Gransnet Grotto

Just remembered, we bought some Carluccio's (sp?) crackers at the weekend - with chocolates inside. DH won't notice if I bring those along will he?

I have only just reached "C" in my MIddle Class ABC - and there, after bunting and bugaboo is Carluccio's. The ultimate MC lunch /brunch destination - so many buggies you'd think it was a creche! (That was us on Sunday morning too!)

Here is some Christmas cake - I made two so it would be really good if you'd all help me eat it. It has been well soaked in brandy, and the angels and snowflakes are edible. (Tried them myself...) oh yes, hot chocolate sounds lovely. And did someone mention plum wine?? Oohhhh, I feel all festive - where are the Christmas emoticons, GHQ?

Red PJs are in the tumble drier - sorry to disappoint. gracesmum - me too. When someone at CAB offered to make me a , I replied, 'It's OK, I've got a red bush'. Collapse of entire office.

I am glad someone's brought some mulled wine. Do not like milk so that counts out hot chocolate. However I will bring some of my Christmas biscuits, home made ginger biscuits with a cinnamon icing and little glittery bits.

I'd really like to join you but I am coughing profusely and don't want to share my germs - perhaps I could sit in the far corner with a mask over my face? Would that be allowed? I have just bought some half price Piper Heidsieck and some smoked salmon (for Christmas, in case I get a visitor!) but it won't last that long - we could have it for lunch.....

I made a big pan of leek and potato soup last night and am happy to share it for lunch, followed by Gally's far more up-market offer.

Your germs will be neutralised as you walk under the twinkly lights at the entrance to the Grotto Gally....and I'm loving the sound of your lunch!

I've had a few mad moments of doing things....cleaned a mahoosive bird poo from the kitchen window, bubble wrapped the outside tap and had a quick scout around the Tuesday market....so I'm ready for a bit of a sit down and one of Ariadne's edible angels

A big for your bushy comments anno and grace.

Well done NotSo, perfect idea.
Great stories anno and grace

Ooooh Notso so it really is a magic grotto! I think anno's leek and tattie soup will do me much more good than my offering!! Yummy.

Soup has been heated up and there's plenty for all. Guaranteed to cure your cough, Gally. Bring up your bowls!

Can I just sit on the sofa and eat and drink everything! Anyone got any good music?

I hope ite nice and warm, its dreadful out there today.

I've just returned from pilates so think I deserve something nice to eat. I found out that 2 glasses of champagne have less calories than 1 of mulled wine so have brought a couple of bottle and some orange juice to go with it for those who like a Bucks.

Have also brought some cushions to share with all those like me who are 'vertically challenged so we will be able to get out of the squishy sofa. Oh and I'm wearing my woolly slippers.

Do you want me to send for my Christmas CDs?

OK - who scoffed all when's mince pies??

Yes, but not Cliff!

Some good music.
Essential are Nat King Cole. The "Christmas Song" and Eartha Kit with "Santa Baby."
An absolute ban on "Driving home for Christmas" and others I can't think of at present.

No carols by crooners etc. No carols sung by commercial singers (Supermarket carols) that churn them out on the recording with no variation in tone or pace or anything musical.
Proper carol or hymn singing choirs only please!

Is it true that the Pope has effectively killed off "Little Donkey" by saying it wasn't there at the Nativity? I wonder what Catholic Mums invilved in Nativity Plays all over the world have said to that!
Can we still have the song?

Can we watch a feel good Christmas film, but please not A wonderful life!!!!.

We have all been invited to the Carol concert at DGCs school to-morrow at 11am so all welcome and then back to the Grotto for after lunch refreshments ............ form an orderly queue to put your names down please no pushing at the rear I can see you

Anyone able to bring some GCs to put on a Nativity Play? I do miss them as they were always the start of Chrismas for us.

I could offer 4 and 6 year old GC's to offer a rousing chorus of one of the songs they are currently practicing for their Nativity. There's a bit where the Angel Gabriel comes down to break the news....

Mary, Mary, I know it must be scary
But you're going to have a baby boy....

Hard to keep a straight face, and they take it so seriously!

Could also offer 4 older teenage GC's who would probably provide a version of the Nativity that would be fairly......what shall we call it? Alternative

Notso can I go for the little ones please? I can get enough of the other sort from DH and DSs thanks!

I can help with the band. 1 nine year old GD on drums. 1 12 year old on guitar
and a two year old who can screech for England.

I've got a couple of 4 year olds currently practising for their nativity, so a dummy run would be good for them. At the moment, we've got to the stage of Buzz Lightyear being tucked up in a shoe box under the Christmas tree, and being warned 'you'd better keep quiet or you won't get your nappy changed, Cheesiz!'