The pantry smelt wonderful for weeks in the lead up to Christmas last year.

After the ill-fated first round of puddings, the next batch were well and truly kept away from one particular member of the PCH household!

Just to remind you of the story (I am told it has made a few people giggle), here is the post that shared the joy.

It certainly makes the countdown to Christmas seem short when you start to see decorations when you are out and about. Someone said yesterday that there are only eight more Fridays until Christmas……OMG moment! Saw these decorations recently and was quite smitten with them. I like that they made me smile and were just a bit different. I did have a sense of floating, like I was in a Hogwarts Hall scene, as I rode the escalators amongst them.

Have you started to prepare for your festivities?

Happy tastings

DC xx

Today PCH hosted a private function for a group of people to enjoy each other’s company while sharing a PCH High Tea. Glorious weather as 13 people wandered around the garden before settling inside for afternoon tea.

One of the guests had called me a few days before to advise me of her dietary requirements. I was most grateful she had given me warning and was able to adapt sections of our High Tea menu to suit her. Never having cooked gluten free before, I ensured that I took to doing some research beforehand, to be well prepared. We made gluten free scones, gluten free choc brownies and other delicious edibles that catered to all requirements. Following numerous other blogs as I do certainly came in handy for gaining some information.

End results were most satisfying to our guests, but even more so I was thrilled with the results of our cooking in the kitchen to ensure we catered for all the needs.

And of course, the first flush of roses made their appearance and were simply magnificent.

There is something very romantic about High Teas and the old-fashioned relaxed, garden surrounds notion it conjures up in my imagination. Do you enjoy them?

Happy tastings….

DC xx

The last few weeks have allowed me to visit a few places I would not have thought would be on my radar. I never take for granted that I often have wonderful opportunities come my way.

My professional life has often opened amazing doors for me. My personal life has certainly taken me on journeys that make my “life tapestry” very colourful and warm. My love for people, food, culture and functions also means that I often enjoy many things that others may find tedious or boring. I guess I attempt to make the best of all situations. 

Whilst on the move for a work trip recently, I had occasion to be sitting quietly and as I often do, some quiet reflection time made me think of all the faces, places and spaces I experience. You may have noticed I sign of posts on this blog or Facebook with “happy tastings”……for me that means delicious, scrumptious, yummy, pleasing or whatever descriptor you want to use, in relation to food (eating & drinking). As my mind wandered, it seemed natural for me to create the happy faces, happy places and happy spaces list. What I was thinking was about all the times I look at someone and they make me feel (feel anything that is positive – it doesn’t necessarily have to be belly laughter – just feelings). I am not talking about people being classic beauties or stunning looking or breath taking glamour. I am talking about how often you look at a face, a smile, a grimace, a look that makes you react with a feeling.

Those thoughts took me down the thought path of the places that I have been that evoke memories, stories or reflections. Then I started to recall the events, occasions, or functions that help fill the shelves in my mind when I think about my life….so I created the “happy faces, places and spaces” in my mind. I began to think what a great collection of posts these would make. 

Along with my mantra of trying to eat something new every week (you might recall my post back in March where I set myself a challenge to eat something I had not had before at least once every week), I now want to create a happy face, place or space post each week that has created a reaction for me.

This photo was taken recently in a space and place that was definitely a pleasure for me. I had a delicious lunch. Do you recognise it?

I am so grateful for the wonderful life I have. I am able to work hard and then enjoy the fruits of my labour by living at PCH, shopping, travelling, eating and enjoying. 

I would love to hear about your happy faces, places and spaces.

DC xx