My Christmas party on a snowy afternoon
Last Friday was my annual Christmas party for all of the people who work at my Bedford property and for those who provide their services. Unfortunately, the weather reports called for snow and wintry conditions and about half of the invited guests played it safe and did not drive the distance to attend. I’m sorry they couldn’t be there, but, as it turned out, they made the right choice because the roads became treacherous very quickly. Take a look at what they missed.
Thank goodness they stayed safely at home, though what fun you created!
Posted by: Isle Dance | December 23rd, 2008 at 1:22 am
Hi, Martha,
Thanks for the glimpse of your annual Christmas party. What fun those who couldn't attend missed---wonderful food and company. From the ginger shortbread and pannetone made by Gabriele Riva to the stollen and chocolate and lemon tartlets, the desserts looked delicious. The fruit salad, ham and peppery biscuits, pork lollipops, and smoked sturgeon and red and green caviar tartlets looked just as tasty. I'll have to look up that recipe of yours for the potent eggnog.
Vivaldi and Bartok certainly seemed to enjoy all the attention.
I was happy to see Sharkey's portrait and the Faberge French bulldog.
Thanks again.
Kathy
Posted by: Kathy | December 23rd, 2008 at 2:40 am
What a lovely Christmas party Martha. From the lethal eggnog to the pork lollipops to the gorgeous ham everything looked wonderful. Yummy, delicious. Your home is beautiful and I love the mice. How cute are they peeking into the bowls and dishes. I wish you and all your lovely staff a very Merry Christmas.
Sincerely
Linda
Phila., PA
Posted by: Linda | December 23rd, 2008 at 3:44 am
Oh Martha,
I got as far as the ginger shortbread!;)
P.S. Enjoy that spa date...and expect a miracle! (Love, to the family!)
Posted by: tinay | December 23rd, 2008 at 4:48 am
The food and Christmas decorations looked great
at your party.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Posted by: Vivian Price | December 23rd, 2008 at 5:28 am
I would have walked through a blizzard to attend your party!
Have a wonderful holiday.
Linda
Posted by: Linda Crispell | December 23rd, 2008 at 5:47 am
Hi Martha,
I love your Noah's Ark and your drabware creche and also the tables you have them displayed on. Your coffee table is also beautiful. In picture #38 with Chhiring, is that a tea kettle collection on the shelves? It’s so cute. Thanks also for a better view of the green room - it's very nice and cozy looking with the fireplace.
The food simply makes me hungry; it looks so good! I have never had freshly made fruit salad quite like the one at your party but I can see why it was a hit. Too bad half of the guests couldn’t make it but better safe than sorry and there’s always next year. Thanks again for more views of your gorgeous home. Trish
Posted by: Trish | December 23rd, 2008 at 6:34 am
It's a shame that the weather dampened spirits, so to speak...better to be safe, than sorry, I guess...(what better backdrop, though, for a Christmas gathering?!!)
Martha, I LOVE your 'allee' of birdfeeders! If they're kept full each day - well, I'd venture to say that you'll be needing a part-time job on the side! [giggle] Your little birdies in the picture are slate-grey juncos - they're ground-feeders, and, like robins in spring, are harbingers of winter in our parts. They are sweet little birds, and they'll just show up when one isn't expecting them just yet. Your set-up under the feeders is perfect, too - easy clean up, and no dead grass from the seed hulls (unless you're feeding sunflower meats or safflower seeds).
I did have to chuckle to myself...I saw alot of "stocking feet" in your photos and where visible, were NOT dirty on the bottoms! [again, giggle!] That means your floors are clean! (How, pray tell, can I get my husband to "obey", Martha?!! He sneaks in with shoes on, but I can always tell... [grin] He will NOT cooperate in this realm...)
(I know I've ended up long-winded here, but) fruit salad = Christmas to me. My grandmother a-l-w-a-y-s had a large jar made that she kept in her cool cellar (it didn't fit in the refrigerator). It's just part of my family's tradition, and yours, Martha, looks gorgeous, cold, and crisp! It bro't back many memories.
Two more days 'til the big day, everyone!
=^..^=
Posted by: Cindy Bricker | December 23rd, 2008 at 7:04 am
Ah yes, after a glass or two of eggnog....better to be off the roads. You may have had a barn full of over night guests.
And another good thing, look at all the great things for all the farm staff's breaks the next day or two.
I am hope all will have a great Christmas but lets wish everyone a Happy Holiday season to make sure.
Posted by: Margie | December 23rd, 2008 at 7:06 am
Hi Martha, Oh, what a fantastic party for your Bedford workers! Oh, how I wish I could have been there! The next best thing was this wonderful blog. The decorations, the delicious food and the eggnog all look absolutely wonderful. I can almost taste all of that fabulous stuff. My favorite decorations were the Faberge French bulldog and the drabeware creche. Is that the creche you made a few years ago? Both of them are very beautiful. How thoughtful that you gave everyone a panettone...ummmmmmmm. All attendees looked very happy, including Vivaldi and Bartok. Where were Francesca and Sharkey? I'll bet they had fun, too. Thanks again for sharing another part of your life. Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | December 23rd, 2008 at 9:38 am
Merry Christmas to you and yours, Martha.
