The last headlights head down the drive....

The last headlights head down the drive....and the music gently slows and the lights dim.  As I look around I hear echoes of conversations "it's good to see you my friend", "I have missed you", "we should get together next week"...I see the empty glasses, plates and napkins...the night  maybe be over, however the party revelers are charged for the holiday season. 


How I plan the annual Johnston Open House:


I spend about a month creating a menu, how does one create a menu, it's usually by chance... I picked up my local grown turkey which was just a little over 27lbs, thinking to myself what am I going to do with a 27lb turkey????  And here's where the chance comes into play, for the first time in my entire life I am going to make a traditional turkey dinner for the open house...laughing.  I do a little  researching and testing of recipes...so that everything has that special touch of Jenn. After that it all falls into place.


Bruce and I go out forging forest foliage to decorate the outside of the cottage. I spend a week tying red ribbons around the window boxes and barrels than stuff them full of fir, pine, juniper and red dogwood branches.  I order wreaths from Moose Meadows which arrive just before the party.


Next up I decorate the inside of the cottage which is a mood thing...first off Christmas music has to be playing, no music, no decorating.  I have boxes of surprises to chose from...call me the collector of decorations.  Each year I buy a few new things to add to the mix, this helps create a fresh palate.  Most years it's like opening presents because I forget what I have...laughing.  Once the bobbles, bells and whistles are hanging, I have to arrange furniture...than it's time to cook!!!


The week of cooking I am in my glory...and gain a few pounds taste testing.  Cooking for the party is all about organization.  I have excellent skills in the department after my many years working in kitchens.  Setting up a line for dinner service, so it runs in a seamless flow takes incredible attention to detail and the ability to see into the future.  And even than you have to plan for disaster!!!!  This year my plan B, if my turkey turned south on me was...nothing!!!  It was not going south...it was in the oven cooking. 


Each year I am asked is it not a lot of work Jennifer to host your open house...Yes, it's a labour of love, a passion which is about giving to my fellow man.  To open my heart, home and feel grateful that each person whom crosses my threshold is apart of my life...people I call my friends. 




Grow, Harvest, Cook, Eat...and Rejoice


Jenn