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“joyeux noel!!”
The door is flung open to welcome the aunts and uncles and cousins and grandparents gathered on this special day to celebrate together
the house already smells delicious as the turkey, complete with its chestnut stuffing roasts quietly in the oven;
coats are shed, “My how you’ve grown”
“Sit here you’ll be more comfortable”
“Come closer to the fire”
POP goes the first champagne cork, and in come platters of warm petit fours or savory pastries to keep
everyone happy
tall crystal glasses filled with bubbles, sparkling apple juice for the little ones, glasses raised to toast this happy family occasion, and before the meal is ready there is time to exchange presents.
Gift tags get muddled, then sorted and there is as much joy in the giving as the receiving, and all the while the champagne is kept topped up, there is no rush, a couple of hours go by
.. to the table, come and sit by me ….. who wants to sit near the fire? “
Then “aaah” as the platter of foie gras is brought in and the first wine glass filled with a sweet and fruity Sauternes
As the first course is enjoyed , discussion is noisy and happy, the conversation turning around food … what to eat … where to purchase …. how to prepare ….
Plates whipped way and replaced with fresh platters then appear the oysters, chunks of lemon, little bowls of rock salt, a different bread and the second glass is filled with a dry white wine, a Chablis maybe
A pause may be in order, possibly even a trou normand (a tiny glass of apple liqueur) then on to the main course
The turkey, with chestnuts and vegetables and stuffing and more wine. Here the girls often prefer to stick with their white wine while the men are ready for something with a little more body and move onto a fine Bordeaux,
This course marks a change of pace, more discussion of cooking techniques, the room is warm, the children listen to the adult conversation and join in or not
a little pause while plates are cleared, room made in the kitchen, bread replenished on the table
an uncle tells jokes, a cousin moves on to politics ….the cheese platter is brought in …. sighs around the table “Oh I couldn’t possibly …. my that Brie looks good … have you tasted this roquefort ……” more discussion, red wine to accompany the cheese
they have been at the table for almost four hours by now, the youngest a little restless come and go, but they all still smile when the dessert is served La Buche de Noel, home made or bought from the local patissier. Thin slices are served, glasses topped up and eyes wander back to the sitting room, the prospect of a coffee in front of the fire most welcome
The sudden realization that it is already dark outside “what a shame, a walk would have done us good …. tomorrow I won’t eat a thing …..”
the table is cleared, a hand is given to tidy the kitchen and make the coffee and by the time they all have sat and talked for a while, it is time to go home, “Take care, the roads may be icy…”, the door closes behind them, the house still full of their happy noise and laughter ..
and from behind her back, a little voice speaks out “what are we having for supper?!”[blank]
28 comments
Love it! I can almost hear all the family chatter going on! And smell that delicious french champagne! Have fun with your Christmas preparations
Jennifer x
Lovely, reminds me of the old days when we could all get together. Merci
Oh mon Dieu, c'est vraiment un Noël à la française! J'adore votre blog, Madame, et votre maison me coupe le souffle!
BONNE FÊTE! Anita
Sharon I love your winter blog header and the falling snow! This is a gorgeous post and lovely meal. Thanks for the beautiful writing and images.
xo Nancy
Powellbrowerhome.com
Just like in the good old days, Sharon! 🙂 La Dinde aux marrons; la bûche de Noël; le Champagne… This made me homesick… Veronique (French Girl in Seattle)
Le buche Noel is divine. I must try to make it.
Sounds like a perfect day. Love the snow flakes on your page. When did they show up?? Could use some here as its unseasonably warm.
Sharon, I love these little vignettes you create. I can smell the Turkey and feel the champagne bubbles tickling my nose. Seriously, have you ever thought of putting together a little book of stories? Let me know if you need someone to collaborate on illustrations ;-). Merry, merry to you! XO
I'm coming over.
It all sounds like so much fun! The food sounds amazing and the time with family and friends in sucha festive and jovial setting is a real blessing! Enjoy! Hugs, Leena
It all sounds tres magnifique. Great company, great food , great conversation. A true celebration of this festive occasion. But I have to agree, there have been many a time where such a feast would occur and after all the company left my children would ask " what is for supper". I swear I must have looked at them like they had three heads. Merry Christmas Sharon. Janet
oh my how I love this post. thanks so much.
Sharon, I could see, smell, hear and feel this happy scene you "painted" for us. Just so lovely – you certainly have a way with words. Thank you for this Christmas gift!
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Ah, to be included in such festivities; 'tis the stuff of dreams…
LOL!! I know that one only too well…"what are we having for supper?" 🙂
Your Christmas dinner sounds lovely; wonderful food and wine made even more special with wonderful people.
Happy Christmas!
You have painted the picture of a beautiful Family Christmas … so special!
Oh my I can't wait!
Love, love, love! The photos, the words… I wish to be there!
Beautiful story & beautiful writing. Gorgeous photos, good company, scrumptious food & Sharon the most elegant hostess flowing so gracefully among her guests. Bravo!
Sounds heavenly! We had our 7 grandchildren with us for Thanksgiving!
Zero for Christmas! Thank God for Italian family! Down to the desert we go to "Brother Tito's" we go!
How lucky can we get!??!!
This is so beautifully written and displayed Sharon. I have found it so helpful to read in words the kind of Christmas that I too have experienced as a Brit married to a Frenchman and living in France for coming up to almost 30 years. Thanks for opening your heart and sharing it with us, and, too, for all the lovely, practical tips you share! It is always – always – a pleasure to stop by! Happy happy Christmas to you and yours!
A beautiful Christmas story. Love the ending, with that dear little voice "what are we having for supper?".
A christmas dinner like written by Kishon. Brilliant satirical if it was meant so.
Que bela festa descrevestes. Isso é natal a união da família. Tudo perfeito.
Tenha um ótimo natal.
Simply lovely!
I loved reading this + I could almost smell the great things coming from the kitchen. Visualization is everything! xxpeggybraswelldesign.com
Aw memories! What a wonder story of Christmas dinner with family and friends. My thoughts go back to 1956 in Normandy out side Dreux. My close friend and her family invited my husband and I to Christmas Eve dinner. What an experience. I also got to help prepare the many dishes. After everything was cleared away we went to the Church two blocks away and had midnight service. That wonderful Christmas will always be the one I will always remember. I love France!!!