During the winter, when I can’t garden, I seek out new recipes and then invite friends and family over to try them out. They don’t always meet my expectations but I enjoy the challenge. Over the years, I developed an elaborate four page dinner party planner template for the guest list and seating plan, grocery list, scheduling checklist, and an inventory of serving dishes. And yet I still find a forgotten dish of vegetables in the microwave after the dinner party – classic.

When we host large dinner parties, twelve or more guests, I design themed name cards to suit the occasion, usually David’s birthday, Hanukkah, or Shabbat. I especially like this year’s Star of David card that was drawn by David’s daughter Hannah when she was very young.

My holidays cookies have become a signature gift for Hanukkah and Christmas. I bake and decorate about 200 cookies in mid December.  They are a labour of love and usually take me about three days to complete.