As usual, Dinner Party of Eight met at one of our houses for dinner.

What was NOT usual? For the first time in twenty-three years, DP8 Christmas was NOT at the Karnes Estate. A mishap had sidelined Deb K, and the Karneses thought it better to stay home.

Instead, the DP8 family met at the Teator abode, with ten ringing the table – Kriss & Ken, Joyce & Mark, Lynda & Ross, Julie & Kerry, and Deb & Don. The Turner Table, usually set with the two panels and no leaves, was spread to accept five leaves for the ten of us to sit comfortably across the width of the kitchen.

After coats were hung, we ambled toward the den with its walls lined with eighty of Deb’s pastels. J&M had prepared arancini, light enough to be excellent mouth poppers! And a side sauce accompanied. L&R concocted a charcuterie plate, a worthy complement.

Wine, soda, and non-alcoholic beer were sipped while we chatted over catch-up news.

Deb would disappear infrequently to check on the entrées. After a half-hour of den time, the call to dinner beckoned us.

A greens salad awaited for those who prefer salad ahead of entrée. A mix of greens, beet slices, chickpeas, carrot grinds, and olive halves waited for our choice of dressings.

Glasses were refilled. Mark had brought a bottle of Taurasi, shipped from Italy. Don had a Chilean cabernet sauvignon and an Italian vermentino on hand, just in case.

Glass trays of Deb’s culinary skills took center stage. A platter of chicken parmesan with extra homemade tomato sauce, a tray of lasagna, and a tray of baked sweet Italian sausage with peppers comprised the menu.

We chatted more, allowed dinner to settle, and began to entertain ideas for dessert. At this juncture, Lynda needed to leave for choral practice for an upcoming concert.

Dessert called out its siren song. K&K had brought a cheesecake with strawberry topping and whipped cream from Nina’s in Cairo, while J&K had prepared a chocolate trifle in a classic trifle glass.

All the teamwork made for an excellent repast, made even better with the company of friends who have participated in our 23+ years of dining once a month.

It was early-mid evening, and ‘twas time to call an end to a most pleasant evening once again. We all hoped the Karnes would complete the scene next year.