You are never too young....

Christmas in August (deferred from July) we relaxed with Bing Crosby's White Christmas gently playing in the background and with the excitement of an innocent toddler on Christmas Day our anticipation grew....at last it was here time to 'Pass the Parcel'.

Nine of us gorgeous Patchie Girls had dined earlier in a private room at the Boathouse and then retired to the gorgeous Flora's for dessert. On reflection we could have almost skipped the dinner part and have gone straight to china cups of tea and indulgent dessert. The subject of the 'Pass the Parcel' was never far from conversation and the list provided has not been looked at even by those who collected the treasure - the anticipation and mystery of the parcel was brewing just like Flora's tea.

The fate of the cards would determine the order we would unwrap this surprise package. The lowest number would be the one to unveil the first layer. After way too much chocolate and tea we moved to the front room, suitable decorated with Floras collection of Santas. Barb was first to go and with comments as to the attention to detail that bestowed the package and the gorgeous wrapping she began - all eyes glued to ever fold and crease to get a glimpse of the first treasure. It was the most incredible contemporary bird sticky tape holder - in a word - divine. Claire was to follow and again we were focused on her reading of the poem that appeared on each layer and her fingers as she unwrapped the second layer - to reveal quirky postage stamp pins- fabulous!. We were all commenting as to how gorgeous each of the items were, how the poems added to the intrigue and when it came to our turn not one member of the group was disappointed. The delight on the face of our matriarch and host encapsulated all of the emotion everyone felt on the night as she revealed her little cat ruler.

Other goodies included a knitting needle bracelet, I love knitting badge, makeup mirror with a funky sewing machine picture on the back, a bag, knitted cakes (a personal favourite) animal wooden paper clips and last but not least a wooden stamp the said 'Homemade'. Our Tracey was the recipient of the last gift and had only earlier that evening explained how she had seen a stamp for shortbread she was admiring that said 'Homemade' - how incredibly serendipidis. Amongst the Oooos and Ahhhhs as we shared our gifts consensus was that this would continue as an annual event.

The anticipation and the quality of the gifts received impressed all and this innovative idea by Sonia from Bobs Boutique is to be applauded. After only a brief conversation with Sonia she had managed to choose gifts that were fun, high quality and encapsulated all we enjoy as a group. We will all dream of the time we were young girls again, revisited if only for a few hours and the childish excitement only besotted on a child by a 'Pass the Parcel' You are never to old to indulge a little childhood reflection and fantasy.