Twas three weeks before Christmas, when all through Magnolia Hall all the ladies were stirring and having a ball.

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care in hopes that Natchezians soon would be there.

The members were nestled all snug in their beds while visions of casseroles danced in their heads.

And some with their aprons and dishes better than the last, Victorian Luncheon was coming up fast.

When out on the porch there arouse such a clatter, they sprang from the kitchen to see what was the matter.

Away with a spoon they flew like a flash, threw open the door, and started this bash.

Down in the South, we may not get snow, but the NGC ladies all had such a holiday glow.

When, what to their wondering eyes should appear, but a group of eager friends awaiting NGC cheer.

With a warm, tasty meal so savory and quick, they knew in a moment their soufflé had done the trick!

More dishes than ever, the menu they say, was the best in Natchez for that particular day.

They had chowder and chess squares and stuffed eggs and brisket.

There was chicken salad, lemon bars and maybe a biscuit.

From the back of the porch to the front of the hall,

Good food and Christmas cheer was to be had by all!

Their eyes — how they twinkled! Their smiles, how merry!

With door prizes galore, this lunch was topped with a cherry.

The ladies’ little mouths were drawn up like a bow, for this year’s Victorian Luncheon had been a great show!

With tons of desserts tucked underneath, maybe a door prize would be a holiday wreath!

The meal left their guests with a full little belly.

There was pasta salad with noodles, but not vermicelli.

The ladies were hard at work like a jolly little elf, and they giggled while they cooked all by themselves.

With tickets at $12 a head, the preservation society had nothing to dread.

They spoke with their guests and kept straight at their work, with one o’clock drawing near, they turned with a jerk.

With holiday music the event sure did flow, and the centerpieces were decked with holly — even a rose.

They sprang to the door and let out a whistle, and away the guests flew like the down of a thistle.

But they heard them exclaim as they drove out of sight,

“Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!”

Be sure to mark your calendars for 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. this Thursday.

The ladies of the Natchez Garden Club will be sure to set the holiday mood for you and your friends at this year’s Victorian Luncheon and soup and casserole sale!

For more information and to buy your tickets, call the Natchez Garden Club office at 601-443-9065 or e-mail the ladies at ngc.victorian@gmail.com.

 

Jennie Guido is the publicity chairman for the Natchez Garden Club.