Andre Rieu South Australia Friendship Group Dec, 2010
Hello All
On Friday December 10, the combined André and Collingwood Groups' Christmas party was held at our home. We had hoped to have it
outside, but the weather Gods had a different idea. After setting up outside,
we had to make the decision late afternoon to make up the dining room although we knew it was going to be a tight fit.
We then thought we'd be able to have the nibbles, Hors D'oeuvres and pre-dinner drinks outside under the enclosed verandah, but even that ended up a no-go. Does anyone know what's happened to summer?
Due to the low numbers of guests, instead of platters as had been
originally suggested, we decided to completely change the menu.
Working with a $15 per head budget, I was thrilled to be able to serve up a 5 course meal, as well as nibbles and a small gift for all.
Lobby arrived early, offering her help, for which I was most
grateful.
She finish off one of the appetizers and did a sink load of dishes.
As our guest arrived, they had to fit themselves into the ever
shrinking lounge room, where the Hors D'oeuvres were handed around. There was a choice of 4 - 2 hot (stuffed mushrooms & chicken vul-au-vents) and
2 cold (smoked salmon topped cucumber bites and apricot halves, stuffed with blue cheese).
They then took their places in the all-so-squeezy dining room. I'd
set
out the soup and main course in the kitchen, inviting them to served
themselves.
Soup was my 'famous' pumpkin vichyssoise with French stick. Many went back for seconds, which was pleasing to see.
Main course consisted of Lamb and Pork Webbered roast, cooked to
perfection by Robert, roast potatoes, carrots and pumpkin, peas and
beans, apple and home made mint sauces and gravy.
I didn't think there would be many wanting desert, but this proved
wrong, as they all tucked into individual Ice cream Christmas
pudding, (dribbled with white chocolate, topped with 2 mint leaves and a
quarter of glaced cherry, my poor attempt to imitate holly leaves) which is something I make every year now, as it is a nice light desert to have after a heavy main course and home made Christmas cake. I always make these in August or September. With all the Neapolitan Brandy in each, they mature nicely as the months pass.
Along with 8 members from the André group, we were happy to welcome
Dawn and Ron who are part of the Collingwood group. I'd been given 6 Collingwood bonbons, as an early Christmas present, 4 of which they
and we used, whilst the others had the traditional ones. The bonbons were being pulled, party hats donned, silly jokes read out and much
laughter and talk ensued.
The cheese and fruit platter was followed by a visit from Mother
Christmas, who handed out cards and gifts.
During the course of the night many joined me at the sink, helping
with dishes, for which I say a very grateful thank you as it saved me so
much time and energy.
Beth asked to see my "André" room, after which she took Betty to have
a look. One by one the dining room emptied, as the pilgrimage began to
the back room. The Great Man himself, was still outside on the verandah,
in his 'Santa's Helper" hat, tinsel and balloons and totally devoid of friends. As one of his DVD's materialised, so did he, taking his
usual spot by the door.
It was now time for our guests to leave. The time had passed way too quickly, but the night had been a truly great success. Everyone had enjoyed each other's company, with plenty of food, drink, laughter
and chatter. It was the perfect way to end a good year for our AR Group
and a most successful year for our Collingwood friends. Thank you for joining us and to those who brought us gifts, thank you.
We bid a fond farewell to Beth, who left last Tuesday for her 5 month
trip overseas. Lyla has again been in hospital with her knee. We hope the pain has lessened bit for you Lyla and you are well on the road
to recovery.
In answer to which of the brothers had the latest Rieu baby - it was
Marc and partner who are now parents of daughter Fleur.
A reminder that the first AR meeting of 2011 is the last Monday in
February - the 28th
We wish you all, the Compliments of the Season. Have a wonderful
Christmas. We look forward to meeting you all again in 2011, which we hope will be one of health, happiness and prosperity.
Our thanks to Betty for the use of her photos.
Love to all
Lyndall and Robert
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