Interested in purchasing art work? Please leave a comment with your email address. I'll contact you. Illustration work is available at ASA "Style File."

Sunday, December 19, 2010

"Special" Christmas Table Manner to Be Happy...

My motto, "Life is short. Take dessert first," becomes the detailed table manner for a Christmas season. Developed in a way more sophisticated and highly elaborated. Already used among fat cats and proved the powerful effectiveness of this practical table strategy. Thus, highly recommendable for a public use.
(*WARNING: The side effect of this table manner is "Feel earth gravity more and later.")

Anyway, wish you Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!




1. Avoid carrot sticks. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffet table knows nothing of the holiday spirit. In fact, if you see carrots, leave immediately. Go next door, where they're serving rum balls.
2. Drink as much eggnog as you can. And quickly. It's rare... You cannot find it any other time of year but now. So drink up! Who cares that it has 10,000 calories in every sip? It's not as if you're going to turn into an eggnog-alcoholic or something. It's a treat. Enjoy it. Have one for me. Have two. It's later than you think. It's Christmas!
3. If something comes with gravy, use it. That's the whole point of gravy. Gravy does not stand alone. Pour it on. Make a volcano out of your mashed potatoes. Fill it with gravy. Eat the volcano. Repeat.
4. As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they're made with skim milk or whole milk. If it's skim, pass. Why bother? It's like buying a sports car with an automatic transmission.
5. Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to control your eating. The whole point of going to a Holiday party is to eat other people's food for free. Lots of it. Hello?
6. Under no circumstances should you exercise between now and New Year's. You can do that in January when you have nothing else to do. This is the time for long naps, which you'll need after circling the buffet table while carrying a 10-pound plate of food and that vat of eggnog.
7. If you come across something really good at a buffet table, like frosted Christmas cookies in the shape and size of Santa, position yourself near them and don't budge. Have as many as you can before becoming the center of attention. They're like a beautiful pair of shoes. If you leave them behind, you're never going to see them again.



8. Same for pies. Apple, Pumpkin, Mincemeat. Have a slice of each. Or if you don't like mincemeat, have two apples and one pumpkin. Always have three. When else do you get to have more than one dessert? Labor Day?9. Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it's loaded with the mandatory celebratory calories, but avoid it at all cost. I mean, have some standards.
10. One final tip: If you don't feel terrible when you leave the party or get up from the table, you haven't been paying attention. Re-read tips; start over, but hurry, January is just around the corner. Remember this motto to live by:
"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate and wine in one hand, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming "WOO HOO what a ride!" Have a great holiday season!!

Friends, have a biiiiig fat dinner and enjoy parties!













Share/Bookmark

60 comments:

  1. ¡Felices fiestas, también para ti, Sadami!
    ¡Ummmm... qué buena pinta tiene ese pastel... debe estar riquísimo...! (y muy bien pintado)
    Un beso

    ReplyDelete
  2. Dessert first? Best motto I've ever hear Sadami! Geez I think I even need to tweet you ^_^ Merry Christmas!
    Wow look what you did, I didn't even mention your illus ʚ(ˆ◡ˆ)ɞ

    ReplyDelete
  3. Really fun post, Sadami. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas too and prosperous New Year.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Dear Juan,
    Thank you! Hahaha, the food looks nice! I,too, want to have them all.
    Hugs and Kisses,
    Sadami
    Estimado Juan,
    ¡Gracias! Jajaja, la comida se ve bien! Yo también quiero tenerlos todos.
    Abrazos y besos,
    Sadami

    >>>>>Juan said...
    Happy holidays, even for you, Sadami!
    Ummmm ... Looking forward to that pie ... must be rich ...! (and very well painted)
    A kiss

    ReplyDelete
  5. Dear Teresa,
    Yeah, I'm so happy to know you love my motto. Enjoy the season and have fun!
    Cheers, Sadami

    ReplyDelete
  6. Dear Carol,
    Thank you. Yey, have a wonderful time!
    Best wishes, Sadami

    ReplyDelete
  7. Hola Sadami, te deseo felices fiestas y un próximo año lleno de felicidad. Victoria.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Dear Victoria,
    Thank you. You, too!!
    Best wishes, Sadami
    Querida Victoria,
    Gracias. Tú también!
    Mis mejores deseos, Sadami

