John & Marie's Garden

We were invited by Ady's cousin John to a small family get together for Christmas dinner. They live on a lifestyle block near Kaiapoi and as you can see, they have the most beautiful garden. When we arrived, we caught the late afternoon sun, sitting in the garden with nibbles and champagne. We had a traditional Christmas dinner sitting at a formally laid table (white table cloth, silver cutlery, cloth napkins, candles and a runcible spoon for the icing sugar). Smoked salmon for myself and Ady (non-meat eaters) with perfectly cooked new potatoes, baby carrots and salad, followed by Christmas pudding with meringues, ice cream, raspberries, strawberries, berry sauce.... Thank you so much John and Marie for sharing with us.

Earlier in the day, we had a lovely relaxed brunch with friends in Purau. Irish coffees, nibbles, mince pies, then gin and tonics. I don't get to drink because of my pain medication so became the sober driver. By the time we had left Purau, and made our salad to take to John & Marie's there was no time to open our presents. Tomorrow....

All in all a wonderful Christmas day surrounded by friends and family, beautiful environs and delicious food.