Final preparations

Yesterday I was making some final preparations for the party. I went early to the market and bought some big bunches of grapes, punnets of strawberries, apricots and raspberries. The sun was shining down and everyone was in a good mood, chatting to each other at the stall. Doesn't happen when it's raining! 
Last night I made these fruit tarts, which are very easy and light for summer. I rolled out some ready made shortcrust pastry, cut out circles, and put in a slice of apricot and a raspberry, then poured in a mixture of 3 eggs, 3oz caster sugar, a drop of vanilla extract and half a pint of single cream. Bake for about 20 minutes and they're done. 

The savoury food is being made by my friend Bridget, just leaving some sweet things for me to assemble. I've also baked some chocolate brownies, and a tray bake of vanilla sponge with gooseberry jam filling and elderflower icing which I'll cut into tiny squares.

Some flowers for the house. And if you never see another photo of these, you'll probably be happy...

See you on the other side....