Parties in an English Rose Garden on the Swiss Riviera
High above Vevey is the village of Saint-Légier where hostess Sandra Darra, MBE welcomes “ one and all “, to her beautiful home and garden overlooking Lake Geneva for monthly lunchtime get togethers.
Sandra’s hospitality is renowned and for many years she hosted community lunches which were sadly curtailed by the COVID pandemic.
This summer has seen a revival, and on behalf of the BRA, she has hosted 5 monthly lunchtime cheese and wine mini-garden parties from May until September.
The philosophy is refreshingly simple; everyone is welcome and in an informal setting new friends are made, old friendships rekindled, and social mixing is the order of the day. Sandra has the knack of discouraging cliques !
Tables, chairs, and parasols ( against sun, or rain ), are to be found around the garden and food, wine, and soft drinks provided. The menu includes home made soup, quiches, cold meats, cheese, pickles, bread, fruit, and of course coffee, and some ‘sinful “ afters !
The standard donation of “ CHF 5.00 in the tin “, is straightforward- although it is sometimes difficult to locate the tin- we think she hides it !
Sandra has a strict rule of “ no pressies “; however, it seems that despite the risk of her mild wrath, extras, seem to appear on the table as if by magic. On leaving there is always the offer of a “ doggy bag “- Sandra’s excuse is that she does not want to eat the left overs.
Jenny and I have been privileged to attend 4 of this year’s parties, each with around 20 other guests, mainly local, but some from Basel, Wallis, and beyond. The weather gods were kind and the refreshments, company and conversations were extremely enjoyable – “ a right good do “.
Sandra, on behalf of all of us, a big thank you for your efforts and kindness, and for undertaking these get-togethers. – we are extremely grateful for your hospitality.
We are looking forward to the 2024 season.
Jenny & David Love