The days between Christmas and New Years are kind of like an end of the year limbo. The huge build up to Christmas is over, with a lull of happy exhaustion. We clean up the debris of wrapping paper and gift boxes, clear up the kitchen, snack on Christmas left overs, and get ready for New Years Eve.
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| I was up early to set the table for Christmas Day brunch in the dining room - a big jingle bell on a ribbon hangs on the back of each person's chair to be worn as a festive accessory - Commander's Palace does this too - Our neighbors Julie and Larry came over Christmas morning in their pajamas to exchange gifts before they went off to their family lunch |
No one feels like getting any real work done. No one feels like writing or reading blogs. It takes concentration to relax until the new year, when pending projects that loom can start in earnest again.
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| Red damask, white candlesticks, red dinnerware for Christmas brunch |
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| Antique French plates with a lobster or crawfish - It's in the eye of the beholder |
We had a beautiful low key Christmas brunch this year. Another couple joined us. We said we'd keep it simple and light.
What does that mean in New Orleans? Well - smoked salmon, caviar, bagels and all the trimmings to start, along with oysters on the half shell. Then shrimp and grits, and a spectacular green salad with white asparagus and pea sprouts. Finally for dessert, a chocolate
buche de noel.
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| Arnaud's Restaurant in New Orleans makes my favorite French 75 - Just substitute Proseco to make the Italian 75 |
All of it washed down by a cocktail I call the "Italian 75", a version of the French 75, made Italian by using Proseco instead of champagne.
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| Kitty Kitty Bang Bang under the tree waiting for her present |
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| Cholo got a new toy from Santa |
We were so busy Christmas morning preparing brunch we didn't open gifts until December 26!!!! I haven't touched the computer in a couple of days. Just enjoying the moments, and hoping you are enjoying yours too.
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| We sent this card by email - I try to keep a virtual "Rolodex" of everyone of you who comment or email me - You all mean a lot to Alberto and me - If we missed you, we apologize for the oversight and send it to you now |
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You described these last days of the year as exactly the way I feel. Feeling the calm after the storm of Christmas and looking forward to the new year to start. Your brunch looked delicious! Seeing the plate reminded me of the movie Love Actually in which the child announced to his mother that his part in the school nativity play was that of a lobster! Happy New Year Valorie and Alberto!
ReplyDeleteMe too...my OCD wants everything put away and cleaned up!
ReplyDeleteIt was a quiet one here...didn't do a tree (that won't happen again) as we were supposed to be out of town but the plans changed.
I'm ready for the new year...how about you? I know you have lots on the radar!
Miss you friend.
xoxo
It all sounds delectable...and perfect New Orleans style Christmas! To a marvelous 2012!!
ReplyDeleteNot sure when it started, but for New Year's Day in New Orleans, it was traditional to eat Black Eyed Peas for good luck! This goes back at least to the early 1920s in my mom's family, and when I see them in the store, even canned, I cannot but smile, and remember how my mom kept this wonderful Southern tradition going for us each January 1st. You gotta eat them with ham, now...and some grits and budda!
ReplyDeleteMuch love to you, VV, and many blessings abound in 2012 for you (I am sensing new 'branches' in your life!!)
XO
Love that your guests have to jingle VV.
ReplyDeleteDo they get to keep their bell?
:)
A bit early but ... Happy New Year!
xxx
Love your lobster plates! So perfect for shrimp and grits. Hope you had a great Christmas! Thank you for your email - we'll give you a buzz soon.
ReplyDeletexo E + J
I'm with Eddie. Love your lobster plates. Wishing you the happiest 2012!
ReplyDeleteWould have loved to taste those shrimp! Your house looked beautiful and those animal babies are precious. I did get your Christmas card and was pleasantly surprised to find it in my inbox. Thanks! My son and DIL are visiting your beautiful city at the moment. Wish I was with them...they are bringing me some macarons! Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteHere in the Philippines the days between Christmas and New Year is a week of reunion. From family reunion to Alumni Homecoming to parties of organizations. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteValorie sounds like a fabulous Noel!
ReplyDeleteBe sure to enter the Chic Provence giveaway at: http://www.chicprovence.blogspot.com/2011/12/afabulous-chic-provence-design-tour.html
lots of love and wishes for the happiest healthiest 2012!
Kit