    >>>Victoria said...
    Sadami Hello, I wish you happy holidays and a coming year full of happiness. Victoria.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Dear Sadami,
    I loved it. Can I copy it in my blog?
    Merry Christmas for you too. Beijos, abraços.
    Ayde

    ReplyDelete
  10. Dear Ayde,
    Sure, why not? Let us share joy and fun with others:).
    Cheers, Sadami

    ReplyDelete
  11. Sadami, gracias por todos tus buenos deseos en estos días.
    Quiero que disfrutes, dibujando, comiendo o con tus seres queridos, estas fiestas y que el 2011 sea mejor o igual al que dejamos atrás.
    Un beso.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Such a fun post Sadami! I'm happy you used that fun Christmas advice!
    Your food painting looks wonderful and makes me hungry.
    You know how much I LOVE your Santa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)
    Hugs

    ReplyDelete
  13. I can add: Never eat bread at the party table. You can use this free space for more important food and desserts.
    I never could practice in drawing food items - I ate them before I took the pencil((. Even photos of food make me nervous..
    Sadami, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you, I am so glad to meet you this year!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Sadami, thank you for your decalogue of wise recomendations for this holidays. The cake looks gorgeous. Have also yourself a merry (not little) Christmas.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Dear Joshemari,
    Thank you! I'll enjoy this time and a new year. You, too, have a wonderful Christmas and happy new year. I look forward to your upcoming art work.
    A kiss and hug,
    Sadami
    Estimado Joshemari,
    ¡Gracias! Voy a disfrutar de este tiempo y un nuevo año. Usted también tiene una maravillosa Navidad y feliz año nuevo. Espero con interés su próxima obra de arte.
    Un beso y un abrazo,
    Sadami

    >>>>Joshemari said...
    Sadami, thanks for all your good wishes on this day.
    I want you to enjoy, drawing, eating or with your loved ones this holiday season and that 2011 is better or equal to that left behind.
    A kiss.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Dear Teri,

    Thank you so much for the card with the wonderful advice! I'm very happy to know you love the Santa, based on one of my daily sketches.

    Love and smile,
    Sadami

    ReplyDelete
  17. Dear Irina,
    Ahahaha, good point! Your practical approach is brilliant, too.

    Sketching food is...a challenging for my patience. Like you mention, not fun, if an artist is hungry.
    Once, I sketched a cake at a cafe, waitresses got wondered what was going on the earth! The lesson; take photos and make drawings--otherwise, a bit misery?!

    But illustration of food certainly has a comercial need on market. Irina, it's worth trying, if you like. Indeed, my professional illustrator friend makes wonderful work and uploads food on his blog from Japan. Quite interesting.

    Thank you. It was a great blessing that I could meet you on the net in 2010. Look forward to your ongoing work.
    Kind regards, Sadami

    ReplyDelete
  18. Dear Albert,
    Thank you for a kind comment. I'm planning to explore food illustration. Keep up your wonderful work. Look forward to it.
    Kind regards, Sadami

    ReplyDelete
  19. Fun post, I always avoid fruit cake,... dessert last night was fabulous and fattening. Wishing you and everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Dear Susan,
    Thank you. Susan, don't worry too much. "Only once a year," so let's have fun and joy, saying, "Diet from tomorrow(or a next year.)"
    Cheers, Sadami

    ReplyDelete
  21. Sadami what delightful advice. (I threw my carrots down the disposal in case eater's remorse rears its ugly head). And your watercolors ain't bad either. I do believe I know where my peuter platter went and it looks oh so much better in your still life than it did on my table--the mug too. Have a merry,fun, not too crazy last week before the big night. I hear Santa likes chocolate mice. Lots of cheer,Linda

    ReplyDelete
  22. Dear Linda,
    Thank you sooo much! I really love your cute chokcy mice, too, whatever your Honey says.
    I do not do still life so often. But I felt like capturing light and "metal" in that work. In general, picture book illustrators draw/paint anything and everything.
    Your still life has a very unique style that attracts viewers include me!, which is different from mine, a traditional style. So, please cherish it well and keep up:).
    Finally, you, too, have a wonderful holiday season!!
    Cheers, ʚ(ˆ◡ˆ)ɞ
    Sadami

    ReplyDelete
  23. Sadam, you really made me laugh out loud! Your tips are fun, but they are also wise ... we must enjoy of what a holiday party reserves us, or what party it would be? Congratulations for your paintings, wonderful as always. Merry Christmas! ☃

    ReplyDelete
  24. And what a christmas it will be - following your advice;)
    Like your Santa too! He`s almost my neighbour, he, living at the North Pole - and I, in Norway. We have 12 degrees below zero and snow and ice all over!
    I wish you and your Santa a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, Sadami:)
    Keep up the good work, you too!

