Reunion #3- my own sweet and humble home

This CNY is a special one.  I had a fantastic time being busy.

This year's reunion dinner for my mum's family was held at my house. It had been a long time since I hosted reunion.  Further more, it is the first time (after many years) that I in charge of the "main dish", the steamboat.

The preparation started more than a week back, with activities like planning (what & when to do), buying, cleaning and decorating.  I bought so much stuff during that week.  Other than the usual food stuff, I got an induction cooker (with steamboat pot), 2 high stools, 2 cushions, and a set of new clothes for WK.  I shopped for bedsheets too, but couldn't get something that I like.

I was on leave on Friday, the day before the eve.  I spent this day spring-cleaning the kitchen.  During lunch, I went to TPY central and queued for 1/2 hr for a kg of ba-kua, which was selling at $51.  That night, it was off to Ming Xiang again, for reunion with my parents and sister's family (reunion #2).

On Sat, I was up early to soak the beans (which I forgot to soak the night before).  Then I took Lynn out for last minute shopping for flowers, plants, and breakfast for the next few days.  I went out again during lunch time (11+), wanting to get nuggets and curry mutton, but Mac only sells nuggets after 12 noon and Old Chang Kee's not opened, and the Indian stall had already ran out of curry mutton by then.  The rest of the time was spent getting the food ready, and making trays after trays of ice for the drinks and dessert.

Here's some pic of the day-
I replaced the table cloth with new, white ones, which made the kitchen look clean and bright.  This pic shows the 10+ bowls and the numerous pairs of chopsticks that I got ready for the dinner that night.  I also shifted the hot water flask to this side, so as to clear space at the other side of the kitchen table top.

Beautiful pot of bean+ikan bilis soup, which I started boiling from early afternoon:

The fridge full of steamboat ingredient, all cut and washed:

Drinks and cookies corner.  On the sofa are the 2 new cushions.

Everyone started arriving between 6 to 630.  This was the reason why I re-arranged and cleared space from my kitchen table top - to place the other pot-luck dishes that the dinner tables can't accommodate.. 算盘子 was made by Uncle Eric, and soya chicken wings was done by Jayne.  Both were good.

We had 2 pots and 2 soup base - Tom Yum soup base.   Yummy...

Dinner started after the 鱼生.  Although I bought extra high stools, the 2 tables were still too small for the whole family, so some of them sat at the sofa to eat and watch TV.

Lynn was the cuttle fish monster that night..

After dinner, aunty Cindy got the kids together for card game. This was the first time Lynn played cards, and it was with real money. She had beginner's luck, so she won a bit..  After winning, she chickened out, giving the excuse that she wanted to watch TV.

Right after dinner, Mum started to wash up.  On one hand, it was great help, as there's tonnes of dishes.  On the other hand, I wished every one would just sat around to enjoy the family gathering.

I enjoyed this reunion very much.  I like that my home is full of people and laughter.  This is indeed a ssssspecial CNY, which I will remember for a long time to come

Here's some pics of the deco and arrangement around the house-

The mascots for the year, giving all visitors a welcome smile once they step out of the lift.

TV console area, simply decorated with orange basket and 银柳

On the piano were the handicraft done by WK's mum, which I will display once a year.

These 2 stalks of red berries cost me $29.. but I like them for their festive feel.

Lynn did some deco outside her room

In order to make space for the 银柳 and the guests, I moved the floral ball and the lounge chair into my room.  I realised that it is important to have empty space so as to shift furniture around for occasions.