~Written and edited by Veronica Clark ~

Tuesday 3 December 2013

December Cocktail Party ~ By Invitation Only

Hi Dear Friends
 
It is 6:36 pm here in the shadow of Table Mountain. I have had a day of prepping for my book club's Christmas function and am quite footsore and tired. I am hosting eleven gals on Thursday eve for a eight course tasting menu!!! The house is looking festive and a bit tosy turvy. You know that look, when you are putting up decorations, laying tables and there are boxes of décor and stuff strewn everywhere ....
 
So, here I am at my desk with a glass of wine, the sun is still up and the temperature is soaring!
 
 
 
 
 
Our monthly "By Invitation Only" theme, which Tina From The Enchanted Home choose for us, is to host  a December Cocktail Party. As per usual, our glam lady Marsha, from Splenderosa will be hosting us. So hop on over and take a look at what all the other gorgeous ladies are up to...
 




Christmas holidays for us means sun, sea and sand!!!! We avoid the kitchen like the plague if at all possible!!!! So, in keeping with that I have decided to keep it cool....
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
This enchanting garden will be the ideal setting for a festive outdoor soiree....
 
 





Music will be provided by the abundant bird life and from indoors all the Christmas Carols will waft out on the evening breeze....just to tickle the ears....and you may burst into a spontaneous "Rudolf the Red Nose  Reindeer" if you get swept away with the Christmas spirit....
 
 






To start, I have decided on these  Blackberry Prosecco Popsicles to bring the temperature down a bit...
 





Cocktails will include.... Champagne Peach Bellini, Minty Mojitos, Tropical Ice Tea Punch, Orange Sherbet Mimosa and of course Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Champagne....




 
I have opted to wear this red number with my favourite open heels....they will probably be kicked of soon enough...







An ice block mounted with prawns and a spicy dipping sauce is enough to keep those taste buds in a perpetual state of anticipation of what's to come....
 




 
Figs wrapped in Parma Ham...




 
Summer melon encased with slivers of smoked Salmon....





Tuna Tartare and refreshing cucumber....





Lobster rolls...
 
 



Terrine of Rainbow Beets....




Spicy Asian Meatballs....






For Dessert..... Blackberry Cabernet Sorbet....
 
 




Heat or no heat, we absolutely have to have chocolate!!! So, how about these Mudslide Truffles served in shot glasses....
 
 




Summer fruit abounds, and so sugared peaches and cream is a must!!!
 
 




The heat is on, so I am heading over to grab a glass of bubbly....to toast each and every one of our fabulous bloggers who contribute monthly to our festive "By Invitation Only" event! A Big Thank you to Marsha for hosting us all at the glamorous Splenderosa . Please head on over to join the party!!!




 
I would like to which each and every one of you a wonderful month of holidays. Amidst the flurry of parties, shopping, cooking and all things festive, let us remember the Reason for the Season and all those less fortunate than us...
 
So dear friends..... Keep Calm and Love Christmas!!!!





Live Well
 
Veronica
 
xxxx
 
 
Please regale me with a comment down below...I am all ears....
 
 
Please also visit my Pinterest board for all photo credits and to see what else I had in mind to eat, drink and wear....