It’s here, and as I was looking around the shops last week I was truly glad I’d done most of my Christmas gift shopping. Now it’s mainly just the perishable goods to get.
The shops were very busy and it seemed as if many people are already on holiday. As usual there were the odd few toddlers who were crying as they were being pushed around. I always feel sorry for them. They are too small to know what’s going on and let’s be honest, shopping can be tiring. A word of advice to moms of toddlers. If possible leave them with your partner/ husband, granny or a friend while you get all your shopping done, you’ll be far quicker and very much less frazzled. If you have to take them along, please make sure they are either in a stroller or on reins. The thought of losing a child among all the shoppers is too scary for words.
Countdown and be prepared
If you are entertaining family and friends over Christmas, make a list now of what you still need to buy and draw up a menu plan. This will make shopping easier and try to stick to your list. We are all guilty of thinking, “I’ll buy this just in case” or “I think I’ll buy just one more gift each for the children.” I’ve done it and you’ve done it and usually we end up with lots of leftover food, most of which goes to waste and the kiddies get far too many presents.
I usually have the family to us on Christmas Eve so my countdown for organising and cooking begins on Tuesday December 23, when I buy the last food stuff, and the preparation begins early on December 24.
If you have to go to the shops on Christmas Eve, get there early. Woolworths, Pick n Pay and Checkers have a list of festive opening hours as you enter the shops, make a note so you’ll know just how early you can get there. You’ll be finished as most others are arriving!
Make sure you have defrosted meat in good time, especially turkey, and read the cooking guidelines carefully. Please make sure you have tried to fit the turkey into the oven before time. I have memories of my mum battling to get the turkey into the oven and in the end my dad having to cut of its legs before it could be forced in!
Set the table early on in the day, not forgetting the serviettes. You won’t be caught out rushing around like a headless chicken when your guests arrive.
Prepare fresh vegetables and keep in cold water. If you are making cold desserts, such as trifle or tiramisu, they can be made early and left covered in the fridge.
Depending on what time you plan to eat, cook your vegetables accordingly, roast potatoes, etc and take out serving dishes and spoons.
Put out a tray of wine, beer and cocktail glasses; make sure you have enough ice, and slice lemons and oranges, cover and chill in the fridge. Put white wine in the fridge and open red to breathe. Crisps and nuts can go into small dishes, covered with clingfilm. I always think if these things are ready, at least my husband can offer drinks and snacks if I’m still blow drying my hair!
Definitely pour yourself a glass of wine and try and relax, even if it’s for 10 minutes, before your guests arrive.
All that’s left is to enjoy yourselves and remember the Christmas spirit…. no I don’t mean the whisky or gin! If you know of someone who is all alone invite them to join you and your family and if that’s not possible, make them up a plate of food, a few treats and take it to them.
Focus on Local
If you are “holidaying” at home this festive season, maybe a good idea is to pop into A Pinch of Thyme at the Tulip Garden Centre, Rifle Range Road, Haddon.
Owned by Celeste White for two years, A Pinch of Thyme is open seven days a week from 08:30 until 16:00 (closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day). Come and enjoy scrumptious breakfasts, delicious lunches, home baked cakes and tarts, sweet and savoury pancakes and if you fancy a glass of wine or beer, the place is licensed. Baby showers and small parties are catered for and a Sunday lunch is served.
If you have young children, a play area in a garden setting will keep them happy while you enjoy yourselves.
If you would like more information or would like to make a booking, phone 011 434 3246.
Bouquet of the Week
“On Sunday December 7, I and my family were having a meal at the Ocean Basket Meyesdal.
The couple sitting at the next table, on leaving, put a bill on our table and said that they had paid it.
At first I thought it was a joke and was thanking them most profusely but they walked away. When I looked at the bill I saw that it was indeed ours. To this couple who ever you may be thank you so very much for your most kind and generous gesture. God bless you,” said Ernest Westbrook.
That’s it for this week. Shop till you drop! Merry Christmas and a very Happy New year to you and your family.
Julie
