Tablewine 
Illustration by Debra Hall 2025


creativewriting by debrahall
'...Mary, in the midst of it all, was making hot chocolate drinks, her cheeks, bright red, moistened by steam rising from the warm milk as she poured it into large mugs. Thick slices of homemade bread- piled high on plates on the worktop and fresh soup in metal tureens (with lids) set on the stove top. On the table: a honey roasted ham, mini burgers; onion rings and roast potatoes; a selection of cheeses - with pickles; pate; a large Cumberland sausage and a bowl of baked beans. Along with the pastries: apple cakes, iced buns and flapjack slices and a large glass pitcher with cloudy lemonade. A barrel of home brewed beer was set upon a stool. A fresh fruit salad and individual jellies ready to receive thick cream from a piping bag...'