Sip 'n see.

My party yesterday morning went very well. I didn't have to do any of the food - just had to have my house ready and provide the beverages. I made my mom's wassail in my coffee urn which was a big hit (it's very cold here right now). We had a great turnout, and my friend with the new baby was very appreciative. I got busy and didn't take any pictures once the party was in progress, but here are some from beforehand.


Notice my silver baby cups in the center - I had them arranged with white roses and Christmas greenery


I used three china patterns: Brittany by Royal Crown Derby (left), my Lindy Neuhaus Christmas plates (right) and Spode Christmas Tree (at the other end of the table)


Close-up of one of my Lindy Neuhaus plates. She is an artist in Houston who hand paints china. I have eight of her plates and each one is different.


Our little guest of honor!

I had quite a few requests from guests at the Sip 'n See for the wassail recipe so I thought I'd share it here.

Wassail

Tie together in cheese cloth:
6 sticks cinnamon
16 whole cloves

Combine:
1 t ground allspice
¼ c sugar
2 c cranberry juice cocktail
1 12-oz can apple juice concentrate, diluted
1 extra can of water
1 t bitters (optional - I use them but have no idea if they add much to the flavor or not)

Simmer 10 minutes and remove spice bag. Serve hot.

**If made in a large coffee percolator, place spices in basket (use same amount of cinnamon and cloves and multiply everything else times four).