I had so much fun caroling at a Christmas party on Saturday night. It was, truly, a classic Park Slope holiday scene. Here’s the recipe:

1 historic brownstone with a big Chirstmas tree in the bay window, decorated with arty, crafty decorations by children

20 or more votive candles strewn about for mood lighting

3 tables of pot luck casseroles, cheeses, breads, charcuterie and desserts

An assortment of wine, beer and alcohol

1 pianist at the upright playing through a book of carols

Booklets containing song lyrics for the guests

A smattering of interesting and friendly friends and strangers

Children of all ages hiding out upstairs

Mix it all together and you can create quite an idyllic scene. When the carolers launch into Silent Night, the hostess hands out votives to the singers and dims the lights.

Holy Night