    Best wishes, Anne

    ReplyDelete
  25. Dear Cristina,
    Thank you~~! Please enjoy a party season and ...shhhhh! never pass the tips to your lovely angels, children:).
    Cheers, Sadami

    ReplyDelete
  26. Dear Annepå,
    I did not know you're a next door to Santa!!! What a lovely stop you're living. (*We, Australians had UNEXPECTED snow yesterday in some area despite summer.) Have a wonderful time and pass my best wishes to your Santa, too.
    Best wishes, Sadami
    Kjære Annepå,
    Jeg visste ikke at du er en ved siden av Santa!!! For en herlig stopper du bor. (* Vi hadde australiere UVENTET snø i går i enkelte område til tross for sommeren.) Ha en fantastisk tid, og pass mine beste ønsker til dine Santa, også.
    Beste ønsker, Sadami

    ReplyDelete
  27. Dear Sadami,

    Lovely Santa! And the pie looks... yummy. :)

    Thanks for sharing these fantastic words of wisdom. That's the point - enjoy the moment! Any moment doesn't happen twice... So, damn the carrot sticks - happy Holiday!

    Merry Christmas, Sadami, and happy New Year.
    Cheers! :)

    ReplyDelete
  28. さだみさん、

    Haha, I LOVE your post. Funny!

    It's common practise。いちがつ ジム は いっぱい ひと あります!

    Have a nice Christmas,
    エベリン

    ReplyDelete
  29. Thank you very much for your wise advice and you respond with your own words: Wish you Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Best wishes. Leovi

    ReplyDelete
  30. Dear Akwarelia,
    That is another hidden message; only once we can live on the earth, any moment is no repeat. Live our lives fully! Yey!!!
    Cheers, Sadami

    ReplyDelete
  31. Dear Evelyn, エベリンさん,
    Good point! So, "gyms are full of people in Jan."
    にほんご, じょうずに なりますねえ。 こんど, えいごを, おしえてくださいね。
    You, too, have a wonderful Christmas!
    Love and smile, Sadami

    ReplyDelete
  32. Dear Carlos,
    Thanks! You, too, happy Christmas and happy painting!
    Cheers, Sadami

    ReplyDelete
  33. Dear Leovi,
    Thank you! I look forward to your unique and interesting photos in 2011.
    Best wishes for you!!
    Cheers, Sadami

    ReplyDelete
  34. そんな こと は ありません :) My English is not good enough! I hope you do not mind that I practise my limited Japanese with you :) Haha, I just hope I don't write the wrong thing.

    ReplyDelete
  35. Dear Evelyn,
    そんなことは"あります!" Don't be shy. にほんごを,たくさん、つかってください(=Practise Japanese lot)。よろこんで、わたしは, おてつだい いたします(Happily, I will help you. * honorific and polite*)。
    Kind regards, Sadami

    ReplyDelete
  36. Sadami I love this post with the best Christmas advice yet! Relax and enjoy! I wish you much happiness, health and art in the new year.
    Fondly, Dora
    P.S. I might share these words of profound wisdom if it's ok? Haha

    ReplyDelete
  37. Dear Dora,
    Oh, thank you! Yes, of course, you can share them with others. "The more, the merrier!!!" Ho, ho~~~, wish you Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
    Best wishes, Sadami

    ReplyDelete
  38. Hola Sadami, perdona por llegar tarde , estaba comiendo, siguiendo estos excelentes consejos que nos das, me parece una buena forma de empezar las fiestas. Veremos como acabamos...
    Las ilustraciones muy bonitas como siempre, Te deseo unas felices fiestas, que lo pases muy bien, Saludos.