Thanks for all of the inspiration you have given throughout the years!
Illinois
Posted by: Skeeto | December 23rd, 2008 at 12:22 pm
So is Manny married? My bodyguard/security man. He is tall too! hummmmm!
Looked like everyone who was able to make it to the party had good eats they would need it to get back out there on the roads---- courage you know to face the snowstorm. I would have wondered off to the heated stables and took a nap while everyone partied. Of course now if the power went off I'd find a nice blanket , a good book and snuggle up to that fantastic fire blazing there in photo # whatever it is!
Merry, Merry, Merry Christmas.
Pam from California
P. S. Thank you God for no snow anywhere near here.
Posted by: Pam from California | December 23rd, 2008 at 12:35 pm
Looks like everyone had a good time,you have everything so neat and pretty.I really like the pictures of your cats.I have one that looks like vivaldi,except mine is short haired.Do you give gifts to your animals on christmas day? I would like to see more pictures of your animals. Michelle from Texas
Posted by: Michelle Giles | December 23rd, 2008 at 1:10 pm
Martha,
The 'drabware' is precious, I often think about it...and LOVED how the ribbon candy was displayed!
I suppose the weather is a testament to guests who missed the party. (I would have gotten my hands on a snow mobile and crashed for the night!)
Next year!
Posted by: tinay | December 23rd, 2008 at 1:52 pm
Lovely party. Lots of delicious food. The fresh panettone looks delicious. I loved the array of finger food. People love to sample flavors at a party. It really keeps it festive. I must try your eggnog recipe some time. It looks incredible!
Posted by: ShopLittleGifts | December 23rd, 2008 at 2:56 pm
hi martha, my golly how gorgeous is your green room! merry christmas
Posted by: Brenda | December 23rd, 2008 at 4:22 pm
I follow your blog and I wanted to wish you a happy holiday season and many blessings for the New Year!
Lori
Posted by: Lori Stewart | December 23rd, 2008 at 5:44 pm
Dear Martha,
Parties are always full of planning, lots of fun and very satisfying to me. I love the time spent with friends and family. It feels good to give of what you have to others. By inviting them into your home, you give of yourself. It looked like you all had a wonderful time together even though, "the weather ouside was frightful, the fire was so delightful!". Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Sincerely,
Christine Garlesky
Posted by: Christine Garlesky | December 23rd, 2008 at 6:16 pm
Tucked in the Winter House on a wintry afternoon - sounds like paradise! I love the photograph of the lemon and chocolate tartlets, as well as the sturgeon tartlets. Both look very festive - and delicious!
Have a wonderful Christmas, Martha! I wish you and your family all the best.
Andrew
Posted by: Andrew Ritchie | December 23rd, 2008 at 7:09 pm
You are amazing. I record your shows and watch during my spare time 3 a.m. every day. Have a wonderful holiday. THANK YOU for all you share and teach!
nc
Posted by: Nanci | December 24th, 2008 at 1:20 am
The entire party looked so *yummy*...lucky guests!
Posted by: Sherey | December 24th, 2008 at 8:33 am
Dear Martha,
Want to wish you and your family,
Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year.
May God Bless you with good health, peace, happiness, success and prosperity.
Sincerely,
Rowaida Flayhan
Posted by: Rowaida Flayhan | December 24th, 2008 at 12:03 pm
Martha, you are the only person other than my Mother and a Japanese girlfried who lets everyone take off their shoes before coming inside the house. Cool!
Posted by: Ande | December 24th, 2008 at 3:06 pm
Does anyone have a source for the glass mice clip on ornaments that are on Martha's table. Would love to have several
Posted by: terry | December 27th, 2008 at 6:37 am
I have to laugh, did martha make the garden boy take his shoes off?! surely not my martha
Posted by: Matt Nabers | December 27th, 2008 at 1:10 pm
I am sorry martha, but i have a problem with the eagle in mid-flight. It looks odd, i dont know if there is a scale issue or if its just jarring to see this in a kitchen. I still love you though, with or without the eagle.
Posted by: Matt Nabers | December 27th, 2008 at 1:16 pm
Dearest Martha;
How lovely of you to think of your staff is such a beautiful way. Your settings, displays and food shows warmth and love. Your staff as well as you seem truely blessed.
R U hiring..LOL
Blessing in the New Year!
Joanne Rusnak
Posted by: Joanne Rusnak | December 30th, 2008 at 5:16 am
martha, what fun! loved the casual but festive atmosphere! you really inspire me in all you do. yours truly, pam
Posted by: pam | June 21st, 2009 at 10:25 pm