Chaletmomma

The day after Thanksgiving we met family for our annual day of thrifting. We visited The Lafayette Mills Antique Center as we have the last few years and the most magical thing happened… I saw something I own out in the wild!

In all my years of thrifting this was the first time I’ve ever seen the crèche I have that belonged to my mother Rita. The dealer shared that each one was hand-painted. I knew they were produced in the 1960’s in Italy. He was asking $40.00 for his - my mom paid a $1.00 at a garage sale. It was neat to see where the star was originally located.

A few other lovely moments from the day. I thrifted a version of Five Little Peppers a few years ago. It reminded me of my Aunt and Uncle’s home and a collection of books my cousins owned. Of course I loved not only this pretty crèche but, also the Martha Washington Sewing Stand and finally a Nabisco Saltine tin just like the one we had growing up. It made me think of my late brother Joe. No one ever ate more saltines than he.

This tree was delightful - I loved all the clock-faces.

This is what came home with me - this Mason’s Patent Ironstone China beautiful pitcher.

Til next time I hope you’re managing the hustle and bustle - and that you can take a moment to breath!

See you over on Instagram friends! Be well!

Two dear friends Nicole and Melody came to the Chalet for a luncheon last week. Look it’s like we planned our outfits!

Many of you visit my website and read my posts because you follow me on Instagram and that’s exactly how I met these two wonderful friends. I’ve spent time with each of them before last week. So when I knew the boys would be away at a Hockey Tournament I immediately asked if they’d be willing to drive to the Chalet. Lucky for me they said Yes!

Today I’m sharing how I prepared for their visit. It’s extra fun to entertain when our homes are dressed for the holidays but, no matter what time of year - the most important question I ask any first time visitors to the Chalet is: “Are you allergic to cats?”

After my invitation was accepted in September I planned the menu.

First Course: Pumpkin Soup and a Baguette.
Main Course: Chicken Salad served on a bed of Romain Lettuce.
Side Salad: Diced Cucumber and Grape Tomatoes.
Dessert: Brownies à la mode garnished with Blueberries.

I offered various beverages: Cranberry Juice, Ice Tea, Seltzer and Hot Tea.

The soup was in a jar from Trader Joe’s, The Chicken Salad pre-made from a local market, The Brownies were a mix from Trader Joe’s. Friends I’m not fancy.

Tuukka never moved until the first course was served. I love these little candles with the snowman lids I gifted the ladies.

In the week leading up to the Luncheon I did my regular weekly marketing and I cleaned the Chalet as usual. I also straightened the coat closet ensuring their coats would fit.

*Two Days Before: I went to a local gift store and purchased a party favor - a candle with a snowman on the lid - wanting them to have a little something to remember the day.

*Day Before: I purchased delicious Chicken Salad and a baguette. I baked brownies. I hand-washed dishes, serving dishes, glasses and utensils. I gathered the placemats and napkins. I deeply cleaned the bath and decided to offer both a regular hand towel and holiday themed disposable towels.

*That Morning: I got ready - then I re-cut the flowers, set the table, placed the hand towels and a bottle of hand cream in the bath. The last thing I did was pop the hors d'oeuvres in the oven so they were ready when the gals arrived.

They were here from 11am until 430pm. Such a treasured afternoon!

Never one to let the fun end… one of my besties came over at 6pm and we ordered Pad Thai. After dinner I left only the Christmas Tree and the Mantel lights on - it was super cozy. You can just make out Tuukka in this image enjoying the fire. Unfortunately after staying up until 1am the previous two nights - my lids were super heavy by 10:45pm. It was the end of a magical day.

I truly love to welcome others in.

In 2019 I hosted a monthly Friday Morning Coffee of fellow school moms. They would get their kiddos to the elementary school and pop over around 8:45am - stay for an hour - have a cup of coffee and catch up. It was super casual sometimes I was doing dishes when the gals were walking in the kitchen door. My motto is just leave your shoes by the door and come on it.

These images are from a Mother’s Day gathering and from Christmas Eves.

We host our family on Christmas Eve every year. I will do all the same things I did prepping for the luncheon. I will clean, gather ingredients, make room in the coat closet, hand-wash all the dishes, utensils and any glassware. I will bake a few days before and the day before I will prepare my mother’s famous Crabmeat Dip.

On the day we will serve Crabmeat Dip, hot Hors d'oeuvres, Chopped Chicken Liver Pate’, Shrimp Cocktail, Cheese and Crackers and for dinner Swedish Meatballs, Mashed Potatoes and Greenbean Casserole. We will end with Magic Cookie Bars, Chocolate Chip Cookies, Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies, and Spice Cake.

Here are some recipes we enjoy!

It certainly doesn’t have to be fancy friends. It’s just about time together! Til next time I’ll see you over on Instagram and here are some additional articles you may enjoy.