Page 85 of Sea Breezes at The Beach House Hotel

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

The next morning, Clint announced that he needed to do some shopping. Nell told us she’d promised to go into the hotel to help. Vaughn offered to take all three children Christmas shopping, and I called Bernie to see if there were any issues at the hotel.

After telling me that everything was running smoothly, I asked Bernie to call me if necessary and said I’d see him and Annette tonight at my house for dinner. Even though he and Annette would either work at the hotel or be on call both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, they usually took a couple of hours to attend an early dinner at my house every Christmas Eve.

I was even more excited to host my dinner this year with both Nell and Tina and their families present.

Working at a hotel with excellent food was a true benefit. Though I would prepare everything else, I would have the hotel kitchen prepare Beef Wellingtons for me to cook at home. Fortunately, there wasn’t a vegetarian or vegan in the group.

Dressing the dinner tables was the most fun for me. I wrote place cards for each person—all twelve adults and nine children. Each place would have a holiday popper with a paper hat inside sitting on top of a plate. This was a tradition that had started when Robbie was still a toddler.

My cell phone rang. Rhonda.

“How’s it going over at your house?” I asked her.

“Terrific. I’ve been making the desserts, and then I’ll get to work on a revised Feast of the Seven Fishes. I no longer pretend to do it exactly as I knew when I was growing up, but we’ll feature a variety of fish as appetizers. Other than that, I’ll make my mother’s lasagna recipe and serve my wedding soup.”

“Sounds yummy. I talked to Bernie. He said everything is running smoothly at the hotel. He and Annette are coming here for dinner. It’s nice that you’ve invited Dorothy and Lorraine to your place. What can I bring to your dessert party? I’ve already ordered a Chantilly cake from our favorite place.”

“That will be more than enough. I’ve made Panna Cotta, honey balls, and my chocolate torte. All traditional Italian desserts.”

“Are you sure you don’t want me to taste-test?” I kidded.

“I’m sure,” she said, laughing. “Willow and Drew are doing an outstanding job of that.”

“Have fun today. It’s pleasant to enjoy the holiday away from the hotel. I’ve offered to help place the gifts guests ordered outside their doors if needed. But I’m really hoping they won’t need me.”

“They should be fine. Let’s enjoy a family day,” said Rhonda. “It happens very rarely for us.”

“Okay,” I said. “Let me know if I can bring anything else besides the cake and the chocolates I usually order from San Francisco.”

“Will do,” said Rhonda. “Thanks.”

I ended the call.

At the table for adults, I placed my best crystal and sparkling silverware. In each dark green linen napkin, I tucked a gold-foil-wrapped chocolate truffle. While the adult table was elegant with special Lenox Holiday chinaware, the kids’ table was much more fun, with melamine dinnerware displaying snowman designs. Each of their plates had a party popper on top.

Gazing around the room, I was filled with excitement. It looked festive. I could almost imagine the people sitting there, the sound of music in the background, and the buzz of conversation.

I reviewed my meal. In addition to the Beef Wellingtons, I was serving a carrot and onion casserole, which was a favorite of Vaughn’s, Julia Child’s potatoes au gratin, and a simple recipe of green beans and bacon that Robbie liked. To accompany the meal, I’d serve a tossed green leaf lettuce and cranberry salad.

Liz was bringing her famous toasted cheese crisps for an appetizer, and I’d supply holiday nuts. Tina and Nick were bringing wine. Stephanie and Randolph were bringing homemade lemonade for the kids. Bernie and Annette were asked not to bring anything, but they would probably bring wine.

Anticipation filled me as I checked the living room. There was seating and space for everyone, even with the large Christmas tree in the corner.

Later, I was finishing with the prep for the carrot casserole when Vaughn and the kids returned home after seeing a movie. They were wound up about the gifts they’d bought for one another. Nell had promised to help wrap those that needed it.

“I got Mommy and Daddy a big surprise,” said Ned proudly, holding out a package for me to see, already wrapped by the store.

“That’s very thoughtful. You'd better place it under the tree for tomorrow,” I said.

“I got a present for Mom and one for Dad,” said Bailey. “I’ll put mine there.”

I glanced at Robbie.

“I already bought gifts earlier,” said Robbie. “They’re already under the tree. But I bought one today for Brett. He’s going to really like it.”

“That’s what makes it fun,” I said.