Christmas in July

Our Christmas dinner held at the end of July (sorry for the tardy post), I'm happy to report, was excellent! We woke up to a beautiful frosty morning which I think set the scene for the whole day.

Mr L'Orange and I had prepared some of the courses in advance and were feeling pretty on top of the organisation for our 12 person Christmas dinner, how deluded we were!

We were busy in the kitchen from 1pm on the day with guests arriving from 4.30pm so it was the usual hectic race against the clock, with us feeling like we were filming an episode of 'My Kitchen Rules.'

I was still picking holly in my welly boots just before the guests arrived, so my top tip for anyone hosting a Christmas dinner is to get more done in advance! 

Highlights were having mulled wine around the bonfire in the garden then sitting down at the candlelit table in all its decorated glory. 

Mr L'Orange and I had never done turkey before or stuffing or pudding so it was a small miracle that every dish turned out really well. 

Here is a our Christmas in July menu:

Prawn Dumplings with Dipping Sauce

Leek & Blue Cheese Tarts

Sweet Potato & Bacon Soup & Crusty Bread

Roast Turkey with Stuffing

Chipolata Sausages wrapped in Bacon

Roasted Carrots, Parsnips, Pumpkin & Potatoes

Red Wine Gravy

Redcurrant Sauce

Christmas Pudding with Custard & Vanilla Ice Cream 

As usual, I was so engrossed in the cooking and serving that I failed to get good pictures of the food but you can use your imagination.

Mr L'Orange snapped this image just as my mouth was full.

Everyone agreed, it was so nice sharing a lovely evening with friends and non of the usual stress, drama and driving that typically accompanies Christmas. We will definitely be doing another one next year!

Winter Has Arrived - Wine Events

It is officially cold in Orange.There has been nothing slow or gradual about it, we just woke up one night and it was totally freezing. However, given this is now our third winter in chilly old Orange, we now know exactly what to do to stay warm.

Dog A L'Orange Keeping Cosy

Winter is the typical time of total hibernation in the Central West, so Mr L'Orange & I do our best to buck the trend and get out and about as much as possible.

The hottest event in our calendar is the Cargo Road Wines shindig on July 6th. Combining art, food, wine & entertainment all for the rather amazing price of $20. We are heading along with a big group of friends and hope you might be able to join us.

To book your spot simply contact James Sweetapple  from Cargo Road Wines before it sells out.

We are also planning a Christmas in July dinner party to get everyone in the festive spirit. I always look at the 'Country Style' & 'Home & Garden' Christmas editions with total envy especially as we are never home for Chrissy.

So perhaps this year, I can channel my inner Christmas Goddess. This is what I imagine the house might look like during Christmas in July...

The garden would embody country rustic with a dash of festive at the same time, something along these lines, just image Dog A L'Orange replacing the lamb....

And finally the fabulous Christmas dinner table (setting it is my favourite bit of Christmas) would look a little like this...

Any Christmas in July suggestions for me lovely readers? All hints and tips, gratefully welcomed.