Today we lunched at Helen and Bill’s in company with Shelly and Ron. Before, during, and after the excellent meal we enjoyed convivial conversation and reminiscences.
Helen produced a fine starter of paté, biscuits, and grapes; a splendid main course of tender venison, crisp roast potatoes, carrots of varying colours, stringless runner beans, cranberry sauce, and thick, tasty, gravy. She finished with coffee before we retired to the sitting room.
Bill exercised both sommelier and carver duties in an impressive manner. Red, white, and rosé wines were imbibed. Christmas crackers were of good quality. Jackie is seen reading a joke.
One of my contributions to reminiscences was my story of ‘Fred’, which, when I returned home I found I had told on a previous similar occasion, and posted it in https://derrickjknight.com/2013/10/20/fred/
The upside down nature of the pineapple dessert reminded me of https://derrickjknight.com/2015/10/25/chocolate-surprise-pudding/ . I recounted this story, too.
Needless to say, we had no need of further sustenance this evening.
Beautiful.
Precious times.
Thank you very much, Emma
What a wonderful time for you all! That venison looks mouthwatering. We hope you and Jackie continue having loving get togethers such as these.
Thank you so much, Maj and Sher
Oh, my goodness, that meal has my mouth watering! And dessert, too!!
Thanks very much, Liz
You’re welcome, Derrick.
Mouthwatering buffet of goodness! Hallelujah for stringless beans. I already carry floss with me. 😉
Thanks very much, Rose
That looks like a lovely time and a fine dinner, Derrick and Jackie, and I enjoyed reading your earlier posts. The flower pot man was an interesting creation.
Thank you very much from us both, Merril. This was so typical of Don.
Sounds like a lovely hearty lunch with good company, what more can you ask for?
Didn’t have any room for more, Sue 🙂 Thanks very much
You have such convivial lunches. I’m quite envious. And the pineapple upside-down cake seems a very Aussie dish to me.
That is interesting, Gwen. Thanks very much
So many delicious photos! 😋❤️
Thanks very much, John. Such an apt comment
Your welcome!
It’s wonderful to get together and enjoy laughs, conversation, and a good meal. Those desserts look wonderful!
Thank you very much, Merril
Looks like you all had a nice time. You do eat well!
🙂 Thank You very much, Jill
Delicious looking food. You know where to dine.
🙂 Thanks very much, Pat
Looks like so much fun! Those pictures sure made me smile.
Much appreciated, Laurie
Looks like a good time. “Jackie is seen reading a joke,” makes me curious about the joke.
Thanks very much, JoAnna. You will see examples of cracker jokes on here: https://bitaboutbritain.com/the-custom-and-origins-of-christmas-crackers/
Thanks! 🙂
I would like to have the recipes for the beans, please, in case you wonder 🙂
You all are wearing foil crowns and I should know why but I cannot remember. I am such a muppet.
Thanks very much, Bridget. The crowns come out of the crackers. All is explained here: https://bitaboutbritain.com/the-custom-and-origins-of-christmas-crackers/
Do you mean the Brussels sprouts recipe? If so, that is Helen’s.
So convivial, Derrick; the stuff of Life!
Thanks very much, Mike
There’s an astonishingly fabulous article about crackers here for anyone that misses out on these curious traditions – https://bitaboutbritain.com/the-custom-and-origins-of-christmas-crackers/ 🙂
Thanks very much, Mike
Scrumptious … let the feast begin …
Thanks very much, Ivor
Now that is some feast. Beautiful
Thank you very much, Gary
That certainly looks like a repast from the past as far as I’m concerned.
The feasting fiesta continues in the festive season, and is faithfully filed in the Chronicles.
🙂 Thank you very much, Uma
What beautiful, precious, delicious, happy memories made with beloved ones! YAY! 🙂
(((HUGS))) 🙂
Thank you very much, Carolyn X
Photograph 16 really makes him look like Captain Mainwaring!
Thanks a lot, John
I bet Jackie appreciated not having to cook and clear away
Quite so, Sheree. Me, too. Thanks very much
A wonderful way to stretch out the seasonal joy.
Thank you very much, Anne
Yes, it looks like a perfect carve-up!
https://pacificparatrooper.files.wordpress.com/2019/12/christmas-merry-e1640000083324.gif
Thanks very much, GP
Looks like a plentiful meal and wonderful company.
Thanks very much, Mrs W. Continuing positive thoughts for you all
Thank you. Grief is still strong but things are returning more normal every day which helps a lot.
How lovely to share holiday cheer with friends!
Thanks very much, Eugi
You’re welcome, Derrick.
Happy time.!
Yes. Thanks very much, Rupali
Just a joyful gathering with our loved ones is the best kind of food to lift our spirits 😀
Thanks very much, Rosaliene
Lunch looks marvelous, made even better by the warmth of the family. Why the crowns?
Thanks very much, Dolly. I don’t know if you follow Mike, but the crowns are explained in this story about the crackers: https://bitaboutbritain.com/the-custom-and-origins-of-christmas-crackers/
You are very welcome, and thank you for the link, Derrick. The story was interesting, and now I will follow Mike.
You will enjoy his posts.
I can see that already.
What a grand time you had together! That looks like a delicious feast!
Thanks a lot, Dwight
You are welcome!
Looks like a great time was enjoyed by all. So nice to see ‘the culinary Queen’ enjoying being served in style. 🤗
What a lovely time and super delicious food!
Thank you very much, Ribana
Mmm… that venison looks scrumptious! So glad you had such good times with dear friends! Happy New Year, {{{Derrick}}} <3
You, too, Jan. Thanks very much X