A Beautiful Table

A beautifully set table greeted us when we sat down for dinner last night at the home of our friends Jane and Howard. Red maple leaves, gold-painted nuts and pine cones, red pears and pomegranates, streamers of gold ribbon, and white flowers lit by several candles created a beautiful centerpiece. At each place was the starter: an avocado half garnished with pomegranate seeds, persimmon, and citrus fruit. The main course -- osso bucco with stuffed squash and broccoli -- was marvelous. Wine from our hosts' trip to France was a perfect choice to accompany the food. Each course was served on beautiful china -- I did not ask about the china but I suspect that it's part of an interesting collection. 

Dessert: chocolate wine cake with home-made ice cream.

We feel strong gratitude to our friends for such a delicious and entertaining meal, and for the company of their other guests. As frequently happens at remarkably well-prepared meals, the conversation centered on various food, restaurant, and French outdoor market experiences from travels by the guests and hosts.