. My husband and yours have similar taste I think. If you get a chance, it would be great to get a 2009 version.
Thanks!
I'm on it!
Thank you so much! Anonomous lurker, but I think I've been reading your blog since 2006. I walk down Market from Hayes Valley to Embarcadero for work and see you on your tandem often.
Thanks again for the gift ideas! The water purifying stick was a big hit last yer.
Ha! That's too funny that you see us on the bike every now and again. Would you be interested in de-lurking and coming to an LAC party?
Thank you so much for the invitation! Is spotty attendance tolerated? I unfortunately travel too much for regular gatherings like LAC. (Greetings from Norfolk, VA, off to Abu Dhabi next week.). I'll shout if I see you again!
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