A Fireside Gathering

We've had quite a full weekend of gatherings - it's that time of the year. Christmas parties from work, a dessert open house with friends, and family dinners...

But one that was a little different the year was a simple get together in the afternoon with some friends.

We made a little fire pit in the back yard, set up a table with lots of festive drinks like hot cocoa for the kids (with all the fun toppings), eggnog, and warm apple cider, and had a tray of things for smores by the fire.

When it got too cold outside, we came in for big pot of soup, with bread and meat and cheese.

The night ended inside by the fire, with a glass of Port and a record playing in the background.

What kid doesn't want to make their own cup of cocoa with piles of marshmallows, peppermint sticks, and chocolate shavings? 

It's funny because most of us are in that young family stage. But usually, Christmas parties don't include the kids, or they have to go to bed when all the fun seems to be going on downstairs. But I've really tried to include them this year, and this party was actually fun for them. They loved it.

And for the adult party? We moved the TV to their bedroom, and they got to have a pajama party in their beds with Christmas popcorn. They didn't mind staying upstairs one bit! 

Today, as it's raining outside, and all hope for a White Christmas has been lost, I've been unpacking the last of my Christmas parcels that have arrived in the mail and am double checking my Christmas list before I finish up the last of my shopping.

Ps. That beautiful green table above? That is going to be my coffee table. It's a beautiful antique farm table that will be cut down and hopefully stripped, or, if I decide I prefer it, painted.