An Aussie Christmas

Christmas day this year was a small affair with six of us at the table. The two boys, Andrew and Mitchell were home and Carly and Sharn were down from the Gold Coast so that made it perfect.

We also have a tradition of an open house in the morning when the other "Rellies" pop around to share the Christmas spirit. These days the (relative) families have grown with grandchildren. We are yet to get to that stage.

Sue organises platters of fresh fruit and as per tradition, makes her own paté that always seems get devoured  early in the morning. Then there's the slices of ham, olives and fresh baguettes all washed down with bubbles and orange juice.

Chrissy brekkie with fresh cherries, rock melon, strawberries and grapes.

Present giving begins once everyone arrives and I'm continually picking up wrapping paper while trying to serve more Champagne with orange juice. This year I gave Sue an updated Kindle and the Rachel Khoo book, "My Little French Kitchen". Sue would get her newsletters via email and thought it might be possible to catch up in Paris but then she became famous with a Tellie thing and now these books.
Sue is not hard to buy for - it just needs to be something she can read or cook. Oh yes! There are diamonds.

Sue presented me with a new bike bag so I can take my bike to Italy and France next year - only nine more months of saving to go.

First course was the traditional prawn cocktail

Sharn, Andrew, Carly, Mitch and Sue - just immediate family.
Main course not far away.

Oops! I was supposed to take a photo but it looked so inviting, I totally forgot.
Roast pork, stuffed turkey breast, honeyed carrots, buttered beans, roasted potatoes, pumpkin and parsnip with gravy.

As usual, we all decided we would take a little rest before our desert which again, I forgot to take a photo which only confirms that we were all enjoying ourselves for the first Christmas as a full family for some time.

Sue snapped this without my permission. Maybe its coz I didn't take photos of her wonderful Christmas lunch.
My apologies to all.

This should keep me in a few meals next year.

To all our good friends in Bloggersphere - Merry Christmas and a happy new year.

Christmas Eve in Melbourne by the Bay

Shopping all done

presents under the tree.

Wine for Christmas lunch cooling

Dinner table set for tomorrow,

starting with prawn cocktails.

The sky is blue

and bay is calm.

The weather is perfect

for Christmas day.

Have a safe and happy festive season

to all our friends

both local and overseas.