Rosso e Bianco per Natale... Red and White for Christmas...

It's hard to choose a favorite color combination for Christmas Decorations... but,  there is just something about Red and White ( and green) for classic Christmas Color...

Torta al Cioccolato e Nutella per il Compleanno di Jim... Chocolate Nutella Birthday Cake for Jim...

Chocolate Cake... Jim's favorite...  Nutella Filling and Dark Chocolate Ganache poured over the top makes it delicious.... Sugared Roses and Rosemary make it beautiful...

Tristezza... Sadness...

Feeling such sadness for the many families affected by the horrible , tragic event that took place in Connecticut yesterday.  As a mother,  I can't begin to imagine the heartache ...

Un piccolo Biscotto di Scambio...A little Cookie Exchange...

 Went to a good friends' Annual Cookie Exchange party... Friends,  Champagne, Food,  and of course, Cookies...  I brought  Simple Gingerbread Boys...

And Coconut Macaroons....

Dipped in Chocolate...

Alberi di Natale... Christmas Trees...

There is absolutely no possibility of a White Christmas here,  but I can dream...

Finalmente... preparando per Natale.... Finally... getting ready for Christmas...

It seems to be taking me forever to get started with my Christmas Decorating,  and Christmas will be here before I know it.  I haven't decided exactly what I want to do this year,  but there are two things that I am sure of... one... there will be Sparkle... two...  there will be a few of those precious little handmade ornaments from Priscilla's grade school years.  

This little Angel is my favorite... she is adorable...

Una Serata con Amici...An Evening with Friends......

Dinner at our house is a very important part of the day.  Whether it's just us,  or with family or friends, or ... family and friends,  we love to do it,  and we do it all the time...  On this night, it was with  good friends... a very special couple... and a simple dinner...

                                                            A few Candles...

Some flowers and herbs picked from the garden...

A puff pastry appetizer with an Artichoke filling...

                                           And a simple Pasta with Shrimp and Clams...