This was way back when pressing our heads together was a natural, safe thing to do.
Ok, Christmas down. Onto New Year’s Eve. And just as with these past few holidays this year, some adjustments might be required. Smaller gatherings, more intimate, less in your face screaming, yelling, raucous partying to ring in the New Year. Who am I kidding? I have never done that. New Year’s Eve or any other eve, raucous partying just isn’t my scene. Which is why two years ago before the shit hit the fan, we invited our dear friends, Tecla and Scott, to enjoy a quiet, food filled festivity to usher in the New Year. Happily they agreed, and we had the most fabulous time. They stayed the night and then we continued to fill our bellies with brunch the next day. This is how I love spending time. Intimate, one on one, quiet gatherings so that the conversation can be meaningful and intended, and not having to jump from guest to guest. Who knew that New Year’s Eve 2019 would be practice for the small gathering existence we have been living for the past two years.
This year, as with last, JuanCarlos and I will spend it alone by the fire, together counting our blessings, feeling grateful for how safe we are able to remain in our home, working at careers we both love that afford us comfort, security, health and joy. And we can reminisce of celebrations past, and dream of the next New Year Eve’s that we can spend with our friends and family.
If you are able to gather safely with loved ones this year and need some entertaining ideas, here’s a jog down memory lane of what we served that evening. The time when we thought 2020 would be a year of clear vision. Well, it certainly did open our eyes, just maybe not realizing what we would see.
On to the offerings. Tecla and Scott are such joys to be with. Salt of the earth types that are just darn good people. They appreciate good food and wine, and good conversation and laughs. It’s always such a treat spending quality time with them. Clearly, you can see that Tecla is the life of the partying. She wore a boa!
Me, Tecla and JuanCarlos. Scott was taking the picture. Photo Credit: Scott
We decided to start the party in the kitchen, which we never used to do since our kitchen had some serious circulation issues. But months before we completed a small refresh in the kitchen that helped the flow and allowed us the ability to sit around the center island/table. So, we began with a few starters there.
Removing the island that was originally attached to the wall and centering it completely modified the kitchen’s functionality. Now we can host in the kitchen. So we did. Just for appetizers. Photo Credit: Tecla
Burrata with Heirloom Tomatoes
Crabmeat Cocktail (Lump Crabmeat with diced red pepper, avocado, cilantro and lemon juice)
Crabmeat cocktail. You can swap out the crabmeat for shrimp.
Photo Credit: Tecla
JuanCarlos engaging in some sort of deep discussion.
Photo Credit: Tecla
Simplicity of ingredients. When you use the freshest, best quality, that’s all you need. Photo Credit: Tecla
Carrot, Ginger, Coconut Milk Soup is so soothing and a perfect way to start a meal. Photo Credit: Tecla
Then we had dinner in the formal dining room. Personally I am a fan of a separate dining room, and not of the open concept craze. I could explain in depth why I feel so strongly on this topic, but better to save that for another time. Back to business.
I was pleased with the winter wonderland feeling of the ivory tablecloth peppered with cranberry colored velvet place mats and hunter green napkins corralled by gold tasseled napkin rings for a touch of elegance. Small floral arrangements of the same color scheme balanced out the table with candle lights everywhere for a warm glow. Plus the magnificent flowers that Tecla and Scott brought was a perfect addition.
I had made small floral arrangements but Tecla and Scott brought this amazing floral bouquet to adorn the table. It was stunning and perfectly complimented my table setting color scheme. Photo Credit: Tecla
Dinner consisted of:
Pappardelle with Osso Buco
Sauteéd Shrimp
Roasted Beets
Butter Lettuce Salad with Parsley Leaves & Sliced Pears
Osso Buco is rich and decadent. Sauteéd shrimp with lots of garlic and herbs are always so satisfying, and easy to make. Photo Credit: Tecla
Seriously, is there anything better than a steaming bowl of pasta? NOTHING Photo Credit: Tecla
Let’s eat. Photo Credit: Tecla
Then we had dessert and after dinner drinks by the fire in the living room. I love moving around and utilizing as much of our home as possible to entertain. I think it keeps the evening interesting and you can create separate environments for each stage.
Our large Indonesian coffee table has been the ideal landing spot for appetizers, dinner or desserts.
Dessert was simple and easy. I made a variety of flavors of homemade ice creams, homemade Christmas cookies, our Italian family tradition, Struffoli. What is really interesting is that Tecla was born and raised in Florence Italy. One year I sent her struffoli for the holidays thinking that she would enjoy an old Italian tradition. Much to my surprise these were not part of her holiday tradition. My grandmother was from Salerno, in the south, near Naples. Food and traditions are quite different from region to region. Yet, somehow it doesn’t matter north, south, east or west, tradition or not, once you try struffoli they will become part of your new tradition.
Stuffoli: fried dough balls soaked in honey. What’s not to love?
Not fancy, just scooping out homemade ice creams.
Photo Credit: Tecla
Traditional Christmas Cookies
The next morning, I utilized much of the previous night’s table setting to serve brunch. I had pre-made most of the items a day or two before, so it was mostly a matter of placing everything out for us to enjoy.
Greek Yogurt
Assorted Cheeses, Grapes & Tangerines
Citrus Fruit & Berry Cocktail
Bagels & Smoked Salmon & Scallion Cream Cheese
Sliced Heirloom Tomatoes, Cucumbers & Red Onion
When you are hosting a brunch for overnight guests, it’s important to think the menu through so you aren’t overloading yourself with having to prepare too much. Buying some items that require nothing more than placing them on a plate or bowl mixed with homemade items that can be prepared well in advance is the stress free way to go. A Tortilla Española is perfect method to serve up eggs and potatoes without being a short order cook. A Leek & Onion Goat Cheese Tart provides another warm, rich dish that compliments everything else. Both these can easily be made a few days ahead. I am always making my Crunchin’ Coconut & Seed Granola for customers, so that was readily on hand.
Tecla enjoying a few morning treats and good dose of coffee. A bountiful table that had a wide assortment from which to choose.
Alright, maybe we did cheer a little bit. Photo Credit: Tecla
We had so much fun that night. When I look at these images now I am filled with two contrasting emotions. One of sadness at the thought of how clueless we were about the hell storm that was about to besiege us. Two, of great joy and pure gratitude for being able to spend such a wonderful time together. And for the sheer, carefree feeling we all felt that evening. I look to these photos and envision the day when that kind of untroubled, happy-go-lucky, merriment can enjoyed again.
Wishing you all health, health and health for that is the greatest wealth of all. And love.
The evening sealed with a kiss, and a promise of more to love to come.