Since I am not able to attend a real Burns Dinner this year, I thought I would throw my office a small Burns lunch as a moral booster. I work at a small office that is connected to a large provincial non profit, this happens to be our busiest times of the year.

My job is to organize 1500 volunteers, in 12 cities, to go door to door canvassing in February. This is a huge task, which I receive a ton of help with from my co-workers. I thought hosting a "Thank You" Burns lunch might be nice for them.

I made Cock-a-Leeky soup, fresh dinner rolls an shortbread. I also produced a small hand out with some Burns poetry and a small immortal memory for them to read. As the soup warmed up all morning in the crock pot I brought in, co-workers would make special trips to smell and ask questions.

At noon we all gathered in the back room and I served and thanked all of them. (kilted of course) The first part of the lunch, everyone ate quietly and read about the bard. After they all had finished, I answered questions about Burns, my soup (which all enjoyed and recipes were exchanged) and poems were read. It was really nice and put us in a great mood. It even sparked a new monthly ethnic food lunch!! Next month we are having authentic Chicken Curry!!

All in all, it was one of the nicest Burns gatherings I have been to. It's true that all you need is good food, good fellowship and selections from the bard for a good time!! (Sadly no drams were had in the workplace, but one is being enjoyed as I write this!)

The only thing I wish I did differently was remember my camera! Oh well there is always next year!
Sara