A day spent getting ready for the Big Festive Lunch... and it was marvellous! I can say that because I didn't do much to make it marvellous. Well, I did grate Mary Berry's recipe for potatoes gratin and I lit all the candles. And organise the Christmas music (with no screechy modern stuff, but Fairy Tale of New York featured, of course.) In fact. this morning, I subscribed to Spotify, having avoided doing so for years. Though I may not keep it for more than the obligatory three months.

We had a Beef Wellington (Waitrose), and it was absolutely fantastic. You could cut the beef with an ordinary knife it was so tender. We also had red cabbage, tender stem broccoli, peas, Chanterelle carrots, and gorgeous (Waitrose) gravy. Also, of course, The Mary Berry potato gratin. Followed by pavlova with cream and cherries. 

It was such fun to have the girls over - two lots of crackers were pulled, all home made with personalised pressies inside, several bottles of Cava were consumed. Dougal was very good - didn't even try to play with Archie, who ignores him. A fun afternoon, and a good start to the Festive Season.