It’s a Christmas event anticipated each year by all who enjoy excellent foods and beverages, beautiful decorations, and the pleasure of visiting an elegant home in Gloucester. The Ware River Circle of The King’s Daughters and Sons for the 24th year invites you on Dec. 10 to the Annual Christmas Open House at Lisburne, home of Mr. and Mrs. David Peebles. David and Mary Peebles are graciously opening their home for the third time to support the Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters and Ronald McDonald House.

For those who may have attended this special event at Lisburne in 1994 and again in 2002, this will be the opportunity to revisit prior enjoyment. For the first time visitors, it’s going to be a very special treat that will long be remembered. The stroll up the long brick walkway through ancient boxwoods leading you to this 1800s Georgian manor is the perfect introduction to what awaits inside.

There is something for everyone at Lisburne’s open house. For those who enjoy art there’s more to view than one can imagine. Throughout the house there are 18th and 19th century antiques and Mary Peebles’ fabulous collection of miniature pieces. And of course the dining room will be the center of attraction, as it is here the gourmet foods and beverages will be served. The members of the Ware River Circle have been preparing for this gathering for months. It’s all homemade. The 80 members of this circle know how to cook. With a menu that includes smoked salmon, chicken salad, shortbread, toffee, cookies, fudge, pizza and the list goes on, perhaps you might like first to tour several of the 13-plus rooms open for viewing. Then take a turn around the dining table, do a little more touring and return to the bountiful table, of course stopping every now and then for a sip or two of beverage of choice.

This Gloucester Circle was organized in 1896 just 10 years after the founding of the International Order of The King’s Daughters. The members have been of vital service to the community and beyond ever since, fulfilling their threefold purpose: educational, philanthropic and religious. The first Christmas Open House was at Warner Hall in 1990.

The accompanying recipes are a sneak preview of the special treat ahead.