Monday, December 31, 2007

SECRETS OF THE RED LANTERN



This afternoon I string red lanterns (purchased ages ago in Chinatown in Melbourne) around our verandah in preparation for our New Year's Eve party. We love entertaining our family and friends. With the house tidy and the food preparation completed I snatch half an hour to finish reading a fabulous Christmas gift from our friend, Alex (currently in India. Well-travelled. Lover of things Vietnamese).

Secrets of the Red Lantern is so much more than a cookbook. It tells the story of the lives of a family of Vietnamese refugees and how they make new lives in Australia. The story is gripping. The recipes outstanding.

I open the book and begin to read. It says...

"To raise a red lantern outside your home is a symbol of honouring good company."



I knew that.




6 comments:

Penny said...

You know what? I didn't get a book for Christmas. It is terrible! So I shall have to get one myself. And that sounds like a good one.

Happy new year!

Sandra said...

Hope your party went well Mel. I love entertaining too.

Anonymous said...

I got a book and read it straight away, so I went and got 5 more in the sales. I will be in Melbourne in February Mel so I will look out for a red lantern as I think its a marvellous idea.

Sharon said...

And they look cool too!

Ali said...

Lantern looks just gorgeous Mel. Happy New Year!

Anonymous said...

Love those lanterns! Hope the New years celebrations went well :)