Holiday Party and Ornament Exchange

Make your house fair as you are able, trim the hearth and set the table. Eleanor Farjeon (1881-1965)

Every early December, for the past 10 years, my friend Cindy thoughtfully decorates her home, stocks up on red and white wine, prepares sweet and savory edibles, displays them on lovely plates, platters and wooden boards, and invites about 20 neighbourhood moms over to mix and mingle. Before the evening ends, we gather around the tree and exchange Christmas ornaments.

Such hospitality is wonderful for folks like me who are slow to catch the Christmas spirit.

Here's a peak around her cozy and elegant home on that particular night. Maybe it will ignite your Christmas spirit, too.

Above: A single branch trimmed with small felt ornaments in a pot topped with moss. Simple and lovely.Above: I wished I had taken a photo of this yummy Warm Black Bean and Chipolte Dip before I dug into it. It's served pretty much right out of the oven, hence the kitchen towel around the handle. It protects hands and fingers, and it's pretty.

Above: Less is more; three wise men made from recycled tin from Bloomfields; a row of poinsettias and a platter of pomegranates.

Above: Paperwhites and dogwood branches.

Above: Decorations to be treasured for years to come. I love the wooden tree, advent calendar, and the Santa nesting doll. The beautiful glass Christmas trees are from Bloomfields.

Above: Everyone brings a wrapped ornament and places it under the tree. We draw numbers from a hat, gather near the Christmas tree for dessert, and then take turns choosing a wrapped ornament. You never know what you'll get.