It’s Christmas Eve. The tree has been decorated, ready to receive gifts, since early December. Christmas lunch will be a little different for us this year.  I live in a narrow street, lined with single-fronted Victorian era cottages. With friends and neighbours we have decided to assemble one long banquet table for 35.  We’ve shopped the local farmers market,

turkey breasts are stuffed and rolled,  puddings ready to be heated. On the ‘still to do’ list for me:  make mango salsa to accompany the smoked salmon; create festive feature pieces to dress and set the table. It’s going to be fun!

©  tPRo/Pamela Reid