It’s that most warm and wonderful time of year—Christmas! And where better to celebrate this magical season of goodwill and family fun on a sunny-but-crisp Saturday afternoon than in the spacious, comfortable, and well-equipped Azabu Gardens Club Lounge?

As guests arrived from noon, kids got fruit juices and adults were offered sparkling wines, including a slightly sweet Paul Herard Blanc de Noir Brut and an elegant, scented, and fruity Louis Vallon Crémant de Bordeaux Brut. Also featured throughout the day was a multiple award-winning Bidoli Friuli Grave Sauvignon Blanc white wine.

A delectable and constantly replenished range of classic Italian dishes awaited the intimate gathering, about half of which were excited but well-behaved children, who arrived at various times during the party. This colorful and cheerful event was all about the steady stream of moms, dads, kids, friends, residents, santa, the magician, Azabu Gardens staff, and even a real Italian chef proudly serving his cuisine to happy and hungry guests!

Popular antipasti finger food included rice croquettes, Mozzarella, Grissini e Tarallucci, Parma ham, salami, smoked salmon, and fried olives stuffed with meat.

The two fresh pasta dishes were Genovese basil pesto lasagna and pumpkin ravioli with Parmigiano cheese cream.

The main dish was rosemary-flavored Kirishima pork roast—sliced as you eagerly waited and watched—with crispy roast potatoes and delicious homemade bread.

Dessert was a superb choice of fruit salad Macedonia or Christmas Panettone with vanilla cream.

As adults chatted near the buffet about vacation plans, work, and family matters, some of the kids sprawled on the cozy seating in the adjoining Media Room, where they were mesmerized by classic and contemporary Christmas cartoons playing on a giant TV screen. The more energetic kids played hide and seek in the wigwam and various secret places around the Club, while others enjoyed a competitive game of table football.

Soon after most guests had eaten, local bilingual magician Seiju set up his colorful box of tricks and accompanying CDs. Famous for his performances at Tokyo DisneySea Hotel MiraCosta and Hilton Tokyo Bay, he soon left adults and kids alike spellbound and laughing out loud with his enchanting performances.

The final attraction was a much-awaited visit from none other than Santa Claus himself. He brought a bulging sack of lovely presents for every lucky child, spreading his own special brand of Christmas cheer as kids pulled his beard and told him their Christmas wishes. Happy guests started to saunter out at about 3:00 p.m., no doubt to catch some late-afternoon sunshine and walk off the excess food and drink.

Watch for details about the next Azabu Gardens event—Mochitsuki (rice-cake making)—on January 13, 2018.