The Perfect Christmas - Debbie Macomber [56]
Dearest Cassie,
Harry and I would be thrilled to come for dinner. Thank you so much for thinking of us!
I’ll bring my famous apple pie. And did I tell you Harry’s making wine these days? He’ll bring a bottle or two. (It’s not too bad, especially if you’ve already had a few glasses of something else to—how shall I put it—dull your palate.)
By the way, what’s a five-letter word for “perfect”? I’m working on today’s crossword.
Love,
Phyllis
From: Cassie
Sent: Friday, December 2, 4:41 p.m.
To: Phyllis&Harry
Subject: RE: Dinner on Christmas Eve—Save the Date!
Hi, Phyllis,
How could anyone refuse your apple pie? By all means, bring one and thank Harry for the offer of wine, but Simon and Amanda’s husband, Robert, are taking care of that. Your special pie is more than enough. My mouth is watering already.
5-letter word for “perfect”? Hmm. What about “ideal”? Does that work?
Cassie
From: Phyllis&Harry
Sent: Friday, December 2, 4:43 p.m.
To: Cassie
Subject: RE: Dinner on Christmas Eve—Save the Date!
That’s perfect!
From: Bob
Sent: Friday, December 2, 9:16 p.m.
To: Cassie
Subject: RE: Dinner on Christmas Eve—Save the Date!
Hey Cassie—
Sounds cool. I’ll volunteer to bring the music. I have a great rap CD of the Xmas classics. You haven’t heard anything until you’ve heard “Not So Silent Night.”
Your friend and former neighbor,
Bob
From: Cassie
Sent: Friday, December 2, 4:41 p.m.
To: Bob
Subject: RE: Dinner on Christmas Eve—Save the Date!
Hi, Bob—
Thanks for the offer but just bring yourself.
Cassie
From: JohnFitz
Sent: Friday, December 2, 2011, 5:20 p.m.
To: Cassie
Cc: Simon
Subject: RE: Dinner on Christmas Eve—Save the Date!
Cassie & Simon,
Christa and I would love to join you for dinner on the 24th. We had a lovely time with you last weekend and hope to return the favor soon.
By the way, I have news… Christa and I have set the date for the wedding next summer. You two and the baby will definitely be invited. After all, Simon, you introduced us! Come to think of it, Cassie, Simon did a good job matching up the two of us—but not to each other! Kind of ironic, isn’t it? I couldn’t be happier, and I know you feel the same way.
Just to be on the safe side, let me check—no one will be required to complete any tasks before we’re allowed to eat our dinner, right?
John
From: Cassie
Sent: Friday, December 2, 5:32 p.m.
To: JohnFitz
Cc: Simon
Subject: RE: Dinner on Christmas Eve—Save the Date!
John, don’t worry! The only thing required will be your presence. By the way, congratulations to you and Christa. I think this is a perfect match—and I’m so glad we’ve all become friends….
Cassie
From: Simon
Sent: Friday, December 2, 5:39 p.m.
To: Cassie
Subject: Dinner TONIGHT—Save the Date!
C—plan on dressing up. I’m taking you somewhere special tonight. I want to escort my wife—my pregnant wife—out on the town for a pre-Christmas treat! Reservation’s at 7:30. Sorry for the short notice! I’ll pick you up at the house around 7.
S
From: Cassie
Sent: Friday, December 2, 5:45 p.m.
To: Simon
Subject: RE: Dinner TONIGHT—Save the Date!
Simon, dinner tonight would be perfect. You’re perfect. I’ll be there, waiting for you, with bells on. And speaking of bells, I’m bringing a bunch of ten-dollar bills so I can give one to every charity bell-ringer we come across!
All my love,
Cassie
Cassie’s Ideas for the Perfect Christmas Party
I love Christmas, and I love giving Christmas parties, especially parties for friends or family in my home. I particularly like organizing the party in a way that lets less fortunate people in my community benefit from the celebration, too.
Whether you’re planning a party for a traditional family, or for a family of friends, here are some ideas to make the occasion special and memorable:
Establish a fun dress code: ask each woman to wear her most outrageous Christmas sweater, each man, his wildest, craziest Christmas tie. Have your guests vote for the winning sweater and tie. Take a photo of the winners for