Every year my parents would throw a Christmas open house. They called it the “Caroling Party” because before we all hung out and gorged on cookies, we would carol all around the neighborhood. My parents took decorating seriously. We had at least two, 8 foot trees, fresh greens everywhere, a mantle, wreaths and candles. They also served at least 8 different kinds of Christmas cookies. Some of my fondest memories are around that party. Well, it turns out holiday entertaining got into my blood.

I, too, love having people in my home at Christmas. I have decorations that have accumulated over the years and each year I like to do something a little different. In Brunswick, Matthew and I hosted parties nearly every year and we would work tirelessly to make yummy foods and tasty drinks for our friends and family.

I decided I was going to do a party in France all on my own. I baked four different kinds of cookies including the regular favorites -buckeyes, and pecan turtle bars. I went to the English butcher and bought thick sliced bacon and candied it like Matthew always does. I made a gooey, hot artichoke dip with Gruyere cheese. I sliced vegetables for crudité, selected delicious cheeses, sliced bread, and rolled prosciutto. I made a huge bowl of guacamole and chilled champagne and wine. I also sliced limes for a cranberry vodka cocktail.

I basically worked all week but it was fun. When I looked around on Friday night before my guests came, I was pretty pleased. The house smelled good, candles twinkled, and I had made a massive spread to share with my new friends. How lucky was I too have this new group of people to celebrate the season with?

Everyone came and we ate, drank and laughed our way through the evening. It was fun for me to introduce different groups of friends to neighbors and such. I was able to bring my Christmas to my new home in France and it felt wonderful. Joyeux Noel!