    ReplyDelete
  39. Sadami, this is really festive and fun post :) And paintings are delightful as always!
    Merry Christmas!

    ReplyDelete
  40. Dear Francis,
    Dear Francis,
    Thank you very much! No, you're never late. As long as you carry them all this advice, no worries!? Enjoy holiday season and make lots of beautiful paintings that I love all. You're a so lovely and caring man. I look forward to your activities in 2011. Have a wonderful time!
    Best wishes, Sadami

    Estimado Francisco,
    Muchas gracias! No, usted nunca tarde. Mientras que los llevan todos estos consejos, no se preocupe!? Disfrute de la temporada de vacaciones y hacer un montón de hermosas pinturas que me encanta todo. Eres un hombre tan encantador y cariñoso. Espero con interés sus actividades en 2011. Tener un tiempo maravilloso!
    Mis mejores deseos, Sadami

    >>>>Francis said...
    Sadami Hi, sorry for being late, I was eating, by following these great tips you give us, I think a good way to start the holidays. As we shall see ...
    Very beautiful artwork as always, I wish you happy holidays, which passes very well, Greetings.

    ReplyDelete
  41. Dear Maria,
    Thank you. Indeed, your "delicious" and delightful paintings have inspired me! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
    Cheers, Sadami

    ReplyDelete
  42. I must say, Sadami, you made my day!! I laughed with your post...probably because it was all so true. Love your paintings as usual..I will think of you when I indulge this Christmas!! Enjoy...

    ReplyDelete
  43. Ho, ho, ho~~~, Hilda! Thank you. Your pastel work for the father and the commissioned work are attractive, too. Anyway, carry out all the tips and enjoy this season. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
    Best wishes, Sadami

    ReplyDelete
  44. Dear Sadami,
    Thank you for usual delicacy.
    I wish you much happiness and lots of art in 2011. Um grande abraço.
    Ayde

    ReplyDelete
  45. What a great post Sadami! Have a great Christmas and the very best wishes for 2011

    ReplyDelete
  46. dear sadami a VERY VERY happy christmas to you !

    ReplyDelete
  47. Dear Ayda,
    Thank you~~! You, too, much happiness and lots of art in 2011!!
    Best wishes, Sadami

    ReplyDelete
  48. Dear Tracy,
    Thank you! Please enjoy this post and try them all. You, too, have Happy Christmas and fruitful 2011.
    Best wishes, Sadami

    ReplyDelete
  49. Dear Jane,
    You, too and have tons of happiness and many wonderful art works in 2011.
    Best wishes, Sadami

    ReplyDelete
  50. Very nice illustrations, Sadami! Hope you have a great New Year!

    ReplyDelete
  51. Dear Michelle,
    Thank you! You, too!! Your exhibition is brilliant.
    Best wishes, Sadami

    ReplyDelete
  52. dear Sadami,
    that beautiful illustrations... ;)))
    everything you do, is always perfect!


    I quickly, to leave you a big hug!
    I wish you a beautiful Christmas,
    full of peace and love
    to you and your loved ones!
    greetings!!

    ReplyDelete
  53. Dear Denise,
    Thank you!! You're always caring for anyone and encourage me so much. Your creativity is amazing and I admire you. Look forward to your work in 2011.
    Love, smile and big hug
    Sadami

    ReplyDelete
  54. A te i migliori auguri di Felice anno nuovo
    Happy new year greetings for you

    ReplyDelete
  55. Dear Franco,
    Thank you. You, too!
    Your cartoons and drawing skills are brilliant.
    Best wishes, Sadami

    Caro Franco,
    Grazie. Anche tu!
    I tuoi cartoni e le competenze di disegno sono brillanti.
    I migliori auguri, Sadami

    >>>>Franco said..
    To you my best wishes for Happy New Year

    ReplyDelete
  56. That was never at the inspiration and talent.
    Best wishes.
    Vicente.

    ReplyDelete
  57. Dear Vincente,
    Thank you very much. Enjoy your holiday season!!
    Best wishes, Sadami

    ReplyDelete
  58. How charming! Have a Happy Holidays!
    Vicki

    ReplyDelete
  59. Dear Vicki,
    You, too! Thank you very much. Happy New Year!
    Best wishes, Sadami

    ReplyDelete