Festa Di Natale

in november i thought to myself that a christmas dinner with a few couples would be a fun idea, so i proposed a get together to a few friends via e mail.  before i knew it plans had taken off and we were organizing a 6 course italian feast complete with table decor and ambiance and digestifs for between courses.  we had a planning meeting the week before the dinner where the wives, all five of us, planned the evening, for the five of us (an our husbands).  it seemed a bit over the top but also seemed to be just what we needed.  the weeks of planning gave us constant excuses to be in touch and be dreaming of a time where all our pre-holiday work loads would lighten and we would spend an evening in happy, food-induced bliss.

photos tell the story so very well, so...

christine getting some last minute decor together 

my red party shoes 

eden was so excited for the party to begin

christine designed our beautiful table

a few pre-party family photos

eden was tired before the night got anywhere

prepping all the delicious food

meghan with my love

guys and dolls

 simone was the object of many adoring eyes

meghan made delicious pizettes for our appetizer round

first plated course was broccoli rabe by elizabeth, which was delectable atop bread

next was a homemade pasta with clam sauce, also by elizabeth

then christine's honey hazelnut salmon

then martha's arugula salad with pear and pomegranate seeds

 then dessert, which i contributed.  cranberry chess pie and 

chocolate salted carmel pecan pie

we were all very grown up at the dinner table 

and we will finish with a silly group shot minus the babies who had visions of 

sugar plums dancing