My Holiday Party at the Farm, Part Four
It makes me so happy to hear how much you’ve enjoyed these holiday party blogs.
My recent gathering was a huge success - delicious food, beautiful decorations and quality time spent with friends and family. Here are more photos from the festive evening, including some with my special guest, Santa Claus.
I wish you all a very safe and happy holiday.
And, here is a list of some of the wonderful foods we enjoyed:
Smoked ham from Pat LaFrieda
Country ham from Loveless Cafe
Iberico-style ham from La Quercia
Salmon and shrimp from True North
Oysters from Norm Bloom & Son
Dried Fruits and Nuts from Eataly Downtown
- The party was scheduled from 3pm to 5pm in the evening. Everyone was very punctual.
- We put this tree out on my terrace parterre – one of a handful of real trees we used this year. I never like to cut down trees, but this was the top of one tree that needed some good pruning.
- Coat racks were placed on my large porch, so guests could remove their coats and shoes at the door.
- Here are some guests in my Brown Room enjoying eggnog, hors d’oeuvres and good conversation. (Photo by Peter T. Michaelis)
- Creme Brûlée didn’t seem to mind all the noise at all. Here she is in her Christmas red.
- Here is the gorgeous Buche de Noel we made – brought inside and ready to serve. Everyone loved it. Buche de Noel is made of sponge cake to resemble a miniature actual Yule log – it is a form of sweet roulade, and so delicious. (Photo by Peter T. Michaelis)
- Chef Pierre Schaedelin from PS Tailored Events and his talented team did such a wonderful job preparing the dishes. Here he is making red caviar appetizers. (Photo by Peter T. Michaelis)
- There were selfies being taken in every room. (Photo by Peter T. Michaelis)
- Outside, my driver, Carlos, helped bring guests from their cars to my house.
- My friend, Jim Klinko, gifted me this beautiful 18th-century planter – I think it will look perfect up at Skylands, my home in Maine.
- And here he is, the jolly ol’ man himself – Santa Claus.
- Everyone loved the oysters from Norm Bloom – we ordered 400 delicious oysters, served on the half shell with cocktail sauce and mignonette. http://www.coppsislandoysters.com (Photo by Peter T. Michaelis)
- Here is my gorgeous Empress Qin looking up at Kevin as he captures this quick snapshot.
- We also had four wonderful carolers singing on the terrace parterre.
- Santa wished everyone a Merry Christmas as they walked from house to house.
- My property director, Fred Jacobsen, and some of my outdoor grounds crew – Chhewang, Chhiring, Pemba, and Phurba – took this nice photo with Santa.
- Here is Santa with the daughters of my nephew, Morgan – Beatrix and Kit.
- My driver, Rock Pereira, and Heather Kirkland, who is in charge of all these special events, posed for this photo.
- Here are my friends, Laura Blau, and her husband, Michael Citro.
- Here are Carlos and Wilmer.
- This is our head of programming and development, Kim Miller-Olko, and her family.
- Churchill is Susan Magrino’s miniature poodle – he’s pictured here with Susan’s driver, Laurentius Surca, and of course, Santa.
- Here’s my friend, Muffin Dowdle, aboard the sleigh with Santa.
- And, here’s Terre Blair and Melinda Shea.
- Allyn Magrino also took a fun photo with Santa Claus.
- Shqipe and Ryan stood nearby for their photo with Mr. Claus.
- On Santa’s left is Dr. Pedda Reddy – he is a very passionate peafowl breeder and has given me several beautiful peacocks and peahens. He attended the party with his lovely wife, Leela, and their son.
- Dawa, who is in charge of caring for all my outdoor birds, brought up the day’s chicken eggs and took this quick photo with Santa.
- My special eggnog, made with rum, bourbon, cognac, and whipped cream folded in, was very popular. (Photo by Peter T. Michaelis)
- Here is my kitchen – bustling with guests having a great time and enjoying all the delicious food. (Photo by Peter T. Michaelis)
- Kevin, and my friend, Richard Christiansen, joined me for this photo. (Photo by Peter T. Michaelis)
- And here I am with Santa – I hope you all have a very special holiday with you and your families.
- Everyone had such a great time at the party. Over the next week, I will share some of our best holiday blog memories from years past. (Photo by Peter T. Michaelis)