A few months ago, my father built an outdoor patio, complete with a full gourmet kitchen and a dining area set close to a beautiful outdoor fireplace. Since then, every family meal has been set outside, and it has just been becoming more of a festive occasion as the holidays are underway. While my father is busy planning the perfectly grilled ham, I am busy setting the table, and setting the mood.
With the new fireplace however, half of my job is already finished, as what can really compare to simply having a large table of friends and family, gathered together in front of the fireplace, eating incredible–hopefully–food, sipping on wine telling stories and reminiscing. This is what a glowing fire does, the stories just seem to happen. And now, it is not going to be so chilly, as the warmth of the fireplace, set right next to the grill, will serve to warm our bodies as the company will serve to warm our souls.
The menu this Christmas will be a slow roasted ham, the roasting of which my father has been busy perfecting over the last few weeks. Slow roasting brings out flavor, in the way that roasting in front of a fire brings out flavor of the times. Potatoes and grilled vegetables with balsamic vinegar will accompany. My recipe for the decorations are simple. Shine the silver, polish the glasses…bits of holly along the length of the table and tall candles are my thing.
Many who know about our backyard renovation are excited to see what we have created. A bit of the style of the indoors, moved to the outdoors. And now that they are aware that yes there will be a roaring fire this year, they are no longer reticent for a holiday spent at my father’s house, one that in the past was enhanced by being outside, even in the cold, but this year, we will be coming in from the cold, while still being able to enjoy the night sky.