Christmas Gifts

For the Lunch Bunch Christmas Lunch

I had to move the big poinsettia off the dining room table

for a more proper centerpiece.

I didn't move it far . . .

Just to the server in front of the windows, where, I think it looks smashing!

Much better than as a centerpiece!

I scooted the tray of decanters over a bit, and put both candles together 

leaving room for the rather large poinsettia 

(which was a gift -- a birthday gift -- not a Christmas one -- but poinsettias are often gifted for my birthday since it falls in early December -- but that's fine with me!)

The light was coming in the windows this afternoon and I loved how it lit the poinsettia.

I'm thinking that after the holidays, that I shall permanently (or at least during the winter)

keep a plant here -- it would be good for the plant and makes for a better tabletop, I think!

(Note the Asian stand under the plant -- I find that it's the best solution for plants on table -- it elevates the pot away from the table and you don't have to worry about water rings!)

We do exchange gifts -- The Lunch Bunch and I.

My gifts are always part of the table decoration

And for the last year or so, it has included a homemade treat

(pain d'epices, the French gingerbread this year)

And my gifts . . .

A tin of Gunpowder Green Tea.    Which actualy is my favorite green tea.

A jar of Sally's aunt's homemade mustard.    It is sooo good that recipients often hide it from their husbands -- and I could eat it from the jar with a spoon!

A Santa ornament . . .

And . . . the lead birds

Which have a story . . . .

I think they make a nice addition to the centerpiece --

The silver bowl full of pinecones and greenery . . .

The crystal sleighs full of vintage ornaments

And the two little lead "snow birds"!

The Story Of The Birds . . .

This summer, The Lunch Bunch did our annual road trip

to a lovely French restaurant in an area of Kansas City called Crestwood

And after lunch, we did the shops of Crestwood.

A favorite of mine is The Pear Tree . . .

And at the shop were these cute little lead birds.

I lusted after them but they were too dear for my purse

And so I had to leave them.

But I've thought about them . . .occasionally.

And to find them Thursday in the gift bag.

I was gobsmacked!

How thoughtful of these lovely ladies and dear friends!

They won't live permanently on the dining room table.

I'll find a better home than that.

But every time I see them I shall think of my dear friends

And their thoughtfulness!