Fun Bay Area Food Holiday Fetes in December 2013

Here are a few pics for some ultra-holiday season events for people who live to experience and love good food. What other holiday fetes belong on the list?

1: Blue Chair Fruit holiday party in Oakland on December 15

I was at the Temescal Farmers Market in Oakland when who but Blue Chair Fruit’s very own Rachel handed me an invitation to her sure-to-be-jamming holiday party.

2: Gingerbread House Decorating at 18 Reasons in San Francisco on December 17

Fear not if you don’t have the kids as an excuse to be around gingerbread house decorating. 18 Reasons gets that this seasonal activity is much better suited to adults who want to play with gumdrops than kids who aren’t quite sure what  sugarplum is. Do sign up for the adults December 17 gingerbread decorating class. (Your kids can show you the ropes after they learn in the December 8 kids class.)

3: How to Make Ricotta, Fromage Blanc, & Leaf-Wrapped Cheeses at The Cheese School of San Francisco  on December 19

Whether for your own party, your personal gorging, or gifts, in this class, on December 19 at the Cheese School of San Francisco, cheesemaker Sacha Laurin will teach you how to make a creamy ricotta log then wrap it in banana leaves with a raffia bow, fromage blanc which you will swaddle in marinated vine leaves and fresh herbes de provence, and chevrewhich you will decorate. Yum.

4: Farmstead Cookie Making for Kids at Hidden Villa in Los Altos on December 7

How cool is that — collect the eggs, make the butter, and pick the wheat for cookies in this holiday cookie making class. It’s made for ages 6-9 but Hidden Villa is always a great place to hang out while your kids get back to the earth.

5: La Cocina Food Gift Fair in San Francisco on December 13

Shop once, delight many at this reliably fun and rewarding gift fair with San Francisco food artisans.

6: Create Your Own Christmas Story — Chinese Food and Movies at Longboard Vineyards on December 25

Worried about the Bumpeses’ dogs getting your turkey? Or maybe you’re just over the traditional Christmas. Or perhaps life is too short to miss this winery’s surf movie and Chinese food Christmas extravaganza. While sadly I will miss this, I may really try to arrange next year’s Christmas around this awesomely Californian event the afternoon of December 25 in Healdsburg.