An "Extended" Christmas Brunch

Isn't it nice to attend a Christmas event after the hustle and bustle has passed and there's time for relaxed conversation?  With a Christmas package still awaiting delivery, I made my way to a friend's home yesterday for a lovely 11:00 a.m. brunch.

~ Adorable snowmen and elves greeted guests on the front porch. ~

~ And inside, gorgeous Christmas/winter décor was in every room. ~

The peacock Christmas tree was decorated with boas and jewelry.

~ Hostess, Linda, was dressed in a peacock outfit to coordinate.  ~

~ The "fire and ice" grouping was beautiful. ~

~ Fireplace Mantel ~

Even though I took many pictures, I probably missed something! Before sitting down at Linda's dining room table, we went into her kitchen for Brie and Cranberries en croute, served with assorted crackers.  Delicious!

~ Dining room tablescape was a festive peacock theme. ~

~ Place Mats ~

She had a fabulous brunch menu which began with raspberry sorbet to cleanse our palate.

And sorbet spoons to eat it with!

~ Individual frittatas, with an orange half, and banana bread. ~

~ Accompanied by a fabulous salad with homemade marmalade dressing. ~

When she went to the kitchen to prepare dessert, she kept us busy with a fun "eye teaser" called "Up in the Attic" - a graphic containing 42 hidden teacups.  I found 28, and tied with Kathleen to win a tea prize.

[L-R: Judy, Kathleen, Verna]

[Joanie and Louise]

~ Dessert was a gigantic cinnamon roll stuffed with sliced strawberries. ~

~ And, of course, tea - Hark! The Herald Angels Sing from The Rendezvous With Tea. ~

Aren't the gold teacups and luncheon plates exquisite?  They're 24k from Germany.  She also has the matching teapot, creamer, and sugar bowl. Going to Linda's is like visiting a museum, and it's always a learning experience.

After brunch, Linda wanted to take us to two boutiques she's recently discovered, so with very full tummies we all waddled out to the vehicles.   To be continued...