For the first season in years I have not hosted a single holiday gathering at my home. I thought it would be depressing but was I ever wrong. The massive Thanksgiving dinner I typically host was instead put on by my friends Kevin and Tiffany Eyer (pictures here) and it was the best of both worlds. I enjoyed cooking and sharing the fruit of my labors with everyone - at someone else’s house. I was liberated from oceans of shopping, cleaning, decorating, kenneling my dogs, primping my house and garden, and generally driving myself crazy. I enjoyed it so much, in fact, that I am repeating the process for Christmas.

We will make the circuit to a couple of different gatherings on Christmas Eve; head to my brother’s place on the Northshore for a Christmas brunch then report to the home of our dearest friends and neighbors, Cynthia Collier and David Kelly for a seated Christmas dinner on Sunday evening.

To my brother’s brunch I will contribute Louisiana Blue Crab Bisque and Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes. Prior to departing for the Northshore I will deliver a pre-assembled, un-baked Gratin Dauphinoise to go along with Cyndi’s menu of Herb- Crusted Beef Tenderoin; a Salad of Arugula, Roasted Butternut Squash, Toasted Pecans and Dried Cranberries; Broccoli with Garlic and Toasted Pinenuts; , Meyer Lemon Mousse and  Brownie Pudding.

Done. 

Here's Cyndi with my dog, Happy. Cyndi gets to do all the work this year. Thanks Sister!