The Power of Planning and Collaboration
What I love most about our girls' lunch is the collaboration. We save the date a year ahead of time, blocking off a Saturday for what is always a joyous occasion. The process is simple: each of us nominates something to bring, and we all take turns filling out the menu. There’s no pressure to create a Michelin-worthy dish. Instead, we go for what feels good—comfort food, festive flavors, and whatever we’re most comfortable preparing or picking up along the way. It's the spirit of togetherness that makes this meal so special, not the complexity of the dishes.

The Spread: Ham, Fish, Paella, and More
Every year, we manage to create an incredible spread of food. Everyone plays to their strength and brings whatever is easiest for them. We don’t limit ourselves to just traditional Christmas fare. We bring in flavours from all around the world. Ham, fresh fish, paella and some delicious middle eastern salads. No Christmas lunch is complete without dessert. This year there were delicious chocolate cakes, a beautiful fruit platter and decadently rich and impossibly smooth caramel slice.

Setting the Table: My Favorite Part
A few years ago, we were gearing up to host at-home 21sts for our 3 eldest children. We invested in extra chairs, trestle tables, and glassware, so my job is to set the table. Our girls lunch has turned into a beloved tradition, one that has deepened our friendships and made Christmas feel even more special. In a world that moves so fast, having something that we can rely on year after year is a gift in itself.

The Perfect Balance: Our Annual Girls’ Christmas Lunch (and the Guys’ Bowling Club Tradition)
So why just the girls? Well... There’s a certain magic in the energy when it’s just us women together.

We’ve learned over the years that a girls' lunch is somehow easier to coordinate. There’s just something about a women-only gathering that feels naturally lighter and more relaxed. Conversations flow effortlessly, we can dive into deeper topics without interruption, and there’s an unspoken understanding among us that makes everything feel effortless.

The energy when it’s just us girls is different in the best possible way. We can let our guard down, share laughs, reminisce about old times, and simply enjoy each other’s company without any of the pressures that can come with larger, mixed-gender gatherings. It’s a feeling of ease and comfort that I cherish the most.

The Guys’ Tradition: Bowling Club Lunch & Sundowners
Of course, we’re not leaving the guys out of the celebration! They too have their own tradition, and it’s one that complements our lunch perfectly. While we gather around the table, the guys head to our local bowling club for their own lunch. It’s their time to relax, share a few beers, and enjoy each other's company in a laid-back setting.

Then, around 5.00pm, the energy shifts. The guys wrap up their afternoon and they make their way back to us for the best part of the day—sundowners. The transition is seamless. We’ve finished our lunch and we move into a more casual vibe as we shift to the couches. The atmosphere is pure joy, with everyone feeling relaxed and happy. The guys bring with them a fresh wave of energy as we toast to another year of friendship.

The formula is the best of both worlds—Beautiful chats with women, followed by the vibrant energy of the entire group. It’s an incredibly balanced day, and it works in a way that feels completely natural.

The Happiest Day of the Year

For me, this annual lunch is the happiest day of the year. It’s the day when we can pause, reflect, and celebrate the friendships that have sustained us through the ups and downs of life. It’s about savouring the little moments—those quiet conversations, the shared laughter, and the happiness of having all the people you love in one place. It’s about friendship, connection, and creating lasting memories.