The Worst is Over...

Or is it?

A week before Christmas and the parties do seem to be slowing to a halt. With the big day on a Monday this year there may be one extra weekend to get in that last minute shopping, but when it comes to events, no one really wants to party.

Friday the 15th was the big one. With the busiest lunch of the year (of about 300 covers, plus the special events in our private dining rooms) upper management was rightfully crazed early that morning. Ultimately the day seemed to proceed without a hitch, nevertheless, it's on days like these, true "Black Fridays," that we in Special Events close the door, keep our heads down, and order super expensive Chinese for lunch.

Those ubiquitous holiday staples, See's Candies, have reared their ugly heads once again (and seriously ladies, you can't expect me to work Saturday, with an open box of chocs at my disposal, and hope to have any left upon your return Monday). Boxes from Harry & David's have made welcome appearances, and even a nice little candy dish from Tiffany's arrived Friday.

One of the more interesting gift's that I have partaken in however was a nice slice of banana bread handcrafted by none other than Buffy's former beau, Riley Finn, aka Marc Blucas. Now while not the nuttiest of loaves, this was one particularly tasty tea bread. I now have my fingers very much crossed for a signed glossy black n' white to add to my collection.

So with no real disasters (OK, so that one guest had to wait for their chicken after a second guest switched from pasta at the last minute... we thought the world was going to end for a moment there), and the only concerns being the strange prevalence of Pink Floyd and The Stones over soothing holiday/dinner, the season is winding down nicely.

Cards have been sent (is it still a faux par to wish people a Merry Christmas?), gifts have been readied, and vacation time has been booked - and yes, this time, it was approved!!!