MORE HOLIDAY ACTIVITY :: neon

How does one return to normalcy after the holidays? Soon after breakfast, champagne, mulled wine and port start flowing here in smooth succession, turning the world into a magical swirl of colorful beauty. I haven't worked out in a few days. Here my sister Elizabeth, a Laura Ashley furniture freak, displays to me her mirror desk from the Laura Ashley "Gatsby" Art Deco-style collection and other Laura Ashley etched-mirror items.

Elizabeth's Christmas tree is trimmed with balls in the shape of sea mines.

Among the gifts I received today was this antique Russian cameo: my parents had it set in modern gold setting.

Meanwhile, my brother-in-law Michael is mounting a massive effort to produce the Christmas cake.