Saturday Cannot Come Soon Enough.
December 21, 2023
It seems like a little thing to most, but to me it’s huge. The Winter Solstice arrives tomorrow, December 22, which means starting Saturday we will enjoy a bit of extra daylight each day until Spring. It’s a good excuse to finish up your Christmas decorating with plenty of evergreens and white flowers, lots of candlelight, a roaring fire and a simple supper. I always pick flowers that remind me of the Spring to come and a simple dish that reminds me of Spring as well. Deb Perelman’s Rolled Spinach Omelet accompanied by a light salad is perfect and a bowl of Clementines will finish off the evening on a fresh note. That was simple.
All photos except for the omelet, gp . Omelet photo: Smitten Kitchen.
Midwinter ’22
December 19, 2022
Midwinter. Odd name for the Winter solstice which is actually the first day of the season. Call it what you will, it is absolutely my most favorite of days. It marks the shortest day of the year in terms of daylight but signals the slow, steady increase in daylight hours as we move into spring. Sure, it might not seem like a big thing to you but trust me, if you live anywhere near the Midwest, you will immediately notice that the sky has not gone to pitch at 4:45 in the afternoon. There is a feeling of hope…yes, that spring is just one season away. So, celebrate with me if you care to, with anything ( hell, everything ) that reminds you of spring… and relish every extra minute of daylight. Tradition would have us festooning the place with evergreens, lighting candles indoors, building a roaring fire outdoors and gathering together to embrace hope within the darkness. To follow are just a few of my favorite ways to celebrate, from candlelight to a roaring fire to every and any white bulb flower mixed in with winter greens and other white seasonal selections. Something hearty and herby for dinner finished of with a lively Winter cocktail and the celebration is complete.
Brandy Stinger. The perfect Solstice cocktail. Equal parts Brandy and white Creme de Menthe on the rocks. Done.
photos: gp
simplequietmodern 