Foxy “As for entertainment? That will be
provided by the good conversation of
the guests.….”

I am tempted to provide an entertainment, more than just conversational.

To my shame and disappointment, I cannot play any musical instruments,

Similarly, my singing voice would only be to your shame and disappointment.

I might be tempted to recite some of the prose of Max Miller, who Banjo alluded to previously but it would make all you ladies blush and risk ‘swooning’ with embarrassment,

So, I will, with your help, recite

“There's a one-eyed yellow idol
To the north of Kathmandu . . . . . “
(http://ingeb.org/songs/theresae.html for all the words)

Foxy (unless another lady wishes to volunteer) will, as tradition records it, stand behind me and provide the required dramatic hand movements which essentially accompany this recital.

Hopefully, the above will inspire others to similar acts (of gravitas). . . .

Well, Foxy, what can I say! Here was I wondering whether or not I should be pushing you any further with this dinner party idea, what with Christmas coming up and all and no doubt occupying a deal of your time, but I needn’t have worried. In your truly inimitable style you have made it all look so easy, not to mention deliciously sumptuous!

I just hope there’s at least a week or two between your Russian feast and Forrest’s amazing Penthouse spread (yes, not a good choice of words I know!), or the poor old waistline might never recover!

Ah Forrest, yes, finding that dress. I’ve been ‘shopping’, but no luck yet. I’m looking for something Russian, something with some ‘wow’ factor and now, as reminded by Fractelle, something with waist expansion capability. Not a lot on the market meeting all three requirements, but I’ll keep looking and keep you posted.

We know what Col’s wearing, so how about you, CJ?

And you too Forrest? I don't want to preempt Foxy, but I'm pretty sure you'll have a place at one of those tables. Or do you prefer to be the neutral observer - maybe the doorman, the waiter, or the fly-on-the-wall, where you can truly get to the bottom of who's behind what and who said what to whom, etc, etc?

Stumbled across this while out ‘shopping’ for myself.

http://inventorspot.com/articles/russian_bulletproof_attire_formal_wear_in_the_works_17464

With at least one guest planning on concealing weapons, it could be a sensible precautionary, if not a particularly fashionable, choice, especially for the more hotheaded of the males amongst us!

Great to see that Celivia has finally received her invitation!

The gender balance is starting to look a bit sad though. Do we hunt down Poly and the other male OLOers that Foxy invited? Or, girls, do we look for suitable male replacements by trawling through some of those other guest lists?

This has been the most fun I've had in
cyber space.

Thank You Pelly for this thread.

However, sadly I shall have to say Farewell, until
next year - as family commitments are calling...

Thanks to everyone who responded to my invitation.
Especially to Bronwyn for encouraging me.
Don't worry about any male shortages - it's all
sorted.

This is only the beginning. I have so many other ideas
for dinner parties, apart from 'Dining In Old Russia.'

There's - 'A Mountain Meal With Ludwig of Bavaria.'
'Saint Nicholas Eve Party.' 'Mustafa Effendi's Harem
Dinner.' 'Smorgasbord In The Land Of The Midnight Sun.'
'Confucius Eight Delicacies.' 'A Four Boy Currin Tiffin.'
and, 'A London Society Ball Supper.'

Just to name a few.

For now however, I would like to wish you all,
a Safe, Happy, and Gastronomically satisfying
Festive Season.

See you again in 2009.

All The Best,

Goodness, we have gone from virtual guest lists to virtual dinners. There are some mouth watering menus from some very gastronomically creative OLOers. I think GrahamY would have to be there too as the OLO representative.

Forrest your menu sounds wonderful - save me a doggy bag. Foxy, Bronwyn, Fractelle and Celivia are really getting into the mood of the evening. I can't decided between a black cocktail dress with just a hint of decolletage or a toga style cream dress with highwaisted gold banding with off the shoulder straps.

I can just see it now.

Foxy looking delectable, greeting guests warmly at the door and making them feel as welcome as old friends. The guests all slightly shy at first (we are strangers afterall) tentatively shaking hands, smiling and exchanging polite pleasantries. All of us wondering who it is we are talking to.

A window is open nearby and a soft breeze can be felt at the table. The candlelight flickers, almost unnoticeably, as the guests take their seats. Foxy has outdone herself with individualised name plaques amid a colourful fruit and flower arrangement. There are gold trimmed napkins and silver cutlery laid out on a white tablecloth scattered with gold fairy dust.

To be continued...(by anyone who feels compelled as my storytelling skills are limited)

I should stop being such a stick-in-the-mud - I have to say that I actually quite enjoyed Col's last post. It wouldn't surprise me at all that he's quite charming and droll in a black tie at a dinner party. And I imagine that we'd probably each enjoy trading polite barbs across the table.

As to dress, I have to confess that I'm a kinda Hawaiian shirt guy in summer, and jeans and boots in winter. Depending on the time of year, "dressing up" involves a mix'n'match of the above. I do have a couple of suits, but they're usually dragged out at funerals and such. For this occasion, I'd probably go for jeans, black corduroy shirt with tweed vest, and R.M Willams boots.

And I really liked Forrest's menu - vegetarian/vegan sensibilities notwithstanding. Actually, my darling partner is a 'vegetarian' who also fortunately eats fish and dairy, and if I'm to attend this bash I'd be happiest with her at my side (and not just to keep me in check).

So there's another vote for the vegos, ay?

Hehe Bronny,
You’ll be easy to recognize in that bullet-proof hat. I hope it won’t be too hot at the day of the party!

Oh Pelly,
I can’t match your storytelling. Don’t stop, you’re painting a beautiful picture!

What a good sport you are, CJ.
Love the boots and jeans, too.

And Col’s performance sounds like great fun. I’m sure we can come up with lots of other fun games to play, too.
Dance, anyone? What’s your favourite dance? I love quickstep and jive, but we need space for that. Rock n Roll is fun, too.

I’m not fuzzed about the menu, I’d love to try anything Foxy puts in front of me, as long as I don’t have to cook it and as long as someone can top me up continuously to wash it all down! So bring it on, Foxy!
Have a great Christmas, Foxy.

Fractelle
I love these red boots. I used to have a pair that looked very similar to those. I think I lent them to my sister-in-law but she ran away in them when she divorced my brother.

I’m not sure what to wear yet, perhaps something I don’t have to feel all dolled-up in, something natural. I’m not a make-up gal either, just some lippie.
But whatever I decide to wear I’ll be wearing my Pandora jewellery because I’m obsessed about it.