First Lunch Bunch of 2013

The Lunch Bunch

A group of women who have become dear friends

over the last 13 years as once a month we meet for lunch

And usually at Linderhof

It was my idea --

For I love to try new recipes 

And have an appreciative audience to serve them to

Our first lunch of 2013, at Linderhof . . . 

In the dining room this winter,

because the breakfast room is too full of plants

And then, I thought, as I was setting the table

that perhaps we should lunch more often in the dining room

For it seems more proper

No tablecloth, but a lacy runner

And matching placemats

It lets the glow of the wood shine through

My Aynsley old Pembroke plates, Jim's grandmother's silver, white damask napkins in silver napkin rings, the French water goblets . . . and, of course, a menu!

The centerpiece, three of the hyacinths that I'm forcing that are budded and almost ready to bloom.

And two wee lead birds -- which were a Christmas gift from The Lunch Bunch

(and in the background . . . a Christmas poinsettia still leads color to the dining room!)

The Menu at each place

Carrot and coriander soup to start

served in Spode Famille Rose cups with a garnish of cilantro 

Creamy Herb Baked Chicken

(from Sweet Remembrances Recipe Collection cookbook that I bought from Sweet Remembrances Tea Room) (Nancy shares a blog with her sister -- visit them at The Rosemary House)

salad of mixed baby greens with vinaigrette

Herbed biscuit

Cookbooks on the island -- the ones I used for the chicken and dessert.

Ina's Pear, Apple and Cranberry Crisp

Still warm from the oven

Served on a Royal Stafford Rock Bird plate

A small Waterford pitcher holds heavy cream

Which was perfect poured over the crisp.

It's Thursday and I'm joining Cuisine Kathleen for Let's Dish and Susan at Between Naps On the Porch  for Tablescape Thursday.