A Bahamian Christmas

LOCATION: Harbour Island, Bahamas

THE HOSTESS: Dressed in a glamorous pyjama with feathered sleeves, an embellished kaftan or a silk slip dress, bare feet paired with delicate jewelry and beads that catches the candlelight.

THE SETTING: Overlooking the garden we sit at an enormous cypress table on the cottage terrace, the sound of local musicians and the hum of ceiling fans overhead, potted palms, candle light and the sound of drinks being poured.

THE TABLE: White spider lilies, sea grape and boughs of casuarina with hurricane candles, set among the La Savage collection and Green Ramatuelle bamboo. Hand made Bahamian straw placemats and personally chosen glass ornaments with Christmas crackers for each place setting.

FOOD: Stone crab claws with home made dressing, caviar and a seafood curry for Christmas Eve followed by a selection of mango, coconut and rum raison gelato.

NOTES FROM THE HOST: Christmas in the Bahamas is a very special time. To be bare foot and feeling the warm tropical air and ocean against the skin in December feels to me to be the height. Celebrations abound - from the Junkanoo parade, midnight mass in St John’s (the oldest little pink church in the Bahamas) and Christmas lunch with family